The Aspergillus flavus rtfA Gene Regulates Plant and Animal Pathogenesis and Secondary Metabolism.

ABSTRACT: Aspergillus flavus is an opportunistic fungal plant and human pathogen and a producer of mycotoxins, including aflatoxin B1 (AFB1). As part of our ongoing studies to elucidate the biological functions of the A. flavusrtfA gene, we examined its role in the pathogenicity of both plant and animal model systems. rtfA encodes a putative RNA polymerase II (Pol II) transcription elongation factor previously characterized in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Aspergillus nidulans, and Aspergillus fumigatus, where it was shown to regulate several important cellular processes, including morphogenesis and secondary metabolism. In addition, an initial study in A. flavus indicated that rtfA also influences development and production of AFB1; however, its effect on virulence is unknown. The current study reveals

SUBMITTER: Lohmar JM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6414392 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature