The DnaJ Gene Family in Shiitake Culinary-Medicinal Mushroom, Lentinus edodes (Agaricomycetes): Comprehensive Identification, Characterization, and Expression Profiles under Different Conditions

The DnaJ proteins, also called heat-shock protein 40 based on their molecular weight, play significant roles in organism growth and development and resistance to abiotic and biotic stresses. However, studies on the DnaJ gene family in Lentinus edodes (= Lentinula edodes) are less well known. In this study, 29 putative L. edode DnaJ genes (LeDnaJ01 to LeDnaJ29) were identified using bioinformatics analysis and were classified into four groups according to the presence of the J protein and zinc finger as well as C-terminal domain. Multiple cis elements related to the phytohormone and stresses were found in the promotor region of the LeDnaJ genes. In addition, qRT-PCR analysis revealed that 79.31% of LeDnaJ genes were induced by cadmium, 55.17% were induced by Trichoderma atroviride, and 37.93% were induced by heat stress, indicating that the LeDnaJ proteins might participate in the response of L. edodes to the multiple stresses. Meanwhile, qRT-PCR analysis also revealed that all LeDnaJs are expressed in at least one development stage, indicating that they could be involved in the process of L. edodes growth and development and the response to the abiotic and biotic stresses. Taken together, these results advance the functional analysis of DnaJ genes in Basidiomycetes.