Panaeolus cyanescens
1. Classification
a. Higher order taxa
Domain: Fungi; Phylum: Basidiomycota; Class: Agaricomycetes; Order: Agaricales; Family: Panaeolus; Genus: P. cyanescens
2. Introduction
Panaeolus cyanescens is a fungal species found all over the world, including islands in Oceania, Australia, Europe, and North and South America (1,2). Most notably, it naturally contains the two psychoactive compounds psilocybin and psilocin (the former being a phosphorylated version of the latter) which produce intense sensory, mood, and thought experiences culminating in an altered state of consciousness in humans (3). For this reason, P. cyanescens is often used as a recreational drug, or “magic mushroom”, although psilocybin and psilocin are both controlled substances in many countries (4). P. cyanescens has the potential to play an integral role in psychotherapy and neuropharmacology in treatment of various psychological disorders (5). Other than fitness advantages in the dung and wood decay niche environment, it is unclear what evolutionary advantages the fungus might have obtained from producing psilocin (5). There is limited information on the genomic structure of P. cyanescens.
3. Genome structure
Little is known about the genome structure of P. cyanescens. It has a genome size of approximately 45 Mbp and expresses more than 13,000 different proteins (12). wThe genes that code for the enzymes that allow for biosynthesis of urea are thought to have arisen from horizontal gene transfer of metabolic gene cluster (12). Some unique proteins coded for in the mushroom are tryptophan decarboxylases that produce psilocin (12). As of current research, the chromosome number of P. cyanescens is unknown.
4. Cell structure
Interesting features of cell structure. Can be combined with “metabolic processes”
5. Metabolic processes
Describe important sources of energy, electrons, and carbon (i.e. trophy) for the organism/organisms you are focusing on, as well as important molecules it/they synthesize(s).
6. Ecology
Habitat; symbiosis; contributions to the environment.
7. Pathology
How does this organism cause disease? Human, animal, plant hosts? Virulence factors, as well as patient symptoms.
8. Current Research
Include information about how this microbe (or related microbes) are currently being studied and for what purpose
9. References
It is required that you add at least five primary research articles (in same format as the sample reference below) that corresponds to the info that you added to this page. [Sample reference] Faller, A., and Schleifer, K. "Modified Oxidase and Benzidine Tests for Separation of Staphylococci from Micrococci". Journal of Clinical Microbiology. 1981. Volume 13. p. 1031-1035.
