An international team including Empa researcher Francis Schwarze has sequenced the genome of the common split gill（沟壑，溪流） mushroom, Schizophyllum（裂褶菌属） commune, a widely distributed fungus¹ which grows on and decomposes³（分解，腐烂） wood. The genome, containing some 13,000 genes⁴, has recently been published in Nature Biotechnology. The new data allows scientists a view of the mushroom's unique enzyme-based digestive apparatus⁵（装置，设备） which gives it the ability to attack and degrade wood, causing white rot. It is this ability which Schwarze, together with other colleagues, has exploited to improve the tonal qualities（音质） of wood used to make violins. Fungi⁶ are the ideal recycling machines – they decompose² dead organic material and convert it into nutritious⁷ humus（腐殖质） , and together with bacteria they are nature's most important detritivores（食碎屑者，腐食者） . During the course of their evolution they have developed special digestive enzymes⁸ with which they are able to decompose lignin（木质素） and other complex substances in woody plants, an ability which is almost unique in nature. However, many species of fungi also attack living wood, thereby⁹ causing significant economic damage to wood related industries.

That fungi not only cause damage through their ability to decompose certain constituent¹⁰ materials of wood but can actually improve specific properties of wood has already been shown by Empa's Francis Schwarze. In his «Stradivarius Project» he has used wood-attacking fungi such as the (now genetically¹² decoded) S. commune to improve the tonal qualities of spruce（云杉） or maple¹³ used to make violins. In 2006 Schwarze submitted a patent application covering this process, and last September a biotech violin made with wood treated with fungi was judged superior to a genuine Stradivarius（弦乐器） in a blind test.

A real expert at recycling carbohydrates¹⁴

Schwarze has high hopes for the now completely deciphered genome of "his" fungus. "The genome sequence provides us with essential information on the lignolytic – that is, wood decomposing¹⁵ – enzymes. This knowledge will allow us to genetically modify the wild strain in order to optimize¹⁶ and control very specific decomposition¹⁷ processes." The S. commune genome ought to be a rich source of information, since according to genetic¹¹ analysis the split gill mushroom possesses the most comprehensive enzyme-based digestive apparatus of all standing¹⁸ fungi (Basidiomycota). The enzymes are used to digest polysaccharides（多糖） (carbohydrates糖类，碳水化合物 and long-chain sugars) and to decompose lignin in wood, an ability which is unique, as far as is currently known. According to Schwarze this wide range of enzymatic¹⁹ activity explains why S. commune is so widespread; the fungus can nourish itself on practically anything!

This relatively²⁰ new field, which Schwarze calls «Fungal Biotechnology», provides a means of improving the process of impregnating（浸渍） spruce and pine wood – neither of which are particularly long-lasting or hard-wearing – with protective and finishing agents. Schwarze is convinced that "…this represents an enormous commercial potential, above all in Switzerland, where more than 60% of the forests are spruce and pine." Another possible application is improving the efficiency of methods for the production of biogenic fuels based on woody biomass.

In addition, the genetic sequence is expected to supply important information on the development of the fruiting body of the fungus and how this process can be optimized²¹, for example in the cultivation²² of edible²³（可食用的） mushrooms. Considering that some 2.5 million tonnes of edible fungi are produced every year, this could well prove to be very profitable know-how²⁴.