1
|
Ferrara M, Gallo A, Cervini C, Gambacorta L, Solfrizzo M, Baker SE, Perrone G. Evidence of the Involvement of a Cyclase Gene in the Biosynthesis of Ochratoxin A in Aspergillus carbonarius. Toxins (Basel) 2021; 13:toxins13120892. [PMID: 34941729 PMCID: PMC8705981 DOI: 10.3390/toxins13120892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Revised: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Ochratoxin A (OTA) is a well-known mycotoxin with wide distribution in food and feed. Fungal genome sequencing has great utility for identifying secondary metabolites gene clusters for known and novel compounds. A comparative analysis of the OTA-biosynthetic cluster in A. steynii, A. westerdijkiae, A. niger, A. carbonarius, and P. nordicum has revealed a high synteny in OTA cluster organization in five structural genes (otaA, otaB, ota, otaR1, and otaD). Moreover, a recent detailed comparative genome analysis of Aspergilli OTA producers led to the identification of a cyclase gene, otaY, located in the OTA cluster between the otaA and otaB genes, encoding for a predicted protein with high similarity to SnoaLs domain. These proteins have been shown to catalyze ring closure steps in the biosynthesis of polyketide antibiotics produced in Streptomyces. In the present study, we demonstrated an upregulation of the cyclase gene in A. carbonarius under OTA permissive conditions, consistent with the expression trends of the other OTA cluster genes and their role in OTA biosynthesis by complete gene deletion. Our results pointed out the involvement of a cyclase gene in OTA biosynthetic pathway for the first time. They represent a step forward in the understanding of the molecular basis of OTA biosynthesis in A. carbonarius.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Massimo Ferrara
- Institute of Sciences of Food Production (ISPA), National Research Council (CNR), 70126 Bari, Italy; (L.G.); (M.S.); (G.P.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Antonia Gallo
- Institute of Sciences of Food Production (ISPA), National Research Council (CNR), 73100 Lecce, Italy;
| | - Carla Cervini
- Applied Mycology Group, Environment and AgriFood Theme, Cranfield University, Cranfield MK43 0AL, UK;
| | - Lucia Gambacorta
- Institute of Sciences of Food Production (ISPA), National Research Council (CNR), 70126 Bari, Italy; (L.G.); (M.S.); (G.P.)
| | - Michele Solfrizzo
- Institute of Sciences of Food Production (ISPA), National Research Council (CNR), 70126 Bari, Italy; (L.G.); (M.S.); (G.P.)
| | - Scott E. Baker
- Functional and Systems Biology Group, Environmental Molecular Sciences Division, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, WA 99354, USA;
- DOE Joint Bioenergy Institute, Emeryville, CA 94608, USA
| | - Giancarlo Perrone
- Institute of Sciences of Food Production (ISPA), National Research Council (CNR), 70126 Bari, Italy; (L.G.); (M.S.); (G.P.)
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Wang Y, Lin W, Yan H, Neng J, Zheng Y, Yang K, Xing F, Sun P. iTRAQ proteome analysis of the antifungal mechanism of citral on mycelial growth and OTA production in Aspergillus ochraceus. J Sci Food Agric 2021; 101:4969-4979. [PMID: 33543481 DOI: 10.1002/jsfa.11140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2020] [Revised: 12/28/2020] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Aspergillus ochraceus causes food spoilage and produces mycotoxin ochratoxin A (OTA) during storage of agricultural commodities. In this study, citral was used to inhibit A. ochraceus growth and OTA accumulation, proteomic analysis was employed to verify the mechanism of citral. RESULTS Citral was found to significantly inhibit fungal growth and mycotoxin production in A. ochraceus. Specifically, 75, 125, 150 and 200 μL L-1 citral suppressed mycelial growth by 33%, 46%, 50% and 100%, respectively. Additionally, 75 μL L-1 citral inhibited OTA accumulation by 25%. Proteomic analysis was performed to elucidate the inhibitory mechanism of citral on mycelial growth and OTA production at subinhibitory concentrations (75 μL L-1 ). Proteomics analysis identified 2646 proteins in A. ochraceus fc-1, of which 218 were differentially expressed between control and 75 μL L-1 citral treatment samples. Differentially expressed proteins were identified by Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses of biological process, cellular component and molecular function terms. Potential factors affecting mycelial growth and OTA production were analysed, and OTA production was revealed to be a complex process involving many associated factors related to various processes including nutrient intake, sterol biosynthesis, ribosome biogenesis, energy metabolism, oxidative stress and amino acid metabolism. In addition, citral at 75 μL L-1 down-regulated OTA biosynthetic genes including pks and nrps, but slightly up-regulated the global regulatory factors veA, velB and laeA. CONCLUSION The findings further demonstrate the potential of citral for the preservation of grains and other agricultural products, and provide new insight into its antifungal mechanisms at subinhibitory concentrations. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yan Wang
- College of Food Science and Technology, Zhejiang University of Technology/Key Laboratory of Food Macromolecular Resources Processing Technology Research (Zhejiang University of Technology), China National Light Industry, Hangzhou, China
| | - Wei Lin
- College of Food Science and Technology, Zhejiang University of Technology/Key Laboratory of Food Macromolecular Resources Processing Technology Research (Zhejiang University of Technology), China National Light Industry, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hao Yan
- Zhejiang Provincial Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jing Neng
- College of Food Science and Technology, Zhejiang University of Technology/Key Laboratory of Food Macromolecular Resources Processing Technology Research (Zhejiang University of Technology), China National Light Industry, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yong Zheng
- College of Food Science and Technology, Zhejiang University of Technology/Key Laboratory of Food Macromolecular Resources Processing Technology Research (Zhejiang University of Technology), China National Light Industry, Hangzhou, China
| | - Kai Yang
- College of Food Science and Technology, Zhejiang University of Technology/Key Laboratory of Food Macromolecular Resources Processing Technology Research (Zhejiang University of Technology), China National Light Industry, Hangzhou, China
| | - Fuguo Xing
- Institute of Food Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences/Key Laboratory of Agro-products Quality and Safety Control in Storage and Transport Process, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Beijing, China
| | - Peilong Sun
- College of Food Science and Technology, Zhejiang University of Technology/Key Laboratory of Food Macromolecular Resources Processing Technology Research (Zhejiang University of Technology), China National Light Industry, Hangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Gerin D, Garrapa F, Ballester AR, González-Candelas L, De Miccolis Angelini RM, Faretra F, Pollastro S. Functional Role of Aspergillus carbonariusAcOTAbZIP Gene, a bZIP Transcription Factor within the OTA Gene Cluster. Toxins (Basel) 2021; 13:111. [PMID: 33540740 PMCID: PMC7913050 DOI: 10.3390/toxins13020111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Revised: 01/26/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Aspergillus carbonarius is the principal fungal species responsible for ochratoxin A (OTA) contamination of grapes and derived products in the main viticultural regions worldwide. In recent years, co-expressed genes representing a putative-OTA gene cluster were identified, and the deletion of a few of them allowed the partial elucidation of the biosynthetic pathway in the fungus. In the putative OTA-gene cluster is additionally present a bZIP transcription factor (AcOTAbZIP), and with this work, A. carbonarius ΔAcOTAbZIP strains were generated to study its functional role. According to phylogenetic analysis, the gene is conserved in the OTA-producing fungi. A Saccharomyces cerevisiae transcription factor binding motif (TFBM) homolog, associated with bZIP transcription factors was present in the A. carbonarius OTA-gene cluster no-coding regions. AcOTAbZIP deletion results in the loss of OTA and the intermediates OTB and OTβ. Additionally, in ΔAcOTAbZIP strains, a down-regulation of AcOTApks, AcOTAnrps, AcOTAp450, and AcOTAhal genes was observed compared to wild type (WT). These results provide evidence of the direct involvement of the AcOTAbZIP gene in the OTA biosynthetic pathway by regulating the involved genes. The loss of OTA biosynthesis ability does not affect fungal development as demonstrated by the comparison of ΔAcOTAbZIP strains and WT strains in terms of vegetative growth and asexual sporulation on three different media. Finally, no statistically significant differences in virulence were observed among ΔAcOTAbZIP strains and WT strains on artificially inoculated grape berries, demonstrating that OTA is not required by A. carbonarius for the pathogenicity process.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Donato Gerin
- Department of Soil, Plant and Food Sciences, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Via Giovanni Amendola, 165/A, 70126 Bari, Italy; (D.G.); (F.G.); (F.F.); (S.P.)
| | - Federica Garrapa
- Department of Soil, Plant and Food Sciences, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Via Giovanni Amendola, 165/A, 70126 Bari, Italy; (D.G.); (F.G.); (F.F.); (S.P.)
| | - Ana-Rosa Ballester
- Food Biotechnology Department, Instituto de Agroquímica y Tecnología de Alimentos (IATA-CSIC), Calle Catedrático Agustín Escardino 7, 46980 Paterna, Valencia, Spain; (A.-R.B.); (L.G.-C.)
| | - Luis González-Candelas
- Food Biotechnology Department, Instituto de Agroquímica y Tecnología de Alimentos (IATA-CSIC), Calle Catedrático Agustín Escardino 7, 46980 Paterna, Valencia, Spain; (A.-R.B.); (L.G.-C.)
| | - Rita Milvia De Miccolis Angelini
- Department of Soil, Plant and Food Sciences, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Via Giovanni Amendola, 165/A, 70126 Bari, Italy; (D.G.); (F.G.); (F.F.); (S.P.)
