Comparative Genomics Analysis of Ganoderma Orthologs Involved in Plant-Pathogenesis

Ganoderma species are producers of bioactive secondary metabolites and lignin degraders. A few Ganoderma species are known to be plant pathogens that attack economically important trees. In this study, comparative genomics analysis was conducted on the proteome of ten Ganoderma species/strains, focusing on the proteins that have been reported to be involved in plant-pathogenesis in other fungi. Fungal trophic lifestyle prediction of these Ganoderma species/strains supported that G. boninense (a potent pathogen to oil palm) is a hemibiotrophic fungus while the other Ganoderma species/strains analyzed were predicted to be saprophytes or a symbiont based on their Carbohydrate-Active Enzyme (CAZyme) contents. Although these Ganoderma species/strains were demonstrated to share many CAZymes and secondary metabolite core gene clusters, individual species may produce unique CAZymes and secondary metabolite core genes that determine their lifestyles, host-specificity, and potential as a producer of bioactive secondary metabolites. Ortholog groups that are related to fungal virulence from seven Ganoderma species/strains including those involved in lignin degradation, mycotoxin, siderophore and ergosterol biosynthesis, and virulence were summarized. Potential effectors were predicted from the proteome of these Ganoderma species/strains, and putative effectors that were being expressed in G. boninense in oil palm roots but not found in other species were identified. The findings provide a useful resource to further analyze plant-pathogenesis and wood degradation activities of these Ganoderma species.

Automated summary

This study conducted comparative genomics analysis on the proteome of ten Ganoderma species/strains, focusing on proteins involved in plant-pathogenesis in other fungi. The results showed that G. boninense is a hemibiotrophic fungus, while the other species/strains are likely saprophytes or symbionts. Although they share many CAZymes and secondary metabolite core genes, each species may produce unique CAZymes and secondary metabolite core genes that determine their lifestyles, host-specificity, and potential as bioactive secondary metabolite producers. Ortholog groups related to fungal virulence were summarized, and potential effectors were predicted from the proteome of these Ganoderma species/strains.