A Complete Genome Analysis of Toxic Compound Gene Families in the Genus Cordyceps

Abstract

To evaluate the safety of drug and food homologous properties of Cordyceps species at the genomic level, the complete genomes of 18 Cordyceps strains were sequenced and annotated. Subsequently, their genomic features were compared with those of an additional six Cordyceps strains, and their major secondary metabolites were analyzed using antiSMASH and local BLAST. The results demonstrated significant variations in genome size and GC content among different Cordyceps species, while closely related species exhibited minor differences in these parameters. As wild-type strains, the 24 strains of Cordyceps are likely to lack toxin-encoding genes. C. cateniobliqua YFCC 8434, C. javanica YFCC 8439, and C. javanica IJ1G are expected to serve as novel resources for food ingredients. The genomes of the remaining 21 strains may harbor gene clusters responsible for one or more potentially toxic compounds that could cause morbidity or mortality in the host. This study provides a comprehensive assessment of the safety of potential toxins from Cordyceps fungi at the genomic level, offering a theoretical basis for the development and utilization of novel drug homologous strains.