Home • Polyporus squamosus CCBS 676 v1.0
Photo credit: Michal Tomsovsky
Photo credit: Michal Tomsovsky

The Polyporus squamosus 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 on 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.

The dryad's saddle, Polyporus squamosus

Within Agaricomycotina, the order Polyporales is the major group of wood decayers in temperate and tropical forests. As such, Polyporales have a pivotal role in the global carbon cycle. This order includes a large number of white-rot filamentous fungi able to totally degrade lignin from wood through the production of extracellular lignin-degrading enzymes including laccases, lignin peroxidases, and manganese peroxidases. Polyporus squamosus (Polyporaceae), commonly referred to as Dryad's Saddle, grows in overlapping clusters and tiers on hardwood stumps, logs, and standing trees in Spring. It is easily recognized by its large size, its colors, the flattened scales on the cap, the black and velvety stem base, and its strongly mealy odor. P. squamosus is one of the most common of the bracket fungi seen across most of mainland Europe and in many parts of Asia and North America. The sequenced isolate was collected on horse-chestnut tree (Aesculus hippocastanum) by Dr. Petr Baldrian.

The “1KFG – Deep Sequencing of Ecologically-relevant Dikaria” project including mushrooms and other 'charismatic megafungi' would provide a unique opportunity to promote fungal genomics to the broader public, especially the growing worldwide community of amateur naturalists who seek out mushrooms as food and also for their beauty. With increased attention on different 'keystone' families (e.g., chanterelles, boletes, etc), we can expect to increase public (and government) awareness of the importance of fungal genomics for understanding ecosystem function.

The 1KFG project is a large collaborative efforts aiming for master publication(s). As always, please contact the PI associated with unpublished MycoCosm genomes for permission prior to the use of any data in publications. Contact: Francis Martin (INRA).

Genome Reference(s)