scholarly journals Aspergillus Goes Viral: Ecological Insights from the Geographical Distribution of the Mycovirome within an Aspergillus flavus Population and Its Possible Correlation with Aflatoxin Biosynthesis

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (10) ◽  
pp. 833
Author(s):  
Francesca Degola ◽  
Giorgio Spadola ◽  
Marco Forgia ◽  
Massimo Turina ◽  
Lucia Dramis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Aspergillus Flavus ◽  
Aflatoxin Production ◽  
Fungal Species ◽  
Natural Environments ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Aflatoxin Biosynthesis ◽  
Biological Variables ◽  
Pattern Distribution ◽  
Toxigenic Strains

Microbial multi-level interactions are essential to control the success of spreading and survival of most microbes in natural environments. Phytopathogenic mycotoxigenic fungal species, such as Aspergillus flavus, represent an important issue in food safety. Usually, non-toxigenic strains are exploited for biocontrol strategies to mitigate infections by toxigenic strains. To comprehend all the biological variables involved in the aflatoxin biosynthesis, and to possibly evaluate the interplay between A. flavus toxigenic and non-toxigenic strains during intraspecific biocompetition, the “virological” perspective should be considered. For these reasons, investigations on mycoviruses associated to A. flavus populations inhabiting specific agroecosystems are highly desirable. Here, we provide the first accurate characterization of the novel mycovirome identified within an A. flavus wild population colonizing the maize fields of northern Italy: a selection of A. flavus strains was biologically characterized and subjected to RNAseq analysis, revealing new mycoviruses and a peculiar geographic pattern distribution in addition to a 20% rate of infection. More interestingly, a negative correlation between viral infection and aflatoxin production was found. Results significantly expanded the limited existent data about mycoviruses in wild A. flavus, opening new and intriguing hypotheses about the ecological significance of mycoviruses.

scholarly journals Genetic Profiling of Aspergillus Isolates with Varying Aflatoxin Production Potential from Different Maize-Growing Regions of Kenya

Toxins ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (8) ◽  
pp. 467
Author(s):  
Richard Dooso Oloo ◽  
Sheila Okoth ◽  
Peter Wachira ◽  
Samuel Mutiga ◽  
Phillis Ochieng ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Internal Transcribed Spacer ◽  
Genetic Factors ◽  
Its Region ◽  
Aflatoxin Production ◽  
Fungal Species ◽  
Aflatoxin Biosynthesis ◽  
Production Potential ◽  
Genetic Profiling ◽  
Obvious Association ◽  
Toxigenic Strains

Highly toxigenic strains of Aspergillus flavus have been reported to frequently contaminate maize, causing fatal aflatoxin poisoning in Kenya. To gain insights into the environmental and genetic factors that influence toxigenicity, fungi (n = 218) that were culturally identified as A. flavus were isolated from maize grains samples (n = 120) from three regions of Kenya. The fungi were further characterized to confirm their identities using a PCR-sequence analysis of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of rDNA which also revealed all of them to be A. flavus. A subset of 72 isolates representing ITS sequence-based phylogeny cluster and the agroecological origin of maize samples was constituted for subsequent analysis. The analysis of partial calmodulin gene sequences showed that the subset consisted of A. flavus (87%) and Aspergillus minisclerotigenes (13%). No obvious association was detected between the presence of seven aflatoxin biosynthesis genes and fungal species or region. However, the presence of the aflD and aflS genes showed some association with aflatoxin production. The assessment of toxigenicity showed higher aflatoxin production potential in A. minisclerotigenes isolates. Given that A. minisclerotigenes were mainly observed in maize samples from Eastern Kenya, a known aflatoxin hotspot, we speculate that production of copious aflatoxin is an adaptative trait of this recently discovered species in the region.

