Comparative analysis of the genomes and aflatoxin production patterns of three species within the Aspergillus section Flavi reveals an undescribed chemotype and habitat-specific genetic traits.

ABSTRACT: Aflatoxins are the most dangerous mycotoxins for food safety. They are mainly produced by Aspergillus flavus, A. parasiticus, and A. minisclerotigenes. The latter, an understudied species, was the main culprit for outbreaks of fatal aflatoxicosis in Kenya in the past. To determine specific genetic characteristics of these Aspergillus species, their genomes are comparatively analyzed. Differences reflecting the typical habitat are reported, such as an increased number of carbohydrate-active enzymes, including enzymes for lignin degradation, in the genomes of A. minisclerotigenes and A. parasiticus. Further, variations within the aflatoxin gene clusters are described, which are related to different chemotypes of aflatoxin biosynthesis. These include a substitution within the aflL gene of the

SUBMITTER: Schamann A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11399119 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature