ARS | Publication request: Expressed Sequence Tags (Ests): a Genomic Approach to Limit Fumonisin Production by Fusarium Verticillioides and Commodity Losses

Submitted to: Aflatoxin Workshop
Publication Type: Abstract
Publication Acceptance Date: October 25, 2002
Publication Date: N/A

Technical Abstract: The filamentous fungus Fusarium verticillioides is a pathogen of maize worldwide. In addition to causing ear or stalk rot, this fungus can synthesize a toxic and possibly carcinogenic family of metabolites called fumonisins. We are working to limit fungal damage to crops by understanding toxin biosynthesis and pathogenesis. Differential gene expression studies have given investigators valuable leads to understanding biological processes. We, in collaboration with The Institute for Genomic Research (TIGR), are sequencing the 5' ends of cDNAs from F. verticillioides that represent genes expressed under varying fungal growth conditions. At present, two libraries have been partially sequenced and work is in progress to identify candidate genes for further analysis by gene disruption/fermentation studies.