Quantitative transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses reveal the changes in Tricholoma matsutake fruiting bodies during cold storage

A combination of transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses was performed to systematically understand the metabolic changes in Tricholoma matsutake fruiting bodies during cold storage. In total, 800 metabolites were identified and 19,964 annotated unigenes were quantified. The unigenes related to the catabolism of proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids were mainly upregulated during cold storage, but the related primary metabolites were not accumulated, which indicated complete degradation and loss of nutrients. Concurrently, the synthesis and metabolism of the main components of the cell wall, chitin and beta-1,3-glucan, were regulated, indicating the dynamic remodeling of the T. matsutake cell wall structure. Additionally, indole-3-acetic acid and components of its synthesis pathway were found in T. matsutake, indicating their potential role as a communicator between T. matsutake and its symbiotic plants. The results provide new information to improve the understanding of the metabolic mechanism of T. matsutake fruit bodies during postharvest cold storage.

Automated summary

This study used transcriptomic and metabolomic analysis to investigate the metabolic changes in Tricholoma matsutake fruiting bodies during cold storage. It was found that genes related to the catabolism of proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids were upregulated, but the corresponding primary metabolites did not accumulate. The synthesis and metabolism of cell wall components, chitin and beta-1,3-glucan, were regulated, indicating dynamic remodeling. Additionally, indole-3-acetic acid and components of its synthesis pathway were discovered, suggesting a potential role as a communicator between T. matsutake and its symbiotic plants.