Medicinal Plant Research 2024, Vol.14, No.4, 223-233 http://hortherbpublisher.com/index.php/mpr 223 Research Insight Open Access Regulation of Secondary Metabolite Pathways in Ganoderma lucidum under Environmental Stress Weidong Zhu Zhejiang Shouxiangu Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Jinhua, 321200, Zhejiang, China Corresponding email: 1427396212@qq.com Medicinal Plant Research, 2024, Vol.14, No.4 doi: 10.5376/mpr.2024.14.0019 Received: 05 Jul., 2024 Accepted: 09 Aug., 2024 Published: 25 Aug., 2024 Copyright © 2024 Zhu, This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Preferred citation for this article: Zhu W.D., 2024, Regulation of secondary metabolite pathways in Ganoderma lucidum under environmental stress, Medicinal Plant Research, 14(4): 223-233 (doi: 10.5376/mpr.2024.14.0019) Abstract This study explores the regulatory mechanisms of secondary metabolic pathways, particularly the biosynthesis of ganoderic acid (GA), in Ganoderma lucidum under various environmental stress conditions. The research identified several key environmental factors influencing GA biosynthesis, including water stress, heat stress, and nitrogen limitation. Water stress was found to increase intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and GA content, mediated by the interaction between aquaporin (GlAQP) and NADPH oxidase (NOX). Heat stress was shown to inhibit mycelium growth and induce GA biosynthesis through increased cytosolic Ca2+ concentration and membrane fluidity. Additionally, the mitochondrial pyruvate carrier (MPC) regulated by GCN4 was found to play a crucial role in GA biosynthesis under nitrogen limitation. Phospholipase D (PLD) and phosphatidic acid (PA) were also implicated in heat stress-induced GA biosynthesis. The findings highlight the complex regulatory mechanisms of GA biosynthesis in G. lucidum under environmental stress, involving multiple signaling pathways and metabolic adjustments. These insights provide a foundation for further research on fungal secondary metabolism and potential biotechnological applications. Keywords Ganoderma lucidum; Ganoderic acid; Environmental stress; Secondary metabolism; Reactive oxygen species; Cytosolic Ca2+; Mitochondrial pyruvate carrier; Phospholipase D 1 Introduction Ganoderma lucidum, commonly known as "Lingzhi" in Chinese, is a highly esteemed medicinal mushroom that has been utilized in traditional Chinese medicine for over two thousand years. It is renowned for its potential health benefits, which include promoting longevity, enhancing immune function, and reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as cancer and heart disease (Wachtel-galor et al., 2004; Lu et al., 2020). The mushroom's bioactive compounds, particularly polysaccharides and triterpenoids, have been the focus of extensive research due to their diverse therapeutic properties, including antioxidant, antitumor, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory activities (Lu et al., 2020). The industrial significance of G. lucidumis also notable, as it is widely cultivated and processed into various health supplements and functional foods, contributing to a growing global market. Secondary metabolites in Ganoderma lucidum, such as polysaccharides and triterpenoids, play crucial roles in its medicinal properties. These compounds are not directly involved in the primary metabolic processes of growth and reproduction but are essential for the organism's interaction with its environment and defense mechanisms. Polysaccharides from G. lucidum, for instance, have been shown to exhibit significant biological activities, including antioxidant, antitumor, and immunomodulatory effects (Lu et al., 2020). The therapeutic potential of these secondary metabolites has spurred considerable interest in understanding their biosynthesis and regulation, as well as optimizing their production for medicinal use. Environmental stress factors, such as temperature fluctuations, UV radiation, and nutrient availability, can significantly influence the biosynthesis and accumulation of secondary metabolites in Ganoderma lucidum. These stress conditions can trigger complex regulatory mechanisms within the mushroom, leading to enhanced production of bioactive compounds as a defensive response. Understanding how environmental stress affects secondary metabolite pathways is crucial for developing strategies to optimize the cultivation and extraction of
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