Ultrasound treatment inhibits postharvest browning of Lyophyllum decastes by regulating pyruvate metabolism and amino acid homeostasis: A transcriptomic and network analysis

• Ultrasound (US) treatment effectively inhibits postharvest browning of Lyophyllum decastes fruiting bodies. • Transcriptomics and WGCNA identified 16 core genes linked to pyruvate and amino acid metabolism. • US upregulates LdPK (pyruvate kinase) while downregulating key genes ( LdPC, LdLYS21, LdDLAT ). • Amino acid metabolism genes ( LdTRPD, LdOAT, LdIDO1/3 ) decline, reducing amino acid consumption. • US sustains energy homeostasis and delays quality deterioration via dual regulation of metabolic pathways. Browning is the primary factor influencing the storage quality of Lyophyllum decastes fruiting bodies. Prior research has demonstrated that US treatment can enhance the storage quality of L. decastes by modulating amino acid consumption, redox balance, and energy metabolism post-harvest. This study identified differentially expressed genes across various storage periods of L. decastes using transcriptomics combined with WGCNA analysis. Sixteen core differentially expressed genes were identified, primarily enriched in pathways related to pyruvate metabolism and amino acid metabolism. qRT-PCR verification revealed an upward trend in the expression levels of LdPK genes associated with pyruvate metabolism, whereas genes such as LdPC, LdLYS21, LdDLAT , and LdlldD exhibited a downward trend. Similarly, genes involved in amino acid metabolism, including LdTRPD, LdOAT, LdIDO1 /3, LdPRODH, LdMCC , and LdEGT2.2 , also showed a downward trend. These findings indicate that US treatment influences key enzymes of pyruvate metabolism in postharvest L. decastes , sustains energy homeostasis, reduces amino acid consumption rates, and consequently delays postharvest quality deterioration of L. decastes .