Paul Stamets and Fungi Perfecti Scientists Publish First-Ever Complete Genome Assembly for Rare Agarikon Fungus in Groundbreaking Peer-Reviewed Research

OLYMPIA, Wash., Oct. 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Renowned mycologist Paul Stamets and scientists at Fungi Perfecti, LLC have reached a significant milestone in fungal research with the publication of the world's first complete genome of the rare and endangered Agarikon fungus in the peer‑reviewed scientific journal G3: Genes, Genomes, Genetics.

The study, titled "Genomic characterization of the endangered medicinal polypore agarikon (Laricifomes officinalis syn. Fomitopsis officinalis)," provides a critical new scientific foundation for studying, identifying, and conserving Agarikon—an ancient wood-decay fungus associated with traditional wellness practices spanning thousands of years across multiple cultures and increasingly threatened by habitat loss and environmental change.*

Until now, Agarikon has lacked a comprehensive genomic reference to support deeper genetic investigation. By creating a high-quality genomic reference, researchers have now given scientists a detailed genetic "map" that can support future studies of the fungus, its populations, and the biological pathways responsible for producing its diverse natural compounds.

"A complete genome changes what's possible," said Chase Beathard, PhD, Director of Research & Development at Fungi Perfecti. "It gives scientists a reliable, shared reference to identify Agarikon with greater confidence, compare populations over time, and investigate the genetic pathways that shape how this fungus lives and produces its natural compounds. We're proud to contribute a foundational resource that can help accelerate careful, responsible research for years to come."

Researchers at Fungi Perfecti assembled and annotated Agarikon's nuclear and mitochondrial genomes. The 28.76-megabase nuclear genome was estimated to be 99.4% complete and contained 8,717 predicted genes, including 8,604 protein-coding genes. Researchers also identified 287 genes across 27 candidate biosynthetic gene clusters, including genes associated with pathways involved in producing specialized metabolites.

The newly characterized genome provides a foundation for future studies of Agarikon's genetic diversity, evolutionary history, reproduction, and biosynthesis, while providing new tools to help researchers better understand and preserve this increasingly rare fungus.

The study comes on the heels of another Fungi Perfecti peer-reviewed article recently published in Frontiers in Immunology, which examined how Agarikon mycelium affects immune signaling in human immune cells under both basal and LPS-stimulated conditions in preclinical evaluations.

About Agarikon

One of the longest living mushrooms in the world—some living for upwards of a century—Agarikon fruiting bodies are typically found in old-growth forests and can take many years to develop, limiting opportunities for responsible harvesting and making large-scale study difficult. Cultivated mushroom mycelium offers researchers a practical alternative for scientific investigation while helping reduce reliance on harvesting wild fruiting bodies.

Fungi Perfecti maintains the world's largest Agarikon culture library, assembled over decades to help preserve the genetic diversity of the fungus, which is now classified as "Endangered" on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. Today, Fungi Perfecti's strain library includes cultures representing more than 120 Agarikon specimens.

About Fungi Perfecti, LLC

Fungi Perfecti, LLC conducts research and development focused on fungi, including cultivation, characterization, and scientific investigation of fungal biology and applications. The company operates the functional mushroom supplement brand, Host Defense® Mushrooms™, and supports scientific inquiry and publication in collaboration with the broader research community. Follow Fungi Perfecti on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and LinkedIn. *

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

SOURCE Fungi Perfecti, LLC