Inhibition of Aflatoxin Biosynthesis by Organophosphorus Compounds

1980 ◽  
Vol 43 (5) ◽  
pp. 381-384 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. F. DUTTON ◽  
M. S. ANDERSON
Keyword(s):  
Aspergillus Flavus ◽  
Organophosphorus Compound ◽  
Organophosphorus Compounds ◽  
Culture Fluid ◽  
Aflatoxin Production ◽  
The Other ◽  
Aflatoxin Biosynthesis ◽  
Inhibition Effect ◽  
Type Activity ◽  
Acetate Derivative

The effect of a range of organophosphorus and various other compounds on production of aflatoxin by Aspergillus flavus was investigated. Five organophosphorus compounds - Chlormephos, Ciodrin, Naled, Phosdrin and Trichlorphon- at concentrations of 20 and 100 μg/ml of culture fluid were found to have activity similar to Dichlorvos, in that they lowered the level of aflatoxin produced and caused formation of several anthraquinone pigments. Two of these pigments have not previously been described, one was named Versicol and a suggested structure is presented, whilst the other compound was shown to be its acetate derivative. A rationale is suggested for the required elements of structure, which are necessary for an organophosphorus compound to have Dichlorvos-type activity. Two unrelated compounds, ammonium nitrate and Tridecanone were also found to elicit Dichlorvos-type activity. It is likely that tridecanone or its breakdown products competitively inhibit enzymes involved in aflatoxin biosynthesis. It is possible that this inhibition effect explains the lowering of aflatoxin production in lipid-rich commodities infected by A. flavus.

scholarly journals NsdC and NsdD Affect Aspergillus flavus Morphogenesis and Aflatoxin Production

2012 ◽  
Vol 11 (9) ◽  
pp. 1104-1111 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeffrey W. Cary ◽  
Pamela Y. Harris-Coward ◽  
Kenneth C. Ehrlich ◽  
Brian M. Mack ◽  
Shubha P. Kale ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Aspergillus Flavus ◽  
Strong Association ◽  
Aflatoxin Production ◽  
Expression Data ◽  
Aflatoxin Biosynthesis ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Conidium Formation ◽  
In The Wild ◽  
Type Gene

ABSTRACT The transcription factors NsdC and NsdD are required for sexual development in Aspergillus nidulans . We now show these proteins also play a role in asexual development in the agriculturally important aflatoxin (AF)-producing fungus Aspergillus flavus . We found that both NsdC and NsdD are required for production of asexual sclerotia, normal aflatoxin biosynthesis, and conidiophore development. Conidiophores in nsdC and nsdD deletion mutants had shortened stipes and altered conidial heads compared to those of wild-type A. flavus . Our results suggest that NsdC and NsdD regulate transcription of genes required for early processes in conidiophore development preceding conidium formation. As the cultures aged, the Δ nsdC and Δ nsdD mutants produced a dark pigment that was not observed in the wild type. Gene expression data showed that although AflR is expressed at normal levels, a number of aflatoxin biosynthesis genes are expressed at reduced levels in both nsd mutants. Expression of aflD , aflM , and aflP was greatly reduced in nsdC mutants, and neither aflatoxin nor the proteins for these genes could be detected. Our results support previous studies showing that there is a strong association between conidiophore and sclerotium development and aflatoxin production in A. flavus.

scholarly journals Regulation of Morphology, Aflatoxin Production, and Virulence of Aspergillus flavus by the Major Nitrogen Regulatory Gene areA

Toxins ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (12) ◽  
pp. 718 ◽  
Author(s):  
Opemipo Esther Fasoyin ◽  
Kunlong Yang ◽  
Mengguang Qiu ◽  
Bin Wang ◽  
Sen Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Aspergillus Flavus ◽  
Regulatory Gene ◽  
Nitrogen Sources ◽  
Aflatoxin Production ◽  
Fungal Species ◽  
Complete Medium ◽  
Over Expression ◽  
Oxidative Stresses ◽  
Gata Transcription Factor

