Tuber aestivum Metagenome collected in Russia. Tuber aestivum

Truffles are one of the least studied groups of fungi in terms of their biological and biotechnological aspects. Here, we characterized the biodiversity of prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms living in the Russian truffle Tuber aestivum for the first time. Sequencing of the hypervariable fragments of 16S rRNA and 18S rRNA genes led to the identification of plant pathogens involved in a symbiotic relationship with truffles. In addition, some strains of fungal symbionts, and probably pathogens, were isolated and identified for truffles the first time. We also characterized the general diversity and distribution of microbial taxa of T. aestivum collected in Russia and in Europe. The study materials demonstrated high similarity between Russian and European truffles.In addition to the truffles, representatives of bacteria, fungi, and protists were found in fruiting bodies. Inhabiting the truffles, many species of these prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms might influence the truffles, help them form mycorrhizae with trees, and regulate biological processes. Thus, truffles are interesting and promising sources for modern biotechnological and agricultural studies.