Functionally distinct core microbes of Tricholoma matsutake revealed by cross-study analysis

Abstract Background Tricholoma matsutake (TM), a prized wild mushroom in Eurasia, hosts distinct microbiomes in its mycorrhizal zone (shiro), with some microbes known to benefit TM. However, no study has systematically compared shiro-inhabiting microbiomes across multiple studies from either taxonomic or functional perspectives. Results We first compiled bacterial and fungal amplicon sequences from public and newly generated datasets, then applied phylogenetic tree-based clustering to integrate technically heterogeneous sequences. This enabled the identification of core microbial phylotypes conserved in shiro from geographically diverse regions. We also revealed niche-specific phylotypes within the shiro, distinguishing those associated with soil, TM-colonized root, and fruitbody, thereby demonstrating clear niche differentiation. Functional predictions and experimental validation highlighted key roles of the microbes in degradation of aromatic compounds, utilization of plant-derived compounds, and fruitbody development. Conclusions Our cross-study integration of shiro microbial sequences identified core and niche-specific phylotypes with distinct ecological roles. This study lays a foundation for advancing ecological research and cultivation strategies for TM.