Aspergillus flavus is a renowned plant, animal and human pathogen. areA is a global nitrogen regulatory gene of the GATA transcription factor family, shown to be the major nitrogen regulator. In this study, we identified areA in A. flavus and studied its function. The AreA protein contained a signatory zinc finger domain, which is extremely conserved across fungal species. Gene deletion (ΔareA) and over-expression (OE::areA) strains were constructed by homologous recombination to elucidate the role of areA in A. flavus. The ΔareA strain was unable to efficiently utilize secondary nitrogen sources for growth of A. flavus, and it had poorly developed conidiophores, when observed on complete medium, resulting in the production of significantly less conidia than the wild-type strain (WT). Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) production was reduced in ΔareA compared with the WT strain in most conditions tested, and ΔareA had impaired virulence in peanut seeds. areA also played important roles in the sensitivity of A. flavus to osmotic, cell wall and oxidative stresses. Hence, areA was found to be important for the growth, aflatoxin production and pathogenicity of A. flavus. This work sheds light on the function of areA in the regulation of the nitrogen metabolism of A. flavus, and consequently aims at providing new ways for controlling the crossover pathogen, A. flavus.

Mycoflora and Aflatoxin-Producing Strains in Animal Mixed Feeds

1994 ◽  
Vol 57 (3) ◽  
pp. 256-258 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. L. ABARCA ◽  
M. R. BRAGULAT ◽  
G. CASTELLÁ ◽  
F. J. CABAÑES
Keyword(s):  
Aspergillus Flavus ◽  
Yeast Extract ◽  
Penicillium Chrysogenum ◽  
Fusarium Moniliforme ◽  
Dominant Species ◽  
Aflatoxin Production ◽  
Fungal Species ◽  
Sucrose Medium ◽  
Mixed Feeds ◽  
Yeast Extract Sucrose

The mycoflora of 69 samples of animal mixed feeds were studied. Fungal counts ranged from 102 to 108 CFU/g, the lowest counts corresponding to the samples of rabbit feeds. Seventy-one fungal species belonging to 26 genera were identified. The pre- dominant species were Aspergillus flavus, Fusarium moniliforme, and Penicillium chrysogenum. Thirty-six strains of A. flavus and one strain of A. parasiticus were screened for aflatoxin production in yeast extract-sucrose medium. The final pH, weight of mycelium, and production of aflatoxins were determined after 14 days of incubation. Five strains (13.5%) were aflatoxigenic. No statistical differences were observed in mycelial dry weights and final pH between aflatoxin-producing strains and nonaflatoxigenic strains.

scholarly journals Transcriptome Analysis of Aspergillus flavus RevealsveA-Dependent Regulation of Secondary Metabolite Gene Clusters, Including the Novel Aflavarin Cluster

2015 ◽  
Vol 14 (10) ◽  
pp. 983-997 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. W. Cary ◽  
Z. Han ◽  
Y. Yin ◽  
J. M. Lohmar ◽  
S. Shantappa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Secondary Metabolism ◽  
Secondary Metabolite ◽  
Aspergillus Flavus ◽  
Gene Clusters ◽  
Fungal Species ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Expression Of Genes ◽  
Number Of Genes ◽  
Fungal Secondary Metabolism

ABSTRACTThe global regulatoryveAgene governs development and secondary metabolism in numerous fungal species, includingAspergillus flavus. This is especially relevant sinceA. flavusinfects crops of agricultural importance worldwide, contaminating them with potent mycotoxins. The most well-known are aflatoxins, which are cytotoxic and carcinogenic polyketide compounds. The production of aflatoxins and the expression of genes implicated in the production of these mycotoxins areveAdependent. The genes responsible for the synthesis of aflatoxins are clustered, a signature common for genes involved in fungal secondary metabolism. Studies of theA. flavusgenome revealed many gene clusters possibly connected to the synthesis of secondary metabolites. Many of these metabolites are still unknown, or the association between a known metabolite and a particular gene cluster has not yet been established. In the present transcriptome study, we show thatveAis necessary for the expression of a large number of genes. Twenty-eight out of the predicted 56 secondary metabolite gene clusters include at least one gene that is differentially expressed depending on presence or absence ofveA. One of the clusters under the influence ofveAis cluster 39. The absence ofveAresults in a downregulation of the five genes found within this cluster. Interestingly, our results indicate that the cluster is expressed mainly in sclerotia. Chemical analysis of sclerotial extracts revealed that cluster 39 is responsible for the production of aflavarin.

