Dual RNA-Seq Analysis of the Interaction Between Edible Fungus and Its Pathogenic Fungus Uncovers the Candidate Defense and Pathogenic Factors.

Morels ( spp.) are economically important mushrooms cultivated in many countries. However, their production and quality are hindered by white mold disease because of infection. In this study, we aimed to understand the genetic mechanisms of interactions between and . , the most prevalent species of in China, was inoculated with ; then, the expression profiles of both fungi were determined simultaneously at 3 and 6 days post-inoculation (dpi) using a dual RNA-Seq approach. A total of 460 and 313 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in and , respectively. The CAZymes of β-glucanases and mannanases, as well as subtilase family, were upregulated in , which might be involved in the degradation of cell walls. Chitin recognition protein, caffeine-induced death protein, and putative apoptosis-inducing protein were upregulated, while cyclin was downregulated in infected . This indicates that could trigger programmed cell death in after infection. Laccase-2, tyrosinases, and cytochrome P450s were also upregulated in . The increased expression levels of these genes suggest that could detoxify the toxins and also form a melanin barrier against invasion. The potential pathogenic mechanisms of on and the defense mechanisms of against were well described.