Veluticeps abietina, Finland, Miettinen 20085.1 (source of the genome strain) [Photo credit: Otto Miettinen]

The Veluticeps abietina 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.

Veluticeps abietina (Gloeophyllales, Basidiomycotina) wood decay fungus found in northern parts of Eurasia and North America. It causes brown rot on conifers (Pinaceae), most commonly on Picea and Abies species. Its distribution area covers the boreal, but also temperate mountain ranges south to Colorado and the Mediterranean. Particularly in continental, boreal areas of Eurasia it is a common and important part of the fungal decomposer community. While most of the species in the order Gloeophyllales prefer open and dry habitats (logging sites, structural timber, forest fire areas), V. abietina thrives in old forests. Basidiomes of V. abietina are perennial, tough, and Stereum-like. Morphologically they are quite similar to V. berkleyi. This species has been included historically in the Corticiaceae, and placed in the Gloeophyllales only recently (Larsson 2007, Garcia-Sandoval et al. 2011).

The genome sequence of Veluticeps abietina, produced under the 1000 Fungal Genomes Project, complements genome sampling in the Gloeophyllales. This species is of interest in understanding mechanisms and evolution of brown rot, i.e. selective consumption of cellulose and hemicellulose components of the wood that leaves lignin relatively intact. Mechanisms of brown rot have been best studied in Gloeophyllales (for Gloeophyllum spp.), and V. abietina offers a relatively closely-related point of comparison for further studies. Veluticeps abietina is the first corticioid member of the Gloeophyllales to be genome sequenced.

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.