- SELGE Network of Public Research Laboratories, Via Amendola, 165/A, 70126 Bari, Italy
| | - Francesco Faretra
- Department of Soil, Plant and Food Sciences, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Via Giovanni Amendola, 165/A, 70126 Bari, Italy; (D.G.); (F.G.); (F.F.); (S.P.)
- SELGE Network of Public Research Laboratories, Via Amendola, 165/A, 70126 Bari, Italy
| | - Stefania Pollastro
- Department of Soil, Plant and Food Sciences, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Via Giovanni Amendola, 165/A, 70126 Bari, Italy; (D.G.); (F.G.); (F.F.); (S.P.)
- SELGE Network of Public Research Laboratories, Via Amendola, 165/A, 70126 Bari, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Boonmee S, Atanasova V, Chéreau S, Marchegay G, Hyde KD, Richard-Forget F. Efficiency of Hydroxycinnamic Phenolic Acids to Inhibit the Production of Ochratoxin A by Aspergillus westerdijkiae and Penicillium verrucosum. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E8548. [PMID: 33202726 PMCID: PMC7696880 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21228548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Revised: 11/04/2020] [Accepted: 11/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Ochratoxin A (OTA) is one of the worldwide most important mycotoxins in terms of health and agroeconomic consequences. With the aim to promote the use of phytochemicals as alternatives to synthetic fungicides, the effect of hydroxycinnamic acids on the fungal growth and OTA yield by two major OTA-producing species was investigated. After a first step dedicated to the definition of most suitable culture conditions, the impact of 0.5 mM ferulic (FER), p-coumaric (COUM), caffeic and chlorogenic acids was evaluated on Aspergillus westerdijkiae and Penicillium verrucosum. Whereas no fungal growth reduction was observed regardless of the phenolic acid and fungal isolate, our results demonstrated the capacity of FER and COUM to inhibit OTA production. The most efficient compound was FER that led to a 70% reduction of OTA yielded by P. verrucosum and, although not statistically significant, a 35% inhibition of OTA produced by A. westerdijkiae. To further investigate the bioactivity of FER and COUM, their metabolic fate was characterized in fungal broths. The capacity of P. verrucosum to metabolize FER and COUM through a C2-clivage type degradation was demonstrated. Overall, our data support the potential use of FER to prevent OTA contamination and reduce the use of synthetic pesticides.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Saranyaphat Boonmee
- Center of Excellence in Fungal Research, Mae Fah Luang University, Chiang Rai 57100, Thailand; (S.B.); (K.D.H.)
- School of Science, Mae Fah Luang University, Chiang Rai 57100, Thailand
| | - Vessela Atanasova
- UR1264 Mycology and Food Safety Research Unit (MycSA), INRAE Research Centre, F-22882 Villenave d’Ornon, France; (S.C.); (G.M.); (F.R.-F.)
| | - Sylvain Chéreau
- UR1264 Mycology and Food Safety Research Unit (MycSA), INRAE Research Centre, F-22882 Villenave d’Ornon, France; (S.C.); (G.M.); (F.R.-F.)
| | - Gisèle Marchegay
- UR1264 Mycology and Food Safety Research Unit (MycSA), INRAE Research Centre, F-22882 Villenave d’Ornon, France; (S.C.); (G.M.); (F.R.-F.)
| | - Kevin D. Hyde
- Center of Excellence in Fungal Research, Mae Fah Luang University, Chiang Rai 57100, Thailand; (S.B.); (K.D.H.)
| | - Florence Richard-Forget
- UR1264 Mycology and Food Safety Research Unit (MycSA), INRAE Research Centre, F-22882 Villenave d’Ornon, France; (S.C.); (G.M.); (F.R.-F.)
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Abdelmohsen S, Verheecke-Vaessen C, Garcia-Cela E, Medina A, Magan N. Dynamics of solute/matric stress interactions with climate change abiotic factors on growth, gene expression and ochratoxin A production by Penicillium verrucosum on a wheat-based matrix. Fungal Biol 2020; 125:62-68. [PMID: 33317777 DOI: 10.1016/j.funbio.2020.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2020] [Revised: 10/08/2020] [Accepted: 10/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Penicillium verrucosum contaminates temperate cereals with ochratoxin A (OTA) during harvesting and storage. We examined the effect of temperature (25 vs 30 oC), CO2 (400 vs 1000 ppm) and matric/solute stress (-2.8 vs -7.0 MPa) on (i) growth, (ii) key OTA biosynthetic genes and (iii) OTA production on a milled wheat substrate. Growth was generally faster under matric than solute stress at 25 oC, regardless of CO2 concentrations. At 30 oC, growth of P. verrucosum was significantly reduced under solute stress in both CO2 treatments, with no growth observed at -2.8 MPa (=0.98 water activity, aw) and 1000 ppm CO2. Overall, growth patterns under solute stress was slower in elevated CO2 than under matric stress when compared with existing conditions. The otapksPV gene expression was increased under elevated CO2 levels in matric stress treatments. There was fewer effects on the otanrpsPV biosynthetic gene. This pattern was paralleled with the production of OTA under these conditions. This suggest that P. verrucosum is able to actively grow and survive in both soil and on crop debris under three way interacting climate-related abiotic factors. This resilience suggests that they would still be able to pose an OTA contamination risk in temperate cereals post-harvest.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shaimaa Abdelmohsen
- Applied Mycology Group, Environment and AgriFood Theme, Cranfield University, Cranfield, Beds, MK43 0AL, UK
| | - Carol Verheecke-Vaessen
- Applied Mycology Group, Environment and AgriFood Theme, Cranfield University, Cranfield, Beds, MK43 0AL, UK
| | - Esther Garcia-Cela
- Applied Mycology Group, Environment and AgriFood Theme, Cranfield University, Cranfield, Beds, MK43 0AL, UK
| | - Angel Medina
- Applied Mycology Group, Environment and AgriFood Theme, Cranfield University, Cranfield, Beds, MK43 0AL, UK
| | - Naresh Magan
- Applied Mycology Group, Environment and AgriFood Theme, Cranfield University, Cranfield, Beds, MK43 0AL, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Castellá G, Bragulat MR, Cigliano RA, Cabañes FJ. Transcriptome analysis of non-ochratoxigenic Aspergillus carbonarius strains and interactions between some black aspergilli species. Int J Food Microbiol 2019; 317:108498. [PMID: 31918247 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijfoodmicro.2019.108498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2019] [Revised: 12/18/2019] [Accepted: 12/23/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Aspergillus carbonarius consistently produces large amounts of ochratoxin A (OTA), a mycotoxin with nephrotoxic effects on animals and humans. In the present study, we analyzed the transcriptional changes associated to OTA production in three atypical non-ochratoxigenic strains of A. carbonarius. In addition, in vitro interactions between ochratoxigenic strains of A. carbonarius and A. niger and non-ochratoxigenic strains of A. carbonarius and A. tubingensis were studied in order to evaluate their potential for controlling OTA production. RNA-seq analysis revealed that there are 696 differentially expressed genes identified in the three non-OTA-producing strains, including 280 up-regulated and 333 down-regulated genes. A functional and gene ontology enrichment analysis revealed that the processes related to metabolic and oxidation processes, associated with functions such as oxidoreductase and hydrolase activity were down regulated. All the genes related with OTA biosynthesis in A. carbonarius were the most down-regulated genes in non-ochratoxigenic strains. We also showed that these strains possess a deleterious mutation in the AcOTApks gene required for OTA biosynthesis. Moreover, one of these strains gave the best control of OTA production resulting in an OTA reduction of 98-100% in co-inoculation with an ochratoxigenic strain of A. niger and an OTA reduction of 79-89% with an ochratoxigenic strain of A. carbonarius. Results of this study provided novel insights into the knowledge of the OTA biosynthetic pathway in these non-ochratoxigenic wild strains, and showed the biocontrol potential of these strains.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gemma Castellá
- Veterinary Mycology Group, Department of Animal Health and Anatomy, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Catalonia, Spain
| | - M Rosa Bragulat
- Veterinary Mycology Group, Department of Animal Health and Anatomy, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Catalonia, Spain
| | | | - F Javier Cabañes
- Veterinary Mycology Group, Department of Animal Health and Anatomy, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Catalonia, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Ricelli A, De Angelis M, Primitivo L, Righi G, Sappino C, Antonioletti R. Role of Some Food-Grade Synthesized Flavonoids on the Control of Ochratoxin A in Aspergillus carbonarius. Molecules 2019; 24:molecules24142553. [PMID: 31337014 PMCID: PMC6680773 DOI: 10.3390/molecules24142553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2019] [Revised: 07/05/2019] [Accepted: 07/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Ochratoxin A (OTA) is a mycotoxin with a serious impact on human health. In Mediterranean countries, the black Aspergilli group, in particular Aspergillus carbonarius, causes the highest OTA contamination. Here we describe the synthesis of three polyphenolic flavonoids: 5-hydroxy-6,7-dimethoxy-flavone (MOS), 5,6-dihydroxy-7-methoxy-flavone (NEG), and 5,6 dihydroxy-flavone (DHF), as well as their effect on the prevention of OTA biosynthesis and lipoxygenase (LOX) activity in A. carbonarius cultured in a conducive liquid medium. The best control effect on OTA biosynthesis was achieved using NEG and DHF. In fungal cultures treated with these compounds at 5, 25, and 50 μg/mL, OTA biosynthesis significantly decreased throughout the 8-day experiment. NEG and DHF appear to have an inhibiting effect also on the activity of LOX, whereas MOS, which did not significantly inhibit OTA production, had no effect on LOX activity. The presence of free hydroxyls in catecholic position in the molecule appears to be a determining factor for significantly inhibiting OTA biosynthesis. However, the presence of a methoxy group in C-7 in NEG could slightly lower the molecule’s reactivity increasing OTA inhibition by this molecule at 5 μg/mL. Polyphenolic flavonoids present in edible plants may be easily synthesized and used to control OTA biosynthesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Ricelli
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology-CNR P.le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy.
| | - Martina De Angelis
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology-CNR P.le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
- Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University, P.le A Moro 5, I-00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Ludovica Primitivo
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology-CNR P.le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
- Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University, P.le A Moro 5, I-00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Giuliana Righi
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology-CNR P.le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Carla Sappino
- Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University, P.le A Moro 5, I-00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Roberto Antonioletti
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology-CNR P.le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Nerva L, Chitarra W, Siciliano I, Gaiotti F, Ciuffo M, Forgia M, Varese GC, Turina M. Mycoviruses mediate mycotoxin regulation in Aspergillus ochraceus. Environ Microbiol 2019. [PMID: 30289193 DOI: 10.111/1462-2920.14436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
To date, no demonstration of a direct correlation between the presence of mycoviruses and the quantitative or qualitative modulation of mycotoxins has been shown. In our study, we transfected a virus-free ochratoxin A (OTA)-producing isolate of Aspergillus ochraceus with purified mycoviruses from a different A. ochraceus isolate and from Penicillium aurantiogriseum. Among the mycoviruses tested, only Aspergillus ochraceus virus (AoV), a partitivirus widespread in A. ochraceus, caused a specific interaction that led to an overproduction of OTA, which is regulated by the European Commission and is the second most important contaminant of food and feed commodities. Gene expression analysis failed to reveal a specific viral upregulation of the mRNA of genes considered to play a role in the OTA biosynthetic pathway. Furthermore, AoOTApks1, a polyketide synthase gene considered essential for OTA production, is surprisingly absent in the genome of our OTA-producing isolate. The possible biological and evolutionary implications of the mycoviral regulation of mycotoxin production are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- L Nerva
- Council for Agricultural Research and Economics - Research Centre for Viticulture and Enology CREA-VE, Via XXVIII Aprile 26, 31015, Conegliano (TV), Italy
- Institute for Sustainable Plant Protection, CNR, Strada delle Cacce 73, 10135, Torino, Italy
| | - W Chitarra
- Council for Agricultural Research and Economics - Research Centre for Viticulture and Enology CREA-VE, Via XXVIII Aprile 26, 31015, Conegliano (TV), Italy
- Institute for Sustainable Plant Protection, CNR, Strada delle Cacce 73, 10135, Torino, Italy
| | - I Siciliano
- Council for Agricultural Research and Economics - Research Centre for Viticulture and Enology CREA-VE, Via XXVIII Aprile 26, 31015, Conegliano (TV), Italy
| | - F Gaiotti
- Council for Agricultural Research and Economics - Research Centre for Viticulture and Enology CREA-VE, Via XXVIII Aprile 26, 31015, Conegliano (TV), Italy
| | - M Ciuffo
- Institute for Sustainable Plant Protection, CNR, Strada delle Cacce 73, 10135, Torino, Italy
| | - M Forgia
- Institute for Sustainable Plant Protection, CNR, Strada delle Cacce 73, 10135, Torino, Italy
- Mycotheca Universitatis Taurinensis (MUT), Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, University of Turin, Viale Mattioli 25, 10125, Torino, Italy
| | - G C Varese
- Mycotheca Universitatis Taurinensis (MUT), Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, University of Turin, Viale Mattioli 25, 10125, Torino, Italy
| | - M Turina
- Institute for Sustainable Plant Protection, CNR, Strada delle Cacce 73, 10135, Torino, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Zhang J, Chen H, Sumarah MW, Gao Q, Wang D, Zhang Y. veA Gene Acts as a Positive Regulator of Conidia Production, Ochratoxin A Biosynthesis, and Oxidative Stress Tolerance in Aspergillus niger. J Agric Food Chem 2018; 66:13199-13208. [PMID: 30456955 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.8b04523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The veA gene is a key regulator governing morphogenetic development and secondary metabolism in many fungi. Here, we characterized and disrupted a veA orthologue in an ochratoxigenic Aspergillus niger strain. Morphological development, ochratoxin A (OTA) biosynthesis, and oxidative stress tolerance in the wild-type and veA disruption strains were further analyzed. Accordingly, the link between the veA gene and development of specific gene brlA, OTA biosynthesis key gene pks, and oxidative-stress-tolerance-related gene cat was explored. Results demonstrated that the veA gene acts as a positive regulator of conidia production, OTA biosynthesis, and oxidative stress tolerance in A. niger, regardless of light conditions. Darkness promoted conidial production and OTA biosynthesis in the A. niger wild-type strain. Our results contribute to a better understanding of the veA regulatory mechanism and suggest the veA gene as a potential target for developing control strategies for A. niger infection and OTA biosynthesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Mark W Sumarah
- London Research and Development Centre , Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada , 1391 Sandford Street , London , Ontario N5V 4T3 , Canada
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Fodil S, Delgado J, Varvaro L, Yaseen T, Rodríguez A. Effect of potassium sorbate (E-202) and the antifungal PgAFP protein on Aspergillus carbonarius growth and ochratoxin A production in raisin simulating media. J Sci Food Agric 2018; 98:5785-5794. [PMID: 29756353 DOI: 10.1002/jsfa.9128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2018] [Revised: 05/04/2018] [Accepted: 05/07/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ochratoxin A (OTA) is a mycotoxin produced by several species of Aspergillus and Penicillium fungi. The presence of OTA in raisins is mainly related to black Aspergillus spp. contamination. This toxin poses risks to human and animal health due to its high toxicity and carcinogenicity. New strategies to avoid the risk associated with OTA are therefore necessary. RESULTS A comparison was made between the effects of the antifungal protein PgAFP and potassium sorbate (E-202) on the growth of Aspergillus carbonarius, biosynthetic- and stress-related gene expression and its OTA production at two water activity (aw ) levels, 0.95 and 0.93 aw . The results showed that PgAFP successfully controlled OTA production, whereas E-202, despite being able to reduce Aspergillus carbonarius growth, caused a significant increase in OTA production by the fungus. CONCLUSION PgAFP protein, a biological compound with an antifungal activity, is safer to use than E-202 and may be proposed as a food preservative and a useful strategy to control ochratoxigenic A. carbonarius in raisins. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sihem Fodil
- Agronomic Mediterranean Institute of Bari (CIHEAM IAM Bari), Valenzano, Italy
- Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie e Forestale (DAFNE), Universitá degli Studi della Tuscia di Viterbo, Viterbo, Italy
| | - Josué Delgado
- Food Hygiene and Safety, Meat and Meat Products Research Institute, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain
- UGC Corazón. Hospital Clínico Universitario Virgen de la Victoria, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA), CIBERCV, Universidad de Málaga (UMA), Málaga, Spain
| | - Leonardo Varvaro
- Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie e Forestale (DAFNE), Universitá degli Studi della Tuscia di Viterbo, Viterbo, Italy
| | - Thaer Yaseen
- Agronomic Mediterranean Institute of Bari (CIHEAM IAM Bari), Valenzano, Italy
| | - Alicia Rodríguez
- Food Hygiene and Safety, Meat and Meat Products Research Institute, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Wang Y, Wang L, Wu F, Liu F, Wang Q, Zhang X, Selvaraj JN, Zhao Y, Xing F, Yin WB, Liu Y. A Consensus Ochratoxin A Biosynthetic Pathway: Insights from the Genome Sequence of Aspergillus ochraceus and a Comparative Genomic Analysis. Appl Environ Microbiol 2018; 84:e01009-18. [PMID: 30054361 PMCID: PMC6146979 DOI: 10.1128/aem.01009-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2018] [Accepted: 07/18/2018] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Ochratoxin A (OTA) is a toxic secondary metabolite produced by Aspergillus and Penicillium species that widely contaminates food and feed. We sequenced and assembled the complete ∼37-Mb genome of Aspergillusochraceus fc-1, a well-known producer of OTA. Key genes of the OTA biosynthetic pathway were identified by comparative genomic analyses with five other sequenced OTA-producing fungi: A. carbonarius, A. niger, A. steynii, A. westerdijkiae, and Penicillium nordicum OTA production was completely inhibited in the deletion mutants (ΔotaA, ΔotaB, ΔotaC, ΔotaD, and ΔotaR1), and OTA biosynthesis was restored by feeding a postblock substrate to the corresponding mutant. The OTA biosynthetic pathway was unblocked in the ΔotaD mutant by the addition of heterologously expressed halogenase. OTA biosynthesis begins with a polyketide synthase (PKS), OtaA, utilizing acetyl coenzyme A (acetyl-CoA) and malonyl-CoA to synthesize 7-methylmellein, which is oxidized to OTβ by cytochrome P450 monooxygenase (OtaC). OTβ and l-β-phenylalanine are combined by a nonribosomal peptide synthetase (NRPS), OtaB, to form an amide bond to synthesize OTB. Finally, OTB is chlorinated by a halogenase (OtaD) to OTA. The otaABCD genes were expressed at low levels in the ΔotaR1 mutant. A second regulator, otaR2, which is adjacent to the biosynthetic gene, could modulate only the expression of otaA, otaB, and otaD Thus, we have identified a consensus OTA biosynthetic pathway that can be used to prevent and control OTA synthesis and will help us understand the variation and production of the intermediate components in the biosynthetic pathway.IMPORTANCE Ochratoxin A (OTA) is a significant mycotoxin that contaminates cereal products, coffee, grapes, wine, cheese, and meat. OTA is nephrotoxic, carcinogenic, teratogenic, and immunotoxic. OTA contamination is a serious threat to food safety, endangers human health, and can cause huge economic losses. At present, >20 species of the genera Aspergillus and Penicillium are known to produce OTA. Here we demonstrate that a consensus OTA biosynthetic pathway exists in all OTA-producing fungi and is encoded by a gene cluster containing four highly conserved biosynthetic genes and a bZIP transcription factor.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yan Wang
