Integrated Transcriptomics–Proteomics Analysis Reveals the Response Mechanism of Morchella sextelata to Pseudodiploöspora longispora Infection

Morels (<i>Morchella</i> spp.) are valuable and rare edible mushrooms with unique flavors and high nutritional value. White mold disease occurring during cultivation has seriously affected the quality and yield of morels in China. In this study, the fungus causing white mold disease in morels was isolated, purified, and identified as <i>Pseudodiploöspora longispora</i> by morphology and molecular biology. In addition, research has shown that <i>P. longispora</i> infection causes wrinkled and rupturing asci, loosened cell walls, and obvious membrane breakage accompanied by severe cytoplasmic leakage in <i>M. sextelata</i>. Interestingly, research has shown that infection with <i>P. longispora</i> can induce the production of an unknown substance in the cells of <i>M. sextelata</i>, which accumulates on the cell membrane, leading to membrane breakage. Furthermore, integrated transcriptomics-proteomics analysis revealed the response mechanism of <i>M. sextelata</i> to <i>P. longispora</i> infection. The results indicate that DEGs and DEPs can be significantly enriched in pathways involved in oxidoreductase activity; peroxisomes, lipid transport, and metabolism; cell wall assembly; and integral components of membranes. Further electron microscopy analysis clarified the important role of changes in the cell membrane and cell wall in the response of mycelia to biological stress. This study clarified the response mechanism of <i>M. sextelata</i> to <i>P. longispora</i>, laying a foundation for further clarifying the infection mechanism of <i>P. longispora</i>.