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

Summary

This research examined the genetic makeup of a mold called Penicillium paneum that contaminates pears and apples by producing a toxic substance called patulin. Scientists sequenced the entire genome and identified all the genes responsible for patulin production. They found that this mold has 33 different gene clusters for producing various toxic compounds, with the patulin-producing genes being highly similar to those in other related molds. This genetic knowledge could help develop better strategies to prevent patulin contamination in fruit crops.

Background

Penicillium paneum is a filamentous fungus that 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 mechanisms is important for developing strategies to reduce patulin contamination on pome fruits.

Objective

This study aimed to sequence the whole genome of P. paneum isolate OM1, a patulin producer isolated from pears, and analyze its secondary metabolite biosynthetic gene clusters. The research compared the patulin biosynthetic gene cluster with those in other patulin-producing strains and investigated carbohydrate-active enzymes and phylogenetic relationships.

Results

The P. paneum OM1 genome was 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 those in other patulin-producing Penicillium strains but lower identity with non-patulin producers.

Conclusion

This study provides comprehensive genetic information about secondary metabolite biosynthesis, particularly patulin, in P. paneum OM1. These findings improve understanding of patulin biosynthesis and could support development of effective strategies to reduce patulin contamination on pome fruits.
  • Published in:PeerJ,
  • Study Type:Genome Comparative Analysis,
  • Source: 10.7717/peerj.19848; PMID: 40860677
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