- Institute of Food Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Agro-products Quality and Safety Control in Storage and Transport Process, Ministry of Agriculture, Beijing, China
| | - Liuqing Wang
- Institute of Food Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Fan Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Mycology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Fei Liu
- Institute of Food Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Qi Wang
- Institute of Food Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoling Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Mycology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jonathan Nimal Selvaraj
- Institute of Food Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yueju Zhao
- Institute of Food Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Agro-products Quality and Safety Control in Storage and Transport Process, Ministry of Agriculture, Beijing, China
| | - Fuguo Xing
- Institute of Food Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Agro-products Quality and Safety Control in Storage and Transport Process, Ministry of Agriculture, Beijing, China
| | - Wen-Bing Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Mycology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yang Liu
- Institute of Food Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Agro-products Quality and Safety Control in Storage and Transport Process, Ministry of Agriculture, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Wang L, Jin J, Liu X, Wang Y, Liu Y, Zhao Y, Xing F. Effect of Cinnamaldehyde on Morphological Alterations of Aspergillus ochraceus and Expression of Key Genes Involved in Ochratoxin A Biosynthesis. Toxins (Basel) 2018; 10:E340. [PMID: 30135391 PMCID: PMC6162615 DOI: 10.3390/toxins10090340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2018] [Revised: 08/14/2018] [Accepted: 08/16/2018] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Ochratoxin A (OTA) is a potent nephrotoxic, hepatotoxic, and teratogenic compound which is a significant mycotoxin contaminates cereals during storage. Aspergillus ochraceus is the most common producer of OTA in cereals and cereal-derived products. Cinnamaldehyde is a natural substance derived from plant cinnamon playing an important role in the reduction of OTA contamination. In this study, the antifungal and antitoxigenic effect of cinnamaldehyde was investigated with its mechanisms of inhibition of fungal growth at the morphological and ultrastructural levels, and inhibition of OTA biosynthesis at the transcriptional level. Significant A. ochraceus growth was inhibited at 0.4⁻1.6 mmol/L with fumigation. A. ochraceus exposed to 0.4 mmol/L of cinnamaldehyde indicated irreversible harmful morphological and ultrastructural modifications such as the folding of the cell, the loss of integrity of the cell wall, the disruption of plasma membrane, the destruction of the mitochondria, and the absence of intracellular organelles. These alterations may be attributed to its inhibition of enzymatic reactions that regulate cell wall synthesis, thus disturbing the morphogenesis and growth of A. ochraceus. In the presence of cinnamaldehyde, the tested biosynthetic and regulatory genes like pks, nrps, veA, laeA and velB were highly downregulated. Moreover, the downregulation effect of cinnamaldehyde increased proportionally with the concentrations. These results suggest that the decrease of OTA production by cinnamaldehyde is attributed to the downregulation of the transcriptional levels of OTA biosynthetic and regulatory genes besides the inhibition of fungal growth. The study reveals the mechanisms of the antifungal and antitoxigenic activities of cinnamaldehyde against A. ochraceus, and further emphasizes that cinnamaldehyde could be a safe and effective natural agents against OTA contamination during cereals storage.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Limin Wang
- Institute of Food Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences/Key Laboratory of Agro-Products Quality and Safety Control in Storage and Transport Process, Ministry of Agriculture, Beijing 100193, China.
| | - Jing Jin
- Institute of Food Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences/Key Laboratory of Agro-Products Quality and Safety Control in Storage and Transport Process, Ministry of Agriculture, Beijing 100193, China.
| | - Xiao Liu
- Institute of Food Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences/Key Laboratory of Agro-Products Quality and Safety Control in Storage and Transport Process, Ministry of Agriculture, Beijing 100193, China.
| | - Yan Wang
- Institute of Food Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences/Key Laboratory of Agro-Products Quality and Safety Control in Storage and Transport Process, Ministry of Agriculture, Beijing 100193, China.
| | - Yang Liu
- Institute of Food Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences/Key Laboratory of Agro-Products Quality and Safety Control in Storage and Transport Process, Ministry of Agriculture, Beijing 100193, China.
| | - Yueju Zhao
- Institute of Food Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences/Key Laboratory of Agro-Products Quality and Safety Control in Storage and Transport Process, Ministry of Agriculture, Beijing 100193, China.
| | - Fuguo Xing
- Institute of Food Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences/Key Laboratory of Agro-Products Quality and Safety Control in Storage and Transport Process, Ministry of Agriculture, Beijing 100193, China.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Wang Y, Liu F, Wang L, Wang Q, Selvaraj JN, Zhao Y, Wang Y, Xing F, Liu Y. pH-Signaling Transcription Factor AopacC Regulates Ochratoxin A Biosynthesis in Aspergillus ochraceus. J Agric Food Chem 2018; 66:4394-4401. [PMID: 29651846 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.8b00790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
In Aspergillus and Penicillium species, an essential pH-response transcription factor pacC is involved in growth, pathogenicity, and toxigenicity. To investigate the connection between ochratoxin A (OTA) biosynthesis and ambient pH, the AopacC in Aspergillus ochraceus was functionally characterized using a loss-of-function mutant. The mycelium growth was inhibited under pH 4.5 and 10.0, while the sporulation increased under alkaline condition. A reduction of mycelium growth and an elevation of sporulation was observed in Δ AopacC mutant. Compared to neutral condition, OTA contents were respectively reduced by 71.6 and 79.8% under acidic and alkaline conditions. The expression of AopacC increased with the elevated pH, and deleting AopacC dramatically decreased OTA production and biosynthetic genes Aopks expression. Additionally, the Δ AopacC mutant exhibited attenuated infection ability toward pear fruits. These results suggest that AopacC is an alkaline-induced regulator responsible for growth and OTA biosynthesis in A. ochraceus and this regulatory mechanism might be pH-dependent.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yan Wang
- Institute of Food Science and Technology , Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences/Key Laboratory of Agro-products Quality and Safety Control in Storage and Transport Process, Ministry of Agriculture , No. 2 Yuanmingyuan West Road , Haidian District, Beijing 100193 , PR China
| | - Fei Liu
- Institute of Food Science and Technology , Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences/Key Laboratory of Agro-products Quality and Safety Control in Storage and Transport Process, Ministry of Agriculture , No. 2 Yuanmingyuan West Road , Haidian District, Beijing 100193 , PR China
- School of Food and Biological Engineering , Jiangsu University , Zhenjiang 212013 , PR China
| | - Liuqing Wang
- Institute of Food Science and Technology , Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences/Key Laboratory of Agro-products Quality and Safety Control in Storage and Transport Process, Ministry of Agriculture , No. 2 Yuanmingyuan West Road , Haidian District, Beijing 100193 , PR China
| | - Qi Wang
- Institute of Food Science and Technology , Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences/Key Laboratory of Agro-products Quality and Safety Control in Storage and Transport Process, Ministry of Agriculture , No. 2 Yuanmingyuan West Road , Haidian District, Beijing 100193 , PR China
| | - Jonathan Nimal Selvaraj
- Institute of Food Science and Technology , Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences/Key Laboratory of Agro-products Quality and Safety Control in Storage and Transport Process, Ministry of Agriculture , No. 2 Yuanmingyuan West Road , Haidian District, Beijing 100193 , PR China
| | - Yueju Zhao
- Institute of Food Science and Technology , Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences/Key Laboratory of Agro-products Quality and Safety Control in Storage and Transport Process, Ministry of Agriculture , No. 2 Yuanmingyuan West Road , Haidian District, Beijing 100193 , PR China
| | - Yun Wang
- School of Food and Biological Engineering , Jiangsu University , Zhenjiang 212013 , PR China
| | - Fuguo Xing
- Institute of Food Science and Technology , Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences/Key Laboratory of Agro-products Quality and Safety Control in Storage and Transport Process, Ministry of Agriculture , No. 2 Yuanmingyuan West Road , Haidian District, Beijing 100193 , PR China
| | - Yang Liu
- Institute of Food Science and Technology , Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences/Key Laboratory of Agro-products Quality and Safety Control in Storage and Transport Process, Ministry of Agriculture , No. 2 Yuanmingyuan West Road , Haidian District, Beijing 100193 , PR China
