Essay : The production of fumonisins by Fusarium verticillioides

Jansma, M. (2014) Essay : The production of fumonisins by Fusarium verticillioides. Master's Thesis / Essay, Biology.

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Abstract

Plants and fungi produce an abundance of secondary metabolites, of which some are beneficial and others are toxic. The fungus Fusarium verticillioides destroys corn by causing rotting diseases and also produces toxic secondary metabolites: fumonisins. These have been found to cause cancer and neural tube defects in humans, and several other diseases in animals. Therefore, much research is done to elucidate the factors involved in the biosynthesis of these toxins. The genes involved, organized in the FUM gene cluster, and the biosynthetic pathway have already been characterized. Several abiotic conditions, such as pH, light and carbon or nitrogen source have been found to influence the production of FB1, the most abundant fumonisin. By comparing the F. verticillioides genome with gene sequences from other fungi, new genes that are involved in regulation of secondary metabolism have been discovered. Amongst these are several transcription factors. G-proteins play a role in the regulation as well. Several epigenetic factors have been identified by using homology studies. The pathways between incoming signals and transcription still need to be elucidated. In the future, insight in the regulation of toxin synthesis may be used to grow and store crops under different conditions, minimizing toxin concentration.

Item Type:	Thesis (Master's Thesis / Essay)
Degree programme:	Biology
Thesis type:	Master's Thesis / Essay
Language:	English
Date Deposited:	15 Feb 2018 07:56
Last Modified:	15 Feb 2018 07:56
URI:	https://fse.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/11608

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