Transcriptomics reveals the regulation of the immune system of the mushroom-forming fungus Schizophyllum commune during interaction with four competitors.

Mushroom-forming fungi frequently encounter competitors during their lifecycle, but their defense mechanisms remain largely unexplored. We studied the response of the mushroom-forming fungus Schizophyllum commune during interaction with the fungal competitors Trichoderma harzianum, Trichoderma aggressivum and Purpureocillium lilacinum and the bacterial competitor Serratia quinivorans. Transcriptomics revealed 632 up-regulated genes in the direct interaction zone, which were enriched in small secreted proteins and transporters.

A metagenomic portrait of the microbial community responsible for two decades of bioremediation of poly-contaminated groundwater.

Biodegradation of pollutants is a sustainable and cost-effective solution to groundwater pollution. Here, we investigate microbial populations involved in biodegradation of poly-contaminants in a pipeline for heavily contaminated groundwater. Groundwater moves from a polluted park to a treatment plant, where an aerated bioreactor effectively removes the contaminants.