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Lappa IK, Mparampouti S, Lanza B, Panagou EZ. Control of Aspergillus carbonarius in grape berries by Lactobacillus plantarum: A phenotypic and gene transcription study. Int J Food Microbiol 2018; 275:56-65. [PMID: 29635101 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijfoodmicro.2018.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2018] [Revised: 03/21/2018] [Accepted: 04/02/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The in vitro and in situ antifungal activity of Lactobacillus plantarum against the ochratoxigenic fungus Aspergillus carbonarius was investigated in this study. Four different fungal isolates from grape berries were co-cultured with four different strains of L. plantarum on Malt Extract Agar (MEA) plates at 30 °C. Bacterial strains inhibited fungal growth up to 88% and significantly reduced toxin production up to 100%. In addition, L. plantarum was evaluated as biocontrol agent against A. carbonarius growth and OTA production on table grapes. Temporal studies of bacterial antagonism were performed with two different grape cultivars. Artificially wounded and unwounded berries were pre-treated with 108 CFU/mL bacteria and inoculated with 106 spores/mL of A. carbonarius ochratoxigenic isolates. Biocontrol agents displayed high rate of colonization on grapes during 5 days of incubation at 30 °C. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) also determined the presence of microorganisms on grape surface. Bacterial strains were effective in controlling fungal infection reaching up to 71% inhibition rates. However the presence of wounds on grape skin facilitated infection of berries by A. carbonarius, since unwounded berries showed lower levels of infection. Results also revealed significant reduction in mycotoxin production ranging between 32% and 92%. Transcriptome analysis following exposure to co-cultivation, exhibited differential expression for each gene studied of AcOTAnrps (Aspergillus carbonarius OTA nonribosomal), AcOTApks (Aspergillus carbonarius OTA polyketide synthase) and laeA, emphasizing the significance of strain variability. The genes AcOTAnrps and laeA were most influenced by the presence of L. plantarum. This work is a contribution for the potential biocontrol of toxigenic fungi in table grapes by lactic acid bacteria (LAB). The above findings underline the significance of bacterial strain variability on the effectiveness of biopreservative features of L. plantarum strains.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Iliada K Lappa
- Laboratory of Microbiology and Biotechnology of Foods, Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Agricultural University of Athens (AUA), Iera Odos 75, 11855 Athens, Greece
| | - Sevasti Mparampouti
- Laboratory of Microbiology and Biotechnology of Foods, Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Agricultural University of Athens (AUA), Iera Odos 75, 11855 Athens, Greece
| | - Barbara Lanza
- Laboratory of Electron Microscopy, Research Centre for Engineering and Agro-food Processing (CREA-IT), Council for Agricultural Research and Economics (CREA), Via Nazionale 38, I-65012 Cepagatti, PE, Italy
| | - Efstathios Z Panagou
- Laboratory of Microbiology and Biotechnology of Foods, Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Agricultural University of Athens (AUA), Iera Odos 75, 11855 Athens, Greece.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Bragulat MR, Eustaquio A, Cabañes FJ. Study on the presence of ochratoxin α in cultures of ochratoxigenic and non- ochratoxigenic strains of Aspergillus carbonarius. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0185986. [PMID: 29016677 PMCID: PMC5634603 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0185986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2017] [Accepted: 09/23/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Ochratoxin A (OTA) is a potent nephrotoxin and carcinogen which is found in a wide variety of common foods and beverages and it is produced by several species of Aspergillus and Penicillium. Ochratoxin α (OTα), a major metabolite of OTA, has also been reported to occur in cultures of OTA-producing species. However there is some controversial about the participation of OTα in the biosynthesis of OTA, mainly because its biosynthesis pathway has not yet been completely characterized. Aspergillus carbonarius is the main responsible source of ochratoxin A (OTA) in food commodities such as wine, grapes or dried vine fruits from main viticultural regions worldwide. However, little is known about the presence of OTα in isolates of A. carbonarius. In this study we evaluated the effects of temperature and incubation time on OTα production by both OTA and non-OTA-producing strains of A. carbonarius. OTA and OTα were detected on the basis of HPLC fluorometric response compared with that of their standards and confirmed by HPLC-MS in selected samples. The non-OTA-producing strains did produce neither OTA nor OTα at any of the conditions tested. The OTA-producing strains studied were able to produce both OTA and OTα in most of the conditions tested. In general, higher amounts of OTA than OTα were produced, but a positive correlation in the production of these two metabolites was detected. The lack of production of both OTA and OTα in the non-OTA-producing strains could be caused by the presence of silent genes or by mutations in functional or regulatory genes involved in OTA production.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M. Rosa Bragulat
- Veterinary Mycology Group, Departament of Animal Health and Anatomy, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Alba Eustaquio
- Chemical Analysis Service, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - F. Javier Cabañes
- Veterinary Mycology Group, Departament of Animal Health and Anatomy, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Storari M, Broggini GAL. Identification of Ochratoxin A-Producing Black Aspergilli from Grapes Using Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP) Assays. Methods Mol Biol 2017; 1542:337-343. [PMID: 27924549 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-6707-0_22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) allows the rapid and specific amplification of target DNA under isothermal conditions without a prior DNA purification step. Moreover, successful amplifications can be directly evaluated through a color change of the reaction solutions. Here, we describe two LAMP assays for the detection of ochratoxin-A producing black aspergilli isolated from grapes. The two assays can detect DNA of OTA-producing black aspergilli following a very simple sample preparation and have the potential to significantly speed up the routine monitoring of these toxigenic molds in vineyards.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michelangelo Storari
- Institute for Food Sciences, Agroscope, Schwarzenburgstrasse 161, 3003, Bern, Switzerland.
| | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
Zhang J, Zhu L, Chen H, Li M, Zhu X, Gao Q, Wang D, Zhang Y. A Polyketide Synthase Encoded by the Gene An15g07920 Is Involved in the Biosynthesis of Ochratoxin A in Aspergillus niger. J Agric Food Chem 2016; 64:9680-9688. [PMID: 27959549 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.6b03907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The polyketide synthase gene An15g07920 was known in Aspergillus niger CBS 513.88 as putatively involved in the production of ochratoxin A (OTA). Genome resequencing analysis revealed that the gene An15g07920 is also present in the ochratoxin-producing A. niger strain 1062. Disruption of An15g07920 in A. niger 1062 removed its capacity to biosynthesize ochratoxin β (OTβ), ochratoxin α (OTα), and OTA. These results indicate that the polyketide synthase encoded by An15g07920 is a crucial player in the biosynthesis of OTA, in the pathway prior to the phenylalanine ligation step. The gene An15g07920 reached its maximum transcription level before OTA accumulation reached its highest level, confirming that gene transcription precedes OTA production. These findings will not only help explain the mechanism of OTA production in A. niger but also provide necessary information for the development of effective diagnostic, preventive, and control strategies to reduce the risk of OTA contamination in foods.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jian Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Fermentation Microbiology, Ministry of Education, Tianjin University of Science and Technology , Tianjin 300457, China
- Tianjin SF-Bio Industrial Bio-Tec Co., Ltd. , Tianjin 300462, China
| | - Liuyang Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Fermentation Microbiology, Ministry of Education, Tianjin University of Science and Technology , Tianjin 300457, China
| | - Haoyu Chen
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Fermentation Microbiology, Ministry of Education, Tianjin University of Science and Technology , Tianjin 300457, China
| | - Min Li
- College of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Tianjin University of Science and Technology , Tianjin 300457, China
| | - Xiaojuan Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Fermentation Microbiology, Ministry of Education, Tianjin University of Science and Technology , Tianjin 300457, China
| | - Qiang Gao
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Fermentation Microbiology, Ministry of Education, Tianjin University of Science and Technology , Tianjin 300457, China
| | - Depei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Fermentation Microbiology, Ministry of Education, Tianjin University of Science and Technology , Tianjin 300457, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Safety, Ministry of Education, Tianjin University of Science and Technology , Tianjin 300457, China
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Camardo Leggieri M, Decontardi S, Bertuzzi T, Pietri A, Battilani P. Modeling Growth and Toxin Production of Toxigenic Fungi Signaled in Cheese under Different Temperature and Water Activity Regimes. Toxins (Basel) 2016; 9:E4. [PMID: 28029129 PMCID: PMC5308237 DOI: 10.3390/toxins9010004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2016] [Revised: 12/20/2016] [Accepted: 12/21/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate in vitro and model the effect of temperature (T) and water activity (aw) conditions on growth and toxin production by some toxigenic fungi signaled in cheese. Aspergillus versicolor, Penicillium camemberti, P. citrinum, P. crustosum, P. nalgiovense, P. nordicum, P. roqueforti, P. verrucosum were considered they were grown under different T (0-40 °C) and aw (0.78-0.99) regimes. The highest relative growth occurred around 25 °C; all the fungi were very susceptible to aw and 0.99 was optimal for almost all species (except for A. versicolor, awopt = 0.96). The highest toxin production occurred between 15 and 25 °C and 0.96-0.99 aw. Therefore, during grana cheese ripening, managed between 15 and 22 °C, ochratoxin A (OTA), penitrem A (PA), roquefortine-C (ROQ-C) and mycophenolic acid (MPA) are apparently at the highest production risk. Bete and logistic function described fungal growth under different T and aw regimes well, respectively. Bete function described also STC, PA, ROQ-C and OTA production as well as function of T. These models would be very useful as starting point to develop a mechanistic model to predict fungal growth and toxin production during cheese ripening and to help advising the most proper setting of environmental factors to minimize the contamination risk.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marco Camardo Leggieri
- Department of Sustainable Crop Production-Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Via E. Parmense, 84, 29122 Piacenza, Italy.
| | - Simone Decontardi
- Department of Sustainable Crop Production-Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Via E. Parmense, 84, 29122 Piacenza, Italy.
| | - Terenzio Bertuzzi
- Institute of Food & Feed Science and Nutrition-Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Via E. Parmense, 84, 29122 Piacenza, Italy.
| | - Amedeo Pietri
- Institute of Food & Feed Science and Nutrition-Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Via E. Parmense, 84, 29122 Piacenza, Italy.
| | - Paola Battilani
- Department of Sustainable Crop Production-Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Via E. Parmense, 84, 29122 Piacenza, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Zhang X, Li Y, Wang H, Gu X, Zheng X, Wang Y, Diao J, Peng Y, Zhang H. Screening and Identification of Novel Ochratoxin A-Producing Fungi from Grapes. Toxins (Basel) 2016; 8:toxins8110333. [PMID: 27845758 PMCID: PMC5127129 DOI: 10.3390/toxins8110333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2016] [Revised: 10/24/2016] [Accepted: 11/08/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Ochratoxin A (OTA) contamination has been established as a world-wide problem. In this study, the strains with the ability of OTA production were screened by analyzing the green fluorescence of the isolates colonies from the grapes in Zhenjiang with 365 nm UV light and confirmed by HPLC with fluorescent detection (HPLC-FLD). The results showed that seven isolates acquired the characteristic of the fluorescence, of which only five showed the ability of OTA production as confirmed by HPLC-FLD analysis. The five OTA-producing strains were identified based on comparative sequence analysis of three conserved genes (ITS, BenA and RPB2) of the strains, and they are Talaromyces rugulosus (O1 and Q3), Penicillium commune (V5-1), Penicillium rubens (MQ-5) and Aspergillus aculeatus (MB1-1). There are two Penicillium species of the five OTA-producing strains and our study is the first to report that P. rubens, T. rugulosus and A. aculeatus can produce OTA. This work would contribute to comprehensively understanding the fungi with an OTA-producing ability in grapes before harvest and then take effective measures to prevent OTA production.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyun Zhang
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Jiangsu University, 301 Xuefu Road, Zhenjiang 212013, China.
| | - Yulin Li
- Hubei Key Laboratory, Edible Wild Plants Conservation and Utilization, 11 Cihu Road, Huangshi 435002, China.
| | - Haiying Wang
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Jiangsu University, 301 Xuefu Road, Zhenjiang 212013, China.
| | - Xiangyu Gu
- School of Grain Science and Technology, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, 2 Mengxi Road, Zhenjiang 212003, China.
| | - Xiangfeng Zheng
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Jiangsu University, 301 Xuefu Road, Zhenjiang 212013, China.
| | - Yun Wang
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Jiangsu University, 301 Xuefu Road, Zhenjiang 212013, China.
| | - Junwei Diao
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Jiangsu University, 301 Xuefu Road, Zhenjiang 212013, China.
| | - Yaping Peng
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Jiangsu University, 301 Xuefu Road, Zhenjiang 212013, China.
| | - Hongyin Zhang
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Jiangsu University, 301 Xuefu Road, Zhenjiang 212013, China.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Ferrara M, Perrone G, Gambacorta L, Epifani F, Solfrizzo M, Gallo A. Identification of a Halogenase Involved in the Biosynthesis of Ochratoxin A in Aspergillus carbonarius. Appl Environ Microbiol 2016; 82:5631-41. [PMID: 27422838 PMCID: PMC5007760 DOI: 10.1128/aem.01209-16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2016] [Accepted: 06/27/2016] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED Aspergillus carbonarius is the main responsible fungus of ochratoxin A (OTA) contamination of grapes and derived products. To date, the biosynthetic mechanism of this mycotoxin has been partially elucidated. Availability of genome sequence of A. carbonarius has allowed the identification of a putative gene cluster involved in OTA biosynthesis. This region hosts the previously characterized AcOTAnrps and AcOTApks genes encoding two key enzymes of the biosynthetic pathway. At about 4,400 nucleotides downstream of these loci, a gene encoding a putative flavin dependent-halogenase came out from the annotation data. Its proximity to OTA biosynthetic genes and its sequence analysis have suggested a role in the biosynthesis of OTA, directed to the introduction of the chlorine atom in the C-5 position of the final molecular structure of this mycotoxin. The deduced protein sequence of the halogenase gene, we designated AcOTAhal, shows a high similarity to a halogenase that is located in the OTA cluster of A. niger The deletion of the halogenase gene completely eliminated the production of ochratoxin A in A. carbonarius and determined a significant increase of ochratoxin B, as confirmed by mass spectrometry analysis. Moreover, its expression profile was similar to the two biosynthetic genes previously identified, AcOTApks and AcOTAnrps, indicating a strong correlation of the AcOTAhal gene with the kinetics of OTA accumulation in A. carbonarius. Therefore, experimental evidence confirmed that the chlorination step which converts OTB in OTA represents the final stage of the biosynthetic pathway, supporting our earlier hypothesis on the order of enzymatic steps of OTA biosynthesis in A. carbonarius IMPORTANCE Ochratoxin A is a potent mycotoxin classified as a possible carcinogen for humans, and Aspergillus carbonarius is the main agent responsible for OTA accumulation in grapes. We demonstrate here that a flavin-halogenase is implicated in the biosynthesis of OTA in A. carbonarius The encoding gene, AcOTAhal, is contiguous to biosynthetic genes that we have already described (nrps and pks), resulting as part of the biosynthetic cluster. The encoded protein is responsible of the introduction of chlorine atom in the final molecular structure and acts at the last step in the pathway. This study can be considered a continuation of an earlier study wherein we started to clarify the molecular basis of OTA biosynthesis in A. carbonarius, which has not been completely elucidated until now. This research represents an important step forward to a better understanding of the production mechanism, which will contribute to the development of improved control strategies to reduce the risk of OTA contamination in food products.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Massimo Ferrara
- Institute of Sciences of Food Production, National Research Council, Bari, Italy
| | - Giancarlo Perrone
- Institute of Sciences of Food Production, National Research Council, Bari, Italy
| | - Lucia Gambacorta
- Institute of Sciences of Food Production, National Research Council, Bari, Italy
| | - Filomena Epifani
- Institute of Sciences of Food Production, National Research Council, Bari, Italy
| | - Michele Solfrizzo
- Institute of Sciences of Food Production, National Research Council, Bari, Italy
| | - Antonia Gallo
- Institute of Sciences of Food Production, National Research Council, Lecce, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
El Khoury R, Atoui A, Verheecke C, Maroun R, El Khoury A, Mathieu F. Essential Oils Modulate Gene Expression and Ochratoxin A Production in Aspergillus carbonarius. Toxins (Basel) 2016; 8:E242. [PMID: 27548221 PMCID: PMC4999858 DOI: 10.3390/toxins8080242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2016] [Accepted: 08/09/2016] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Ochratoxin A (OTA) is a mycotoxin, mainly produced on grapes by Aspergillus carbonarius, that causes massive health problems for humans. This study aims to reduce the occurrence of OTA by using the ten following essential oils (E.Os): fennel, cardamom, anise, chamomile, celery, cinnamon, thyme, taramira, oregano and rosemary at 1 µL/mL and 5 µL/mL for each E.O.As a matter of fact, their effects on the OTA production and the growth of A. carbonarius S402 cultures were evaluated, after four days at 28 °C on a Synthetic Grape Medium (SGM). Results showed that A. carbonarius growth was reduced up to 100%, when cultured with the E.Os of cinnamon, taramira, and oregano at both concentrations and the thyme at 5 µL/mL. As for the other six E.Os, their effect on A. carbonarius growth was insignificant, but highly important on the OTA production. Interestingly, the fennel E.O at 5 µL/mL reduced the OTA production up to 88.9% compared to the control, with only 13.8% of fungal growth reduction. We further investigated the effect of these E.Os on the expression levels of the genes responsible for the OTA biosynthesis (acOTApks and acOTAnrps along with the acpks gene) as well as the two regulatory genes laeA and vea, using the quantitative Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR) method. The results revealed that these six E.Os reduced the expression of the five studied genes, where the ackps was downregulated by 99.2% (the highest downregulation in this study) with 5 µL/mL of fennel E.O.As for the acOTApks, acOTAnrps, veA and laeA, their reduction levels ranged between 10% and 96% depending on the nature of the E.O and its concentration in the medium.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rachelle El Khoury
- Laboratoire de Mycologie et Sécurité Alimentaire (LMSA), Centre d'analyse et de Recherche (CAR), Campus des Sciences et Technologie, Université Saint-Joseph, Mkalles-Beyrouth 1107-2050, Lebanon.
