Arginine-Enhanced Termitomyces Mycelia: Improvement in Growth and Lignocellulose Degradation Capabilities

Termitomyces mushrooms, known for their symbiotic relationship with termites and their high nutritional and medicinal value, are challenging to cultivate artificially due to their specific growth requirements. This study investigates the impact of arginine on the mycelial growth, development, and lignocellulolytic capabilities of Termitomyces. We found that arginine significantly promoted conidia formation, altered mycelial morphology, and enhanced biomass and polysaccharide content. The addition of arginine also upregulated the expression of the enzymes related to lignocellulose decomposition, leading to increased activities of cellulase, hemicellulase, and laccase, which accelerated the decomposition and utilization of corn straw. A transcriptome analysis revealed differential expression patterns of carbohydrate-active enzyme genes in arginine-supplemented Termitomyces mycelia, providing insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying these enhancements. The GO enrichment analysis and KEGG pathway analysis highlighted the role of arginine in transmembrane transport, fatty acid oxidation, and carbohydrate metabolism. This study offers a molecular basis for the observed phenotypic changes and valuable insights for developing optimal culture strategies for Termitomyces, potentially enhancing its artificial cultivation and application in the bioconversion of lignocellulosic waste.