Genome-wide survey of cellulase related genes of white rot fungus,Pleurotus ostreatus

A white rot fungus, Pleurotus ostreatus, which is a important edible mushroom, has received much attention to apply to bioremediation and bioconversion because it has both cellulase and ligninase. To confirm copy number of cellulase-related genes encoded in P. ostreatus genome, we attempted to genomic Southern hybridization of P. ostreatus. The draft genome sequence and a large quantity of EST and cDNA information are now available for a white rot fungus, Phanerochaete crysosporium. To obtain sequence information of the cellulase-related genes in the white rot fungi, we also carried out public data base search. These genome-wide studies of P. ostreatus that consist of experimental and bioinformatical approach will provide meaningful advances to exploration of molecular mechanisms underlying wood decay.