Typical pink-tinted upper sides of the fresh Leptoporus mollis fruiting bodies from the Finnish collection (Otto Miettinen 21158) that is the origin of the strain used for genome sequencing. [Photo credit: Otto Miettinen]

This genome was sequenced as part of the JGI CSP "1000 Fungal Genomes – Deep Sequencing of Ecologically-relevant Dikarya" project. Within the framework of this project, we are sequencing keystone lineages of saprophytic, mycorrhizal, and endophytic fungi that are of special ecological importance. Dozens of sequenced species were harvested from Long Term Observatories to serve as the foundation for a reference database for metagenomics of fungi and for a comprehensive survey of the soil fungal metatranscriptome.

Leptoporus mollis

Leptoporus is usually considered a monotypic genus with just one species, L. mollis. Sequence data shows that at least two closely related species are involved. Leptoporus mollis grows on various conifers of the Pinaceae, mainly Picea and Pinus spp. It is claimed to cause brown-rot, which seems remarkable considering that its closest relatives in Ceriporia are considered white-rot species (Ryvarden & Gilbertson 1993). Both Leptoporus and Ceriporia belong to the family Irpicaceae in Polyporales (Justo et al. 2017), and all other members of Irpicaceae appear to be white rot species. The Leptoporus genome was sequenced in conjunction with the genome of Ceriporia viridans to compare these putative brown and white rot species.

Leptoporus mollis is considered an indicator of high conservation-value forests in Nordic countries (Nitare 2000, Niemelä 2016) and is enlisted as Near Threatened in the Swedish red list. It prefers old-growth forests though is not restricted to them. The genome strain originates in an old-growth forest (Pyhä-Häkki National Park) in central Finland, where it grew on a fallen log of spruce (Picea abies).

The 1KFG project is a large collaborative effort aiming for master publication(s). Please do contact the PI for 1KFG - Deep Sequencing of Ecologically-relevant Dikarya (Dr. Francis Martin) for permission prior to the use of any data in publications.