- Laboratoire de Génie Chimique, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, INPT, UPS, Toulouse 31326, France.
| | - Ali Atoui
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Department of Natural Sciences and Earth, Faculty of Sciences I, Lebanese University, Hadath Campus, Beirut P.O Box 11-8281, Lebanon.
| | - Carol Verheecke
- Laboratoire de Génie Chimique, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, INPT, UPS, Toulouse 31326, France
| | - Richard Maroun
- Laboratoire de Mycologie et Sécurité Alimentaire (LMSA), Centre d'analyse et de Recherche (CAR), Campus des Sciences et Technologie, Université Saint-Joseph, Mkalles-Beyrouth 1107-2050, Lebanon.
| | - Andre El Khoury
- Laboratoire de Mycologie et Sécurité Alimentaire (LMSA), Centre d'analyse et de Recherche (CAR), Campus des Sciences et Technologie, Université Saint-Joseph, Mkalles-Beyrouth 1107-2050, Lebanon.
| | - Florence Mathieu
- Laboratoire de Génie Chimique, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, INPT, UPS, Toulouse 31326, France
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Wang Y, Wang L, Liu F, Wang Q, Selvaraj JN, Xing F, Zhao Y, Liu Y. Ochratoxin A Producing Fungi, Biosynthetic Pathway and Regulatory Mechanisms. Toxins (Basel) 2016; 8:E83. [PMID: 27007394 PMCID: PMC4810228 DOI: 10.3390/toxins8030083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2016] [Revised: 02/28/2016] [Accepted: 03/14/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Ochratoxin A (OTA), mainly produced by Aspergillus and Penicillum species, is one of the most important mycotoxin contaminants in agricultural products. It is detrimental to human health because of its nephrotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, carcinogenicity, teratogenicity, and immunosuppression. OTA structurally consists of adihydrocoumarin moiety linked with l-phenylalanine via an amide bond. OTA biosynthesis has been putatively hypothesized, although several contradictions exist on some processes of the biosynthetic pathway. We discuss recent information on molecular studies of OTA biosynthesis despite insufficient genetic background in detail. Accordingly, genetic regulation has also been explored with regard to the interaction between the regulators and the environmental factors. In this review, we focus on three aspects of OTA: OTA-producing strains, OTA biosynthetic pathway and the regulation mechanisms of OTA production. This can pave the way to assist in protecting food and feed from OTA contamination by understanding OTA biosynthetic pathway and regulatory mechanisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yan Wang
- Institute of Food Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, 1 Nongda South Road, Xibeiwang Town, Haidian District, Beijing 100193, China.
- Key Laboratory of Agro-products Processing, Ministry of Agriculture, 1 Nongda South Road, Xibeiwang Town, Haidian District, Beijing 100193, China.
| | - Liuqing Wang
- Institute of Food Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, 1 Nongda South Road, Xibeiwang Town, Haidian District, Beijing 100193, China.
| | - Fei Liu
- Institute of Food Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, 1 Nongda South Road, Xibeiwang Town, Haidian District, Beijing 100193, China.
| | - Qi Wang
- Institute of Food Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, 1 Nongda South Road, Xibeiwang Town, Haidian District, Beijing 100193, China.
| | - Jonathan Nimal Selvaraj
- Institute of Food Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, 1 Nongda South Road, Xibeiwang Town, Haidian District, Beijing 100193, China.
| | - Fuguo Xing
- Institute of Food Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, 1 Nongda South Road, Xibeiwang Town, Haidian District, Beijing 100193, China.
- Key Laboratory of Agro-products Processing, Ministry of Agriculture, 1 Nongda South Road, Xibeiwang Town, Haidian District, Beijing 100193, China.
| | - Yueju Zhao
- Institute of Food Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, 1 Nongda South Road, Xibeiwang Town, Haidian District, Beijing 100193, China.
- Key Laboratory of Agro-products Processing, Ministry of Agriculture, 1 Nongda South Road, Xibeiwang Town, Haidian District, Beijing 100193, China.
| | - Yang Liu
- Institute of Food Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, 1 Nongda South Road, Xibeiwang Town, Haidian District, Beijing 100193, China.
- Key Laboratory of Agro-products Processing, Ministry of Agriculture, 1 Nongda South Road, Xibeiwang Town, Haidian District, Beijing 100193, China.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Crespo-Sempere A, Selma-Lázaro C, Palumbo JD, González-Candelas L, Martínez-Culebras PV. Effect of oxidant stressors and phenolic antioxidants on the ochratoxigenic fungus Aspergillus carbonarius. J Sci Food Agric 2016; 96:169-177. [PMID: 25644738 DOI: 10.1002/jsfa.7077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2014] [Revised: 11/26/2014] [Accepted: 01/06/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There are few studies dealing with the relationship between oxidative stress and ochratoxin A (OTA) biosynthesis. In this work, we analyzed the effect of the oxidant stressor menadione and the antioxidants 3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxytoluene (BHT), catechin, resveratrol and a polyphenolic extract on growth, generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), OTA production and gene expression of antioxidant enzymes of Aspergillus carbonarius. RESULTS Exposure to menadione concentrations higher than 20 µmol L(-1) led to increases in ROS and OTA levels and a decrease in growth rate. Exposure to 2.5-10 mmol L(-1) BHT also led to higher ROS and OTA levels, although growth rate was only affected above 5 mmol L(-1). Naturally occurring concentrations of catechin, resveratrol and polyphenolic extract barely affected growth rate, but they produced widely different effects on OTA production level depending on the antioxidant concentration used. In general, gene expression of antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD) and peroxiredoxin (PRX) was downregulated after exposure to oxidant and antioxidant concentrations that enhanced OTA production level. CONCLUSION Aspergillus carbonarius responds to oxidative stress, increasing OTA production. Nevertheless, the use of naturally occurring concentrations of antioxidant phenolic compounds to reduce oxidative stress is not a valid approach by itself for OTA contamination control in grapes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana Crespo-Sempere
- Departamento de Ciencias de los Alimentos, Instituto de Agroquímica y Tecnología de los Alimentos (IATA-CSIC), 46980 Valencia, Spain
- Departamento de Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Ciencias de la Alimentación, Bromatología, Toxicología y Medicina Legal, Universitat de València, 46100 Valencia, Spain
| | - Cristina Selma-Lázaro
- Departamento de Ciencias de los Alimentos, Instituto de Agroquímica y Tecnología de los Alimentos (IATA-CSIC), 46980 Valencia, Spain
- Departamento de Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Ciencias de la Alimentación, Bromatología, Toxicología y Medicina Legal, Universitat de València, 46100 Valencia, Spain
| | - Jeffrey D Palumbo
- Foodborne Toxin Detection and Prevention Research Unit, US Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Albany, CA 94710, USA
| | - Luis González-Candelas
- Departamento de Ciencias de los Alimentos, Instituto de Agroquímica y Tecnología de los Alimentos (IATA-CSIC), 46980 Valencia, Spain
| | - Pedro V Martínez-Culebras
- Departamento de Ciencias de los Alimentos, Instituto de Agroquímica y Tecnología de los Alimentos (IATA-CSIC), 46980 Valencia, Spain
- Departamento de Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Ciencias de la Alimentación, Bromatología, Toxicología y Medicina Legal, Universitat de València, 46100 Valencia, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Gerin D, De Miccolis Angelini RM, Pollastro S, Faretra F. RNA-Seq Reveals OTA-Related Gene Transcriptional Changes in Aspergillus carbonarius. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0147089. [PMID: 26765536 PMCID: PMC4713082 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0147089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2015] [Accepted: 12/26/2015] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Ochratoxin A (OTA) is a mycotoxin harmful for animals and humans. Aspergillus carbonarius is the main responsible for OTA contamination of grapes and derived products. Gene transcriptional profiling of 4 A. carbonarius strains was carried out by RNA-Seq analysis to study transcriptome changes associated with OTA production. By comparing OTA inducing (OTAI) vs. non-inducing (OTAN) cultural conditions, a total of 3,705 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) (fold change > |2| and FDR ≤ 0.05) were identified. Several genes involved in primary metabolic processes, with particular regard to carbohydrate and amino acid metabolisms, secondary metabolic processes, transport, response to stress and sporulation were up-regulated by OTAI conditions at all the analysed sampling times (4, 6 and 8 DAI) or starting from 6 DAI. Highly up-regulated DEGs encoding enzymes involved in biosynthesis of secondary metabolites, oxidoreductases, transporters and transcription factors were examined for their potential involvement in OTA biosynthesis and related metabolic pathways. Differential expression of genes encoding polyketide synthases (pks), non-ribosomal peptide synthetases (nrps) and chloroperoxidase (cpo) was validated by RT-qPCR. Among clusters of co-regulated genes involved in SM biosynthesis, one putative OTA-gene cluster, including both pks and nrps genes, was detected in the A. carbonarius genome.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Donato Gerin
- Department of Soil, Plant and Food Sciences, Section of Plant Pathology, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Rita M. De Miccolis Angelini
- Department of Soil, Plant and Food Sciences, Section of Plant Pathology, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Stefania Pollastro
- Department of Soil, Plant and Food Sciences, Section of Plant Pathology, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Francesco Faretra
- Department of Soil, Plant and Food Sciences, Section of Plant Pathology, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Abstract
Ochratoxins are a group of mycotoxins produced by a variety of moulds. Ochratoxin A (OTA), the most prominent member of this toxin family, was first described by van der Merwe et al. in Nature in 1965. Dietary exposure to OTA represents a serious health issue and has been associated with several human and animal diseases including poultry ochratoxicosis, porcine nephropathy, human endemic nephropathies and urinary tract tumours in humans. More than 30 years ago, OTA was shown to be carcinogenic in rodents and since then extensive research has been performed in order to investigate its mode of action, however, this is still under debate. OTA is regarded as the most toxic family member, however, other ochratoxins or their metabolites and, in particular, ochratoxin mixtures or combinations with other mycotoxins may represent serious threats to human and animal health. This review summarises and evaluates current knowledge about the differential and comparative toxicity of the ochratoxin group.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra H Heussner
- Human and Environmental Toxicology, University of Konstanz, Universitätsstrasse 10, 78457 Konstanz, Germany.
