Identification of regulatory candidate genes for <i>Lentinula edodes</i> pileus development based on transcriptome analysis

The pileus serves as a primary determinant of market grade and commercial value in Lentinula edodes. To elucidate the molecular mechanisms governing pileus development, we conducted comparative transcriptome analysis via RNA sequencing across 3 distinct developmental stages: Early button stage, Young fruiting body stage, and mature fruiting body stage. Gene expression profiling revealed a substantial number of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between stages, with 283 conserved DEGs spanning the entire developmental continuum. Systematic mining of these conserved DEGs identified 3 candidate regulatory genes encoding: Alpha-amylase, Heat shock protein 70 (HSP70), Phosphatidylserine decarboxylase. Quantitative PCR validation confirmed the accuracy of both RNA-Seq data and DEG identification. Enzymatic activity assays demonstrated significant stage-specific variations in: Antioxidant enzyme activities, Membrane lipid peroxidation levels. This study provides valuable insights into the molecular framework underlying pileus morphogenesis in Lentinula edodes.