scholarly journals Oxygenase Coordination Is Required for Morphological Transition and the Host–Fungus Interaction of Aspergillus flavus

2009 ◽  
Vol 22 (7) ◽  
pp. 882-894 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sigal Horowitz Brown ◽  
James B. Scott ◽  
Jeyanthi Bhaheetharan ◽  
William C. Sharpee ◽  
Lane Milde ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Aspergillus Flavus ◽  
Unsaturated Fatty Acids ◽  
Aflatoxin Production ◽  
Major Effect ◽  
Signal Molecules ◽  
Density Dependent ◽  
Interdependent Network ◽  
Host Fungus ◽  
Lipoxygenase Gene

Oxylipins, a class of oxygenase-derived unsaturated fatty acids, are important signal molecules in many biological systems. Recent characterization of an Aspergillus flavus lipoxygenase gene, lox, revealed its importance in maintaining a density-dependent morphology switch from sclerotia to conidia as population density increased. Here, we present evidence for the involvement of four more oxylipin-generating dioxygenases (PpoA, PpoB, PpoC, and PpoD) in A. flavus density-dependent phenomena and the effects of loss of these genes on aflatoxin production and seed colonization. Although several single mutants showed alterations in the sclerotia-to-conidia switch, the major effect was observed in a strain downregulated for all five oxygenases (invert repeat transgene [IRT] strain IRT4 = ppoA, ppoB, ppoC, ppoD, and lox). In strain IRT4, sclerotia production was increased up to 500-fold whereas conidiation was decreased down to 100-fold and the strain was unable to switch into conidial production. Aflatoxin (AF) production for all mutant strains and the wild type was greatest at low population densities and absent in high populations except for strain IRT4, which consistently produced high levels of the mycotoxin. Growth on host seed by both IRT4 and IRT2 (downregulated in ppoA, ppoB, and ppoD) was marked by decreased conidial but increased AF production. We propose that A. flavus oxygenases and the oxylipins they produce act in a highly interdependent network with some redundancy of biological function. These studies provide substantial evidence for oxylipin-based mechanisms in governing fungus–seed interactions and in regulating a coordinated quorum-sensing mechanism in A. flavus.

Comparison of the Antifungal and Antiaflatoxigenic Potential of Liquid and Vapor Phase of Thymus vulgaris Essential Oil Against Aspergillus flavus

2019 ◽  
Vol 82 (12) ◽  
pp. 2044-2048
Author(s):  
FEI TIAN ◽  
SANG YOO LEE ◽  
HYANG SOOK CHUN
Keyword(s):  
Liquid Phase ◽  
Essential Oil ◽  
Aspergillus Flavus ◽  
Vapor Phase ◽  
Substantial Reduction ◽  
Brown Rice ◽  
Aflatoxin Production ◽  
Thymus Vulgaris ◽  
Aflatoxin Biosynthesis ◽  
Fungal Contamination

ABSTRACT The antifungal and antiaflatoxigenic activity of Thymus vulgaris essential oil (EO) against Aspergillus flavus was evaluated over a range of concentrations in vapor- and liquid-phase contact tests. Total reduction in mycelial growth in the vapor- and liquid-phase tests was detected at EO concentrations of 20 and 400 μg/mL, respectively. Treatment with 10 μg/mL EO reduced aflatoxin production by 97.0 and 56.4% in the vapor- and liquid-phase tests, respectively. Greater inhibition of the expression of both fungal development–related genes (brlA, abaA, and wetA) and aflatoxin biosynthesis–related genes (aflR, aflD, and aflK) was also observed in the vapor-phase test. A substantial reduction in aflatoxin production was also observed in brown rice (72.7%) and white rice (18.0%). Our results indicate that the way this EO contacts fungal cells significantly affects its antifungal activity and that T. vulgaris EO in vapor phase might be a good strategy to control fungal contamination. HIGHLIGHTS

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