Genomic sequencing gives us a tool to systematically and rapidly discover novel genes, how their products function in the cell, and explore their interactions. When the DNA sequences are known, primers can be designed to detect transcripts of genes with gene products related to basic cellular processes and hyphal growth. The characteristic gene products induced in different fungi by different wood protection systems during decay can be identified. This knowledge will give us a better understanding of the fungal degradation of wood and we can optimize wood protection systems. Hence, no single technique will give us the answer to all questions about the decay of wood we need to gather small pieces of the puzzle using different approaches. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of acetylation level on the growth of Postia placenta with regard to amount of total DNA and gene expression targeting six different genes. This paper presents preliminary results after 36 weeks of incubation. We found no mass loss in the acetylated samples treated to a high treatment level after 36 weeks of incubation in a modified monoculture soil-block test. The presence of P. placenta DNA and the absence of mass loss could indicate on an inability of the mycelia to establish a wood exploitation phase. The results also showed that P. placenta increased the expression of AlO (involved in production of H2O2), cytochrome P450 (related to breakdown of toxic compounds), and QRD (involved in generating biodegradative hydroxyl radicals via redox cycling) along the incubation time, growing on acetylated wood treated to a high treatment level.

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