ARS | Publication request: Biosynthesis of Fusarium Mycotoxins and Genomics of Fusarium Verticillioides

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract
Publication Acceptance Date: July 20, 2005
Publication Date: July 5, 2005
Citation: Proctor, R.H., Desjardins, A.E., Brown, D.W., McCormick, S.P., Butchko, R.A.E., Alexander, N., Busman, M. 2006. Biosynthesis of Fusarium mycotoxins and genomics of Fusarium verticillioides [abstract]. EU-USA Bilateral Workshop on Toxigenic Fungi and Mycotoxins.

Technical Abstract: Trichothecenes and fumonisins are groups of mycotoxins produced by some species within the fungal genus Fusarium. These groups of toxins have markedly different biogenic origins and as a result have markedly different structures; trichothecenes are tricyclic compounds synthesized via terpenoid metabolism and fumonisins are linear molecules synthesized via polyketide metabolism. Molecular genetic characterization of trichothecene and fumonisin biosynthetic genes has revealed much about the genetic basis for variations in production of these two groups of mycotoxins, particularly why some species produce the toxins and others do not, and why producing species can synthesize some fumonisins or trichothecenes but not others. In addition, recent genomic analyses of F. verticillioides have identified two previously unknown fumonisin biosynthetic genes and have also provided insight into the regulation of these and previously identified biosynthetic genes.