Gene family expansions and transcriptome signatures uncover adaptations to wood decay in basidiomycetes fungi from the order Polyporales [Irpex lacteus]

Because they comprise some of the most efficient wood-decayers, Polyporales fungi impact carbon cycling in forest environment. The transcriptomic trends of selected Polyporales species from the core polyporoid and phlebioid clades during degradation of diverse lignocellulosic substrates led to the discovery of conserved gene sets regulated for plant cell wall degradation. Our results unveil some of the mechanisms underlying Polyporales diversification and pinpoint to yet overlooked proteins that could contribute to the ability of Polyporales to degrade recalcitrant plant cell wall polymers. Examination of mRNA levels in Irpex lacteus CCBAS Fr. 238 617/93 after 3 days growth on maltose, cellulose, wheat straw, ground aspen or ground pine.