ABSTRACT

A gene that induces mushroom development has been isolated from the wood-rotting Basidiomycete Schizophyllum commune. We call this gene FRT1 for the key role it plays in the development of fruiting bodies, commonly called mushrooms. FRT1 has been characterized as a member of a family of similar genes in S. commune. We have found evidence suggesting that its activity is regulated by activity of the mating-type genes. It also appears to be involved in the regulation of other genes in the developmental pathway of fruiting. This group of genes may be conserved in related species of edible Basidiomycetes. An understanding of the structure of these genes and how they work in S. commune could guide us towards the isolation and characterization of similar genes in commercially valuable species.