Comparative genome sequencing reveals chemotype-specific gene clusters in the toxigenic black mold Stachybotrys.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The fungal genus Stachybotrys produces several diverse toxins that affect human health. Its strains comprise two mutually-exclusive toxin chemotypes, one producing satratoxins, which are a subclass of trichothecenes, and the other producing the less-toxic atranones. To determine the genetic basis for chemotype-specific differences in toxin production, the genomes of four Stachybotrys strains were sequenced and assembled de novo. Two of these strains produce atranones and two produce satratoxins.

Results

Comparative analysis of these four 35-Mbp genomes revealed several chemotype-specific gene clusters that are predicted to make secondary metabolites. The largest, which was named the core atranone cluster, encodes 14 proteins that may suffice to produce all observe

SUBMITTER: Semeiks J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4117958 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature