Mutation of the LRG1 Rho-GAP gene is responsible for the hyper branching C-variant phenotype in the quorn mycoprotein fungus Fusarium venenatum A3/5.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Quorn mycoprotein, a protein-rich meat alternative, is produced through large-scale fermentation of the fungus Fusarium venenatum. However, a major challenge during F. venenatum fermentation is the consistent appearance of mutants called colonial variants (C-variants). These C-variants have a highly branched morphology, which ultimately lead to a less desirable final product and early termination of the fermentation process. This study aimed to identify the genetic mutations responsible for C-variant morphology.

Results

We first isolated both C-variant and wild-type strains from commercial fermentation samples and characterised radial growth rates on solid media. Whole genome sequencing facilitated the identification of mutations in a gene called jg4843 in 11 out

SUBMITTER: Connell J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11934581 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature