For the first time, they have succeeded in decoding all the genetic information of matsutake, which is known as a high-end food, according to a group including the Kazusa DNA Research Institute in Chiba Prefecture. It is said that it is an achievement that leads to artificial cultivation and species conservation.
The genetic information of Matsutake mushrooms was decoded by a group led by Kenta Shirasawa, director of the Kazusa DNA Research Institute, and reported to an international scientific journal on DNA research.
For the first time, the research group has succeeded in decoding all the genetic information of Matsutake mushrooms using a new technology that can analyze long sequences at one time.
As a result of decoding, it was found that Matsutake has 1 chromosomes, about 13 million substances called base pairs, which are two pairs that transmit genetic information, and about 2,1 genes involved in determining properties such as shape, taste, and aroma.
Matsutake mushrooms are designated as an endangered species by IUCN = International Union for Conservation of Nature, and the research group believes that if the substances necessary for growing matsutake mushrooms and genes that produce unique aromas and tastes can be identified based on genetic information, it will lead to the realization of artificial cultivation and the conservation of the species.
Dr. Shirasawa said, "This is the first report that the entire genome of mushrooms has been decoded, and we believe that elucidating the ecology of Matsutake mushrooms from genetic information will lead to artificial production of Matsutake mushrooms in the future."