Phylogenetic classification of Antrodia and related genera based on ribosomal RNA internal transcribed spacer sequences

Abstract

Sequences of ribosomal internal transcribed spacers (ITS) obtained from two Antrodia species and two related species were compared to investigate intrageneric and intergeneric phylogenetic relationships of Antrodia. The results showed that Antrodia species causing a brown rot in wood did not form a monophyletic clade and were separated into three distinct groups. Antrodia gossypina and A. vaillantii formed a clade having rhizomorphs as a homologous character. Antrodia serialis, A. sinuosa, and A. malicola formed a group together with Daedalea, Fomitopsis, and Postia species with brown rot habit. Antrodia xantha with a trimitic hyphal system and amyloid skeletal hyphae formed another distinct clade from other Antrodia species. The Antrodia species were separated from white rot genera such as Antrodiella, Diplomitoporus, Junghuhnia, and Steccherinum, indicating the phylogenetic importance of the rot type in the classification of the Polyporaceae.