Integrated metabolomic and transcriptomic analysis reveals variation in the metabolites and genes of Sanghuangporus sanghuang from Sanghuang-related fungi.

The medicinal macrofungi collectively known as "Sanghuang" have been documented in traditional medical texts for their therapeutic properties. In China, wild populations of these fungi demonstrate considerable natural diversity in bioactive compound production. While taxonomically identified as Sanghuangporus sanghuang (S. sanghuang), traditional usage has historically included S. baumii and S. vaninii due to overlapping morphological characteristics, ecological niches, and perceived medicinal effects. Elucidation of the genetic basis underlying medicinal properties of S. sanghuang will facilitate more precise utilization of these valuable fungal resources. This study employed a combined transcriptomic and metabolomic approach to compare S. sanghuang and S. vaninii populations in China. Our analysis identified significant differences in the ubiquinone and terpenoid-quinone biosynthesis pathways, including differential expression of related genes and accumulation of associated metabolites between these medicinal fungi. Notably, the metabolite 4-Hydroxybenzoate as well as some related gene expression like 4-coumarate-CoA ligase and chorismate lyase in S. sanghuang are significantly higher compared with S. vaninii. These findings provide important molecular insights that will facilitate future investigations into the artificial cultivation mechanisms and medicinal utilization of S. sanghuang.