Researchers Map Full Genome of Lepista Sordida Fungus
New telomere-to-telomere assemblies provide a high-resolution foundation for studying dikaryotic fungal biology.
Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in Life Sciences
Researchers have successfully generated full genome assemblies for two strains of the fungus Lepista sordida, Hua8 and L-2. These telomere-to-telomere assemblies provide a high-resolution map of the dikaryotic fungal genome.
Why it matters
These assemblies establish a genomic foundation for studying trait regulation and genetic diversity in fungi. This research offers a new baseline for understanding how two distinct sets of genetic instructions, or haplotypes, function within a single organism.
The study produced 24 scaffolds per assembly, with 21 pseudo-chromosomes in both strains achieving telomere-to-telomere continuity. The Hua8 strain contains 24,444 protein-coding genes, while L-2 contains 25,335, verified by Merqury QV scores exceeding 60 for Illumina and 70 for HiFi.
The details
Researchers used a hybrid sequencing approach combining Illumina NovaSeq 6000 and PacBio HiFi platforms to resolve two distinct haplotypes—the two unique sets of chromosomes in a diploid organism—for each strain. These data allow for the analysis of the dikaryotic genome, a fungal state where two genetically distinct nuclei coexist in the same cell. By annotating repetitive elements and protein-coding genes, the team provided a high-fidelity reference for future fungal genetics research.
Timeline
October 16, 2026: Article published online.
The Tech Race
This work follows the high-quality sequencing standards set by the Earth BioGenome Project for cataloging global biodiversity. It represents a significant step in the effort to move beyond fragmented assemblies toward complete, chromosome-level maps for diverse fungal species.
This research provides a new technical benchmark for molecular biologists and mycologists studying fungal genetics. Future studies will use these assemblies as a reference for identifying the specific genes that govern fungal growth and environmental adaptation.
The takeaway
The study demonstrates the feasibility of achieving near-perfect telomere-to-telomere continuity in complex dikaryotic fungal genomes. Researchers in the field should now look to these genome assemblies as a reference point for future functional characterization experiments.
Further reading
For broader trends in genomic research, see our coverage of Life Sciences.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Nature.
