Transcriptome analysis of Ochratoxin A (OTA) producing Aspergillus westerdijkiae fc-1 under varying osmotic pressure
Researchers studied how salt levels affect the production of Ochratoxin A (OTA), a harmful toxin made by a fungus commonly found in foods like coffee and dried meats. Using genetic analysis techniques, they found that different salt concentrations trigger different genes in the fungus, affecting how much toxin it produces. This research helps explain why OTA contamination is worse in high-salt foods and could lead to better ways to prevent food poisoning from this fungus.