Bioluminescence in the ghost fungus Omphalotus nidiformis does not attract potential spore dispersing insects

Weinstein, Philip; Delean, Steven; Wood, Tom; Austin, Andrew D.

doi:10.5598/imafungus.2016.07.02.01

Cited by 19 publications

(12 citation statements)

References 16 publications

(18 reference statements)

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“…One explanation that has been put forth for Neonothopanus gardneri is that bioluminescence follows a circadian rhythm to increase spore dispersal by attracting arthropods in the evening ( 43 ). If true, this is most likely a derived adaptation, as most bioluminescent fungi—including Mycena , Omphalotus , and Armillaria species—disperse spores via wind, display bioluminescence continuously, and are not known to attract insects ( 60 ). Besides, attraction is insufficient to explain luminescence in the mycelium.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Mycena genomes resolve the evolution of fungal bioluminescence

Lee

Lin

et al. 2020

Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A.

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Mushroom-forming fungi in the order Agaricales represent an independent origin of bioluminescence in the tree of life; yet the diversity, evolutionary history, and timing of the origin of fungal luciferases remain elusive. We sequenced the genomes and transcriptomes of five bonnet mushroom species (Mycena spp.), a diverse lineage comprising the majority of bioluminescent fungi. Two species with haploid genome assemblies ∼150 Mb are among the largest in Agaricales, and we found that a variety of repeats between Mycena species were differentially mediated by DNA methylation. We show that bioluminescence evolved in the last common ancestor of mycenoid and the marasmioid clade of Agaricales and was maintained through at least 160 million years of evolution. Analyses of synteny across genomes of bioluminescent species resolved how the luciferase cluster was derived by duplication and translocation, frequently rearranged and lost in most Mycena species, but conserved in the Armillaria lineage. Luciferase cluster members were coexpressed across developmental stages, with the highest expression in fruiting body caps and stipes, suggesting fruiting-related adaptive functions. Our results contribute to understanding a de novo origin of bioluminescence and the corresponding gene cluster in a diverse group of enigmatic fungal species.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Mycena genomes resolve the evolution of fungal bioluminescence

Lee

Lin

et al. 2020

Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A.

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“…One explanation that has been put forth for Neonothopanus gardneri is that bioluminescence follows a circadian rhythm to increases spore dispersal by attracting arthropods in the evening 42 . If true, this is most likely a derived adaptation, as most Agaricomycetes like Omphalotus nidiformis disperse spores via wind, display bioluminescence continuously, and do not attract insects 63 . Besides, attraction is insufficient to explain luminescence in the mycelium.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Mycena genomes resolve the evolution of fungal bioluminescence

Lee

Lin

et al. 2020

Preprint

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24Mushroom-forming fungi in the order Agaricales represent an independent origin of 25 bioluminescence in the tree of life, yet the diversity, evolutionary history, and timing of 26 the origin of fungal luciferases remain elusive. We sequenced the genomes and 27transcriptomes of five bonnet mushroom species (Mycena spp.), a diverse lineage 28comprising the majority of bioluminescent fungi. We show that bioluminescence 29 evolved in the common ancestor of Mycena spp. and the marasmioid clade of 30Agaricales and was maintained through at least 160 million years of evolution. We 31revealed Mycena exhibit two-speed genomes and resolve how the luciferase cluster was 32 derived by duplication and translocation, frequently rearranged and lost in most Mycena 33 species, but conserved in the Armillaria lineage. Luciferase cluster members were co-34 expressed across developmental stages, with highest expression in fruiting body caps 35and stipes, suggesting fruiting-related adaptive functions. Our results contribute to 36 understanding a de novo origin of bioluminescence and the corresponding gene cluster 37 in a diverse group of enigmatic fungal species. 38

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“…In this respect, it is however to recall that bioluminescence in some fungi has been suggested as a possible incidental result of metabolism by-products, rather than a factor favoring advantages in selection. In fact, bioluminescence in Omphalotus nidiformis was proved by different in-field trapping methods not to be attractive for insects dispersing spores, thus with no advantage for dissemination [252] (Figure 33). Currently, valuable applications of bioluminescence in biomedicine take advantage of the luciferin luciferase complex to assay the cell and tissue chemical energy content in terms of ATP [253].…”

Section: Bioluminescencementioning

confidence: 99%

Light and Autofluorescence, Multitasking Features in Living Organisms

Croce

2021

Photochem

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Organisms belonging to all life kingdoms may have the natural capacity to fluoresce. Autofluorescence events depend on the presence of natural biomolecules, namely endogenous fluorophores, with suitable chemical properties in terms of conjugated double bonds, aromatic or more complex structures with oxidized and crosslinked bonds, ensuring an energy status able to permit electronic transitions matching with the energy of light in the UV-visible-near-IR spectral range. Emission of light from biological substrates has been reported since a long time, inspiring unceasing and countless studies. Early notes on autofluorescence of vegetables have been soon followed by attention to animals. Investigations on full living organisms from the wild environment have been driven prevalently by ecological and taxonomical purposes, while studies on cells, tissues and organs have been mainly promoted by diagnostic aims. Interest in autofluorescence is also growing as a sensing biomarker in food production and in more various industrial processes. The associated technological advances have supported investigations ranging from the pure photochemical characterization of specific endogenous fluorophores to their possible functional meanings and biological relevance, making fluorescence a valuable intrinsic biomarker for industrial and diagnostic applications, in a sort of real time, in situ biochemical analysis. This review aims to provide a wide-ranging report on the most investigated natural fluorescing biomolecules, from microorganisms to plants and animals of different taxonomic degrees, with their biological, environmental or biomedical issues relevant for the human health. Hence, some notes in the different sections dealing with different biological subject are also interlaced with human related issues. Light based events in biological subjects have inspired an almost countless literature, making it almost impossible to recall here all associated published works, forcing to apologize for the overlooked reports. This Review is thus proposed as an inspiring source for Readers, addressing them to additional literature for an expanded information on specific topics of more interest.

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Bioluminescence in the ghost fungus Omphalotus nidiformis does not attract potential spore dispersing insects

Cited by 19 publications

References 16 publications

Mycena genomes resolve the evolution of fungal bioluminescence

Mycena genomes resolve the evolution of fungal bioluminescence

Mycena genomes resolve the evolution of fungal bioluminescence

Light and Autofluorescence, Multitasking Features in Living Organisms

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