Lichen Symbiosis: discovering a new universe

This research article uses metagenomics and metatranscriptomics to investigate the complex symbiotic relationships within the lichen Xanthoria parietina. The study sequenced the mycobiont genome and identified over 150 associated genomes, revealing a diverse microbiome with both core and substrate-specific components. Metatranscriptomic analysis identified differentially expressed genes across different lichen developmental stages, highlighting genes involved in symbiosis maintenance, morphogenesis, and immunity. The researchers also characterized the mycobiont secretome, identifying potential effector proteins that may modulate interactions with other symbionts. This work provides a comprehensive view of the biological processes driving lichen development and the complex interplay between its constituent organisms. Source: Complexity of the lichen symbiosis revealed by metagenome and transcriptome analysis of Xanthoria parietinaTagirdzhanova, Gulnara et al.Current Biology, doi: 10.1016/j.cub.2024.12.041