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Unveiling the Substrate-Dependent Dynamics of Mycotoxin Production in Fusarium verticillioides Using an OSMAC-Metabolomics Approach

Summary

Researchers studied how different growing conditions affect the production of harmful toxins by a fungus called Fusarium verticillioides that contaminates crops. Using advanced chemical analysis techniques, they found that the type of growth medium and time of incubation significantly influenced which toxins the fungus produced and in what amounts. Growing the fungus on corn-based medium produced different toxins than growing it on barley-based medium. These findings can help develop better strategies to prevent mycotoxin contamination in food and animal feed.

Background

Fusarium verticillioides is a plant pathogenic fungus that produces harmful mycotoxins including fumonisins and emerging toxins. Fumonisin B1 has been classified as potentially carcinogenic to humans. Understanding the factors influencing mycotoxin production is critical for food and feed safety.

Objective

This study aimed to investigate how different culture substrates influence the temporal patterns of mycotoxin biosynthesis in F. verticillioides using a combined OSMAC (One Strain-Many Compounds) strategy and metabolomics approach. The goal was to provide insights into the substrate-dependent and time-dependent variations in mycotoxin production.

Results

Corn meal agar (CMA) was most favorable for fumonisins A1 and B1 production with maxima at day 14, while malt extract agar (MEA) favored A2 and B2 with maxima at day 16. The study identified multiple mycotoxins including fumonisins, fusarins, bikaverin derivatives, and fumonisin analogs, with their production varying significantly based on culture medium and incubation time.

Conclusion

The combination of OSMAC and metabolomics successfully revealed substrate-dependent and time-dependent variations in mycotoxin biosynthesis by F. verticillioides. These findings provide insights into the ecophysiology of this fungus and can inform targeted mitigation strategies for mycotoxin contamination in agricultural commodities.
  • Published in:Chemistry & Biodiversity,
  • Study Type:Experimental Study,
  • Source: 10.1002/cbdv.202401747, PMID: 39481006
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