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Mushrooms, like humans, animals, and plants, can also get sick. For instance, mushroom-forming fungi can be attacked by other fungi or bacteria. This has a significant impact on commercial mushroom cultivation, as infections can lead to substantial harvest losses. Fungi have an immune system that allows them to defend themselves against these antagonists. However, very little is known about this fungal immune system, especially when compared to that of humans, animals, or plants.

My research investigated the immune system of mushroom-forming fungi. We developed an experimental setup to study in detail how mushroom-forming fungi and their antagonists interact. This revealed that the fungus undergoes a series of morphological changes and produces pigments during these interactions.

At the genetic level, the fungus activates many genes during interaction with an antagonist, and these genes are likely involved in the defense response. These include molecular weapons, such as toxins, which the fungus uses to try and eliminate its antagonists. We investigated three key regulators (Gat1, Fst8, and Ftr3) – genetic switches that can turn sets of genes on or off. Deactivating these regulators made the mushroom highly susceptible to antagonists, demonstrating their crucial role in activating these defense genes. Additionally, we characterized transporter genes that the fungus uses to pump out toxins produced by the antagonist from its cells.

This study provides fundamental insights into the genetic basis of defense mechanisms in mushroom-forming fungi. This knowledge contributes to a better understanding of fungal immune systems in complex microbial niches and may also lead to strategies for improving disease resistance in economically and ecologically important mushrooms.