The Evolution Of Genomic And Epigenomic Features In Two Pleurotus Fungi

Pleurotus tuoliensis(Bailinggu,designated Pt)and P.eryngii var.eryngii(Xingbaogu,designated Pe)are highly valued edible mushrooms.Currently,only draft genomesequences for P.eryngii have been reported,thus impeding comparative investigations of the genomic and epigenomic features of Pleurotus.We have de novo assembled high-quality genomes for both mushrooms based on PacBio RS IIsequencing.A comparative genomics analysis between Pt and Pe with P.ostreatus asan outgroup taxon reveals extensive genomic divergence between the two mushroomgenomes primarily due to rapid gain of taxon-specific genes and disruption of synteny in either taxon.The genome-scale reappraisal of the phylogenetic relationship between Pt and Pe validates earlier proposals to designate Pt as an independent species.Variation of the identified wood-decay-related gene content can largelyexplain the variable adaptation and host specificity of the two mushrooms.Based on the two assembled genome sequences,methylomes and roles of methylation in gene expression were characterized and compared.The genome,methylome andtranscriptome data of these two important mushrooms provide valuable resource foradvancing our understanding of the evolution of Pleurotus and related genera and for facilitating genome-and epigenome-based strategies for mushroom domestication and breeding.