Relationship between fumonisin production and FUM gene expression in Fusarium verticillioides under different environmental conditions

Francesca Fanelli, Anita Iversen, Antonio F. Logrieco, Giuseppina Mulè

    Research output: Contribution to journalJournal articleResearchpeer-review

    Abstract

    Fusarium verticillioides is the main source of fumonisins, a group of mycotoxins that can contaminate maize-based food and feed and cause diseases in humans and animals. The study of the effect of different environmental conditions on toxin production should provide information that can be used to develop strategies to minimize the risk. This study analysed the effect of temperature (15°C-35°C), water activity (aw: 0.999-0.93), salinity (0-125 g l-1 NaCl) and pH (5-8) on the growth and production of fumonisins B1 (FB1), B2 (FB2) and B3 (FB3) and the expression of FUM1 and FUM21 in F. verticillioides. The highest growth rate was measured at 25°C, aw of 0.998-0.99 and 0-25 g l-1 of NaCl. Optimal conditions for fumonisin production were 30°C, aw of 0.99, 25 g l-1 of NaCl and pH 5; nevertheless, the strain showed a good adaptability and was able to produce moderate levels of fumonisins under a wide range of conditions. Gene expression mirrored fumonisin production profile under all conditions with the exception of temperature: FUM1 and FUM21 expression was highest at 15°C, while maximum fumonisin production was at 30°C. These data indicate that a post-transcriptional regulation mechanism could account for the different optimal temperatures for FUM gene expression and fumonisin production. © 2013 Copyright Taylor and Francis Group, LLC.
    Original languageEnglish
    JournalFood Additives & Contaminants: Part A - Chemistry, Analysis, Control, Exposure & Risk Assessment
    Volume30
    Issue number2
    Pages (from-to)365-371
    ISSN1944-0049
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 2013

    Keywords

    • Gene expression
    • Optimization
    • Sodium chloride
    • Toxic materials

    Fingerprint

    Dive into the research topics of 'Relationship between fumonisin production and FUM gene expression in Fusarium verticillioides under different environmental conditions'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

    Cite this