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Comparative genome analysis of patulin-producing Penicillium paneum OM1 isolated from pears

Summary

Researchers sequenced the complete genome of a mold called Penicillium paneum that grows on apples and pears and produces patulin, a toxic substance harmful to humans. They found the specific genes responsible for making patulin and identified other potentially useful compounds this mold can produce. Understanding these genes could help develop better ways to prevent patulin contamination in fruit and fruit products that people consume.

Background

Penicillium paneum produces patulin, a toxic secondary metabolite on apples and pears. Little is known about the biosynthetic gene clusters of secondary metabolites, including patulin in P. paneum. Understanding these genetic mechanisms is important for controlling patulin contamination in pome fruits.

Objective

This study sequenced the whole genome of P. paneum isolate OM1, a patulin producer isolated from pears, and analyzed its secondary metabolite biosynthetic gene clusters. The goal was to identify and compare the patulin biosynthetic gene cluster with those in other patulin-producing strains and investigate carbohydrate-active enzymes.

Results

The P. paneum OM1 genome is approximately 27.16 Mb with four chromosomes and 10,679 protein-coding genes. A total of 33 secondary metabolite biosynthetic gene clusters were identified, including a complete patulin biosynthetic gene cluster with all 15 genes. The patulin biosynthetic genes showed high sequence identity (>73%) with other patulin-producing Penicillium strains but low identity with non-patulin producers.

Conclusion

The study provides detailed genetic information about secondary metabolite biosynthesis and patulin production in P. paneum OM1. These findings establish a genetic basis for understanding patulin biosynthesis and could support development of strategies to reduce patulin contamination on pome fruits.
  • Published in:PeerJ,
  • Study Type:Genomic Analysis,
  • Source: PMID: 40860677, DOI: 10.7717/peerj.19848
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