Thermotolerance and post-fire growth in Rhizina undulata is associated with the expansion of heat stress-related protein families

HSP20s are known to protect cells against heat stress, GSTs are involved in the detoxification of reactive oxygen species, and ACDs play a role in the metabolism of recalcitrant compounds present in post-fire environments. The expansion of these families thus suggests that they may play an important role in protecting and stimulating R. undulata ascospores during and after fire-induced heat shock, activating the fungus, and enabling it to colonise the root systems of conifers.