Differential expression of three α-amylase genes from the basidiomycetous fungus Pholiota microspora

The Pholiota microspora encodes three α-amylase genes (PnAmy1, PnAmy2 and PnAmy3), which were identified and characterized in the current study. PnAmy1, PnAmy2 and PnAmy3 are members of glycoside hydrolase family 13, belonging to subfamily 32, 5 and 1, respectively. Transcription analysis was used to illuminate the physiological role of three α-amylases in P. microspora. Expression of PnAmy1 and PnAmy3 were regulated by various carbon sources in minimal media, which suggests that PnAmy1 and PnAmy3 are involved in starch degradation. In sawdust medium, PnAmy1 and PnAmy2 were closely correlated with fruiting body development, while PnAmy3 seems to play a role during vegetative mycelial growth.