Genome sequencing progenies of magic mushrooms (Psilocybe subaeruginosa) identifies tetrapolar mating and gene duplications in the psilocybin pathway
Alistair R. Mctaggart, Timothy Y. James, Jason C. Slot, Caine Barlow, Nigel Fechner, Louise S. Shuey, A. Drenth
Fungal Genetics and Biology December 29, 2022 DOI: 10.1016/j.fgb.2022.103769 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Observational study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 5 |
| Population | Haploid siblings of Psilocybe subaeruginosa |
| Topics | Psilocybin |
| Keywords | Inbreeding depression Locus genetics Genetic diversity Evolutionary biology |
| Citations | 13 |
| Key findings | Mating in Psilocybe subaeruginosa is tetrapolar, controlled by a homeodomain locus and a pheromone/receptor locus with four STE3 homologs, while two other STE3-like loci do not regulate compatibility. |
Abstract
Knowledge of breeding systems and genetic diversity is critical to select and combine desired traits that advance new cultivars in agriculture and horticulture. Mushrooms that produce psilocybin, magic mushrooms, may potentially be used in therapeutic and wellness industries, and stand to benefit from genetic improvement. We studied haploid siblings of Psilocybe subaeruginosa to resolve the genetics behind mating compatibility and advance knowledge of breeding. Our results show that mating in P. subaeruginosa is tetrapolar, with compatibility controlled at a homeodomain locus with one copy each of HD1 and HD2, and a pheromone/receptor locus with four homologs of the receptor gene STE3. An additional two pheromone/receptor loci homologous to STE3 do not appear to regulate mating compatibility. Alleles in the psilocybin gene cluster did not vary among the five siblings and were likely homozygous in the parent. Psilocybe subaeruginosa and its relatives have three copies of PsiH genes but their impact on production of psilocybin and its analogues is unknown. Genetic improvement in Psilocybe will require access to genetic diversity from the centre of origin of different species, identification of genes behind traits, and strategies to avoid inbreeding depression.
Comparable studies
Other observational and cohort studies on psilocybin, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Psilocybin for treatment-resistant depression: fMRI-measured brain mechanisms. Patients with treatment-resistant depression | 2017 | Observational cohort | n = 19 |
| Psychedelic effects of psilocybin correlate with serotonin 2A receptor occupancy and plasma psilocin levels Healthy volunteers | 2019 | Observational cohort | n = 8 |
| Increased spontaneous MEG signal diversity for psychoactive doses of ketamine, LSD and psilocybin Humans | 2017 | Observational study | |
| Classic psychedelic use is associated with reduced psychological distress and suicidality in the United States adult population. USA adult respondents from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (2008-2012) | 2015 | Observational cohort | n = 190,000 |
| Prediction of Psilocybin Response in Healthy Volunteers Healthy volunteers | 2012 | Observational cohort | n = 409 |
Citations in the library
Cited by 12
- A journey with psychedelic mushrooms: From historical relevance to biology, cultivation, medicinal uses, biotechnology, and beyond Biotechnology Advances August 31, 2023
- The evolution and ecology of psilocybin in nature. Fungal Genetics and Biology June 1, 2023
- Exploring Psilocybe cubensis Strains: Cultivation Techniques, Psychoactive Compounds, Genetics and Research Gaps Journal of Fungi January 28, 2025
- Psilocybin biosynthesis enhancement through gene source optimization. Metabolic Engineering April 16, 2025
- Dissimilar Reactions and Enzymes for Psilocybin Biosynthesis in Inocybe and Psilocybe Mushrooms Angewandte Chemie International Edition September 21, 2025
and 7 more in the library
Cites 8
- Enzymatic Synthesis of Psilocybin Angewandte Chemie International Edition August 1, 2017
- Psilocybin: from ancient magic to modern medicine The Journal of Antibiotics May 12, 2020
- Metabolic engineering of Saccharomyces cerevisiae for the de novo production of psilocybin and related tryptamine derivatives Metabolic Engineering March 26, 2020
- Horizontal gene cluster transfer increased hallucinogenic mushroom diversity Evolution Letters February 27, 2018
- Diversity, biology, and history of psilocybin-containing fungi: Suggestions for research and technological development. Fungal biology April 1, 2022
and 3 more in the library