By Gerhard Koller/Mushroomobserver.org

This genome was sequenced as a part of the large-scale multi-genome JGI CSP Saprotrophic Agaricomycotina Project (SAP), which focuses on the diversity and evolution of decay mechanisms, organismal phylogenetic relationships, and developmental evolution. A large collaborative effort led by PI of this project, David Hibbett (Clark University) aims for master publication(s) of the SAP data analysis. Researchers who wish to publish analyses using data from unpublished SAP genomes are respectfully required to contact the PI and JGI to avoid potential conflicts on data use and coordinate other publications with the SAP master paper(s).

Sistotremastrum niveocremeum (Höhn. & Litsch.) J. Erikss. is a member of the Trechisporales, which is a group of corticioid (crust-like) Agaricomycetes. One other member of this group Sistotremastrum suecicum, has also been the subject of genome sequencing by JGI. In prior phylogenetic analyses, the higher-level placement of the Trechisporales has been poorly resolved; it may represent an independent major lineage of Agaricomycetes. Consequently, the Trechisporales may harbor unique mechanisms for obtaining carbon nutrition, which further motivates research on this group. The ecology of Sistotremastrum and other members of the Trechisporales is poorly understood. Sistotremastrum species produce their resupinate fruiting bodies on decaying wood, but it is not known what their mechanisms of decay may be, or if they also form symbioses with other organisms. Genomic resources will help us resolve not only the evolutionary relationships but also the biological properties of this enigmatic group of fungi.