The Termite Fungal Cultivar Termitomyces Combines Diverse Enzymes and Oxidative Reactions for Plant Biomass Conversion

Macrotermitine termites have domesticated fungi in the genus Termitomyces as their primary food source using predigested plant biomass. To access the full nutritional value of lignin-enriched plant biomass, the termite-fungus symbiosis requires the depolymerization of this complex phenolic polymer. While most previous work suggests that lignocellulose degradation is accomplished predominantly by the fungal cultivar, our current understanding of the underlying biomolecular mechanisms remains rudimentary. Here, we provide conclusive omics and activity-based evidence that Termitomyces employs not only a broad array of carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZymes) but also a restricted set of oxidizing enzymes (manganese peroxidase, dye decolorization peroxidase, an unspecific peroxygenase, laccases, and aryl-alcohol oxidases) and Fenton chemistry for biomass degradation. We propose for the first time that Termitomyces induces hydroquinone-mediated Fenton chemistry (Fe²⁺ + H₂O₂ + H⁺ → Fe³⁺ + ^•OH + H₂O) using a herein newly described 2-methoxy-1,4-dihydroxybenzene (2-MH₂Q, compound 19)-based electron shuttle system to complement the enzymatic degradation pathways. This study provides a comprehensive depiction of how efficient biomass degradation by means of this ancient insect's agricultural symbiosis is accomplished. IMPORTANCE Fungus-growing termites have optimized the decomposition of recalcitrant plant biomass to access valuable nutrients by engaging in a tripartite symbiosis with complementary contributions from a fungal mutualist and a codiversified gut microbiome. This complex symbiotic interplay makes them one of the most successful and important decomposers for carbon cycling in Old World ecosystems. To date, most research has focused on the enzymatic contributions of microbial partners to carbohydrate decomposition. Here, we provide genomic, transcriptomic, and enzymatic evidence that Termitomyces also employs redox mechanisms, including diverse ligninolytic enzymes and a Fenton chemistry-based hydroquinone-catalyzed lignin degradation mechanism, to break down lignin-rich plant material. Insights into these efficient decomposition mechanisms reveal new sources of efficient ligninolytic agents applicable for energy generation from renewable sources.