Deniz Sinar

All Publications

• Toward synthetic biology in mushroom-forming Agaricomycete fungi: from tools to applications. Microbiology and molecular biology reviews : MMBR Allen, P. M., Sinar, D., Schwartz, S., Hill-Maini, V. 2026: e0017825

  Abstract

  SUMMARYMushroom-forming Agaricomycete fungi underpin global nutrient cycling and carbon sequestration, and support large and growing markets across food, medicinal supplements, and biomaterials. Yet most commercial and research uses still rely on wild-type strains, highlighting the opportunity for genetic engineering to expand possibilities for both fundamental research and biotechnological applications. In this review, we highlight progress toward synthetic biology in Agaricomycetes, and outline the main barriers that limit predictable genetic engineering. We emphasize engineering constraints unique to mushroom biology, including complex sexual cycles, heterokaryosis, and strain instability during transformation and outgrowth. We then transition to gene expression bottlenecks: the scarcity of characterized promoters and terminators, the challenges for gene integration posed by the condensed nature of Agaricomycete genomes, and the effects of introns and specific sequence motifs. Finally, drawing inspiration from progress in related fungi and other eukaryotes, we highlight the priorities for the field: systematic cross-species evaluation of genetic parts, development of more sophisticated gene-editing strategies, higher-throughput screening methods, and the establishment of a unifying model system. These advances would enable new possibilities in the study and use of Agaricomycetes, establishing these elusive organisms as programmable platforms for sustainable biomanufacturing, designer biomaterials, climate solutions, and mechanistic studies of fungal biology.

  View details for DOI 10.1128/mmbr.00178-25

  View details for PubMedID 42233661