The genome of Lignosus tigris: Uncovering its hidden nutraceutical potential

• Whole genome of L. tigris was sequenced and annotated. • Phylogenetic analysis reiterated L. tigris ‘s close relationship with L. rhinocerus . • L. tigris is a potential source for secondary metabolites and bioactive compounds . • Consequential role as anticancer with antioxidative, immunomodulating properties. Lignosus tigris is a medicinal mushroom that belongs to the Lignosus genus of the Polyporaceae family of fungi. Due to similar morphologies, it has often been mistakenly recognized as Lignosus rhinocerus . Since its discovery in 2013, no in-depth analysis of its genome has been performed. This study is the first to present a de novo draft genome assembly of L. tigris, providing deeper insight into its biological functions and nutraceutical potential. Our analysis revealed that its genome contains numerous genes encoding carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZymes), cytochromes P450 and secondary metabolite biosynthetic gene clusters for terpenes, polyketides and non-ribosomal peptides which may be responsible for the production of its bioactive compounds. L. tigris has genes for the complete biosynthesis pathways of vitamins B6 and D2, signifying its potential as a source of these essential vitamins. The L. tigris genome was also found to encode bioactive proteins such as chitinase, lectin and two putative fungal immunomodulatory proteins. Although our amino acid-based phylogenetic analysis revealed that L. tigris has a close relationship with its sister species, L. rhinocerus , the whole genome alignment revealed that 50.51% of L. tigris genes were not matched to L. rhinocerus . Data from our study presents opportunities for subsequent identification and validation of bioactive proteins from L. tigris ; further highlighting its nutritional potential as a functional food.