Abstract
We analysed nucleotide sequences of phenol oxidase genes in Pholiota microspora and identified three types of phenol oxidase: laccase (Lcc1-Lcc8), ferroxidase (Lcc9), and tyrosinase (Tyr). The expression of Lcc1 to Lcc9 and Tyr genes in P. microspora was examined by qRT-PCR. We quantified transcripts of these ten genes in mycelia, primordia, and fruiting bodies grown on sawdust substrate and in mycelia grown in M4 liquid medium supplemented with aromatic compounds. All Lcc genes were expressed at a very low level in mycelia grown on sawdust medium, but Lcc1 was transcribed at a level 8-fold higher in M4 liquid medium when supplemented with 3 mM veratryl alcohol. On the other hand, Lcc9 and tyrosinase were highly expressed in primordia and fruiting bodies. These results suggest that the content of melanin and related pigments in the fruiting body might be determined by complementary activity of two types of phenol oxidase, such as Lcc and Tyr, in P. microspora.