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Well-Being, University of Sunderland, City Campus, Sunderland SR1 3SD, UK.
| | - Lewis E H Bingle
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Well-Being, University of Sunderland, City Campus, Sunderland SR1 3SD, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Wang L, Wang Y, Wang Q, Liu F, Selvaraj JN, Liu L, Xing F, Zhao Y, Zhou L, Liu Y. Functional Characterization of New Polyketide Synthase Genes Involved in Ochratoxin A Biosynthesis in Aspergillus Ochraceus fc-1. Toxins (Basel) 2015; 7:2723-38. [PMID: 26213966 PMCID: PMC4549720 DOI: 10.3390/toxins7082723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2015] [Revised: 07/10/2015] [Accepted: 07/17/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Ochratoxin A (OTA), a potentially carcinogenic mycotoxin which contaminates grains, is produced by several Aspergillus species. A comparative sequence analysis of the OTA-producing Aspergillus ochraceus fc-1 strain and other Aspergillus species was performed. Two new OTA-related polyketide synthase (PKS) (AoOTApks) genes were identified. The predicted amino acid sequence of AoOTApks-1 displayed high similarity to previously identified PKSs from OTA-producing A. carbonarius ITEM 5010 (67%; [PI] No. 173482) and A. niger CBS 513.88 (62%; XP_001397313). However, the predicted amino acid sequence of AoOTApks-2 displayed lower homology with A. niger CBS 513.88 (38%) and A. carbonarius ITEM 5010 (28%). A phylogenetic analysis of the β-ketosynthase and acyl-transferase domains of the AoOTApks proteins indicated that they shared a common origin with other OTA-producing species, such as A. carbonarius, A. niger, and A. westerdijkiae. A real-time reverse-transcription PCR analysis showed that the expression of AoOTApks-1 and -2 was positively correlated with the OTA concentration. The pks gene deleted mutants ∆AoOTApks-1 and ∆AoOTApks-2 produced nil and lesser OTA than the wild-type strain, respectively. Our study suggests that AoOTApks-1 could be involved in OTA biosynthesis, while AoOTApks-2 might be indirectly involved in OTA production.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Liuqing Wang
- Institute of Food Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, 1 Nongda South Road, Xibeiwang Town, Haidian District, Beijing 100193, China.
| | - Yan Wang
- Institute of Food Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, 1 Nongda South Road, Xibeiwang Town, Haidian District, Beijing 100193, China.
- Key Laboratory of Agro-products Processing, Ministry of Agriculture, 1 Nongda South Road, Xibeiwang Town, Haidian District, Beijing 100193, China.
| | - Qi Wang
- Institute of Food Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, 1 Nongda South Road, Xibeiwang Town, Haidian District, Beijing 100193, China.
| | - Fei Liu
- Institute of Food Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, 1 Nongda South Road, Xibeiwang Town, Haidian District, Beijing 100193, China.
| | - Jonathan Nimal Selvaraj
- Institute of Food Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, 1 Nongda South Road, Xibeiwang Town, Haidian District, Beijing 100193, China.
| | - Lingna Liu
- Institute of Food Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, 1 Nongda South Road, Xibeiwang Town, Haidian District, Beijing 100193, China.
| | - Fuguo Xing
- Institute of Food Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, 1 Nongda South Road, Xibeiwang Town, Haidian District, Beijing 100193, China.
- Key Laboratory of Agro-products Processing, Ministry of Agriculture, 1 Nongda South Road, Xibeiwang Town, Haidian District, Beijing 100193, China.
| | - Yueju Zhao
- Institute of Food Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, 1 Nongda South Road, Xibeiwang Town, Haidian District, Beijing 100193, China.
- Key Laboratory of Agro-products Processing, Ministry of Agriculture, 1 Nongda South Road, Xibeiwang Town, Haidian District, Beijing 100193, China.
| | - Lu Zhou
- Institute of Food Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, 1 Nongda South Road, Xibeiwang Town, Haidian District, Beijing 100193, China.
- Key Laboratory of Agro-products Processing, Ministry of Agriculture, 1 Nongda South Road, Xibeiwang Town, Haidian District, Beijing 100193, China.
| | - Yang Liu
- Institute of Food Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, 1 Nongda South Road, Xibeiwang Town, Haidian District, Beijing 100193, China.
- Key Laboratory of Agro-products Processing, Ministry of Agriculture, 1 Nongda South Road, Xibeiwang Town, Haidian District, Beijing 100193, China.
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
García-Cela E, Crespo-Sempere A, Gil-Serna J, Porqueres A, Marin S. Fungal diversity, incidence and mycotoxin contamination in grapes from two agro-climatic Spanish regions with emphasis on Aspergillus species. J Sci Food Agric 2015; 95:1716-1729. [PMID: 25131651 DOI: 10.1002/jsfa.6876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2014] [Revised: 06/30/2014] [Accepted: 08/08/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fourteen vineyards from two different agro-climatic regions in Spain were sampled in two consecutive years in order to determinate the grape mycobiota and diversity indexes with the final aim to define the potential mycotoxigenic species from both regions and their relationship. RESULTS The most common fungal genera encountered were Aspergillus (30.0%), Alternaria (53.2%), Cladosporium (11.9%) and Penicillium (2.9%). Black aspergilli presence in the hotter region (south) was significantly higher (P < 0.05) than in the northeast in both years. Among black aspergilli, A. tubingensis seemed to be the better adapted species to environmental conditions, while A. carbonarius was the main potentially ochratoxigenic species in both regions and years, owing to the most relevant percentage of ochratoxigenic isolates. Ochratoxin A (OTA)-positive musts were only detected from southern vineyards, although contamination was always lower than 0.1 µg L(-1) . Finally, none of black aspergilli tested produced fumonisins (FBs) on Czapek yeast extract agar (CYA), while 63% of A. niger tested produced FB2 when inoculated on CYA20S, reaching 100% of isolates from the south. CONCLUSION Climate change scenarios in southern Europe point to an increase in temperature and drought. This could promote particularly adapted species such as A. niger, decreasing OTA risk, but this could lead to an increase in FB2 presence.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Esther García-Cela
- Applied Mycology Unit, Food Technology Department, University of Lleida, UTPV-XaRTA, Agrotecnio Center, 25198, Lleida, Spain
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
28
|
Mudili V, Siddaih CN, Nagesh M, Garapati P, Naveen Kumar K, Murali HS, Yli Mattila T, Batra HV. Mould incidence and mycotoxin contamination in freshly harvested maize kernels originated from India. J Sci Food Agric 2014; 94:2674-2683. [PMID: 24609945 DOI: 10.1002/jsfa.6608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2013] [Revised: 01/30/2014] [Accepted: 01/30/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In this study, mould incidence and mycotoxin contamination were determined in freshly harvested maize samples collected from different agroclimatic regions of India. A total of 150 freshly harvested maize samples from major maize-growing areas of India (Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Tamilnadu) were collected during winter seasons 2010-2011 and 2011-2012 to determine their toxigenic fungal incidences, and mycotoxins were analyzed and quantified by high-perfomance liquid chromatography. A total of 288 fungal isolates comprising Fusarium, Aspergillus and Penicillium species were tested for aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), ochratoxin A (OTA), trichothecenes (deoxynivalenol (DON) and T-2 toxin) and fumonisin B1 (FB1). Chemotype determination of fungal isolates was carried out by molecular and chemical analysis through polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and high-performance thin layer chromatography respectively. The diversity and distribution of the mycoflora among the studied samples were recorded in terms of frequency, density, importance value index and diversity indices. RESULTS A total of 288 fungal isolates were recovered from the 150 maize samples, of which 28 were positive for AFB1, 20 for OTA, 58 for FB1, 23 for DON and 11 for T-2 toxin chemotypes by PCR. Species-specific PCR assays were in line with morphological analysis. Toxigenic fungal incidences were found throughout the study region, and most of the toxins under study exceeded the maximum legal limits. The range of observed toxin concentrations were 48-58 µg AFB1, 76-123 µg FB1, 38-50 µg T-2, 72-94 µg DON and <5 µg OTA kg⁻¹ grain sample. CONCLUSION Owing to the high incidences of toxigenic moulds and mycotoxins in the study area, there is a need for the creation of mycotoxin awareness among maize farmers of India to control the chronic adverse health effects on humans and livestock due to mycotoxins.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Venkataramana Mudili
- DRDO-BU Centre for Life Sciences, Bharathiar University Campus, Coimbatore-641 046, Tamilnadu, India
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
29
|
Hua H, Xing F, Selvaraj JN, Wang Y, Zhao Y, Zhou L, Liu X, Liu Y. Inhibitory effect of essential oils on Aspergillus ochraceus growth and ochratoxin A production. PLoS One 2014; 9:e108285. [PMID: 25255251 PMCID: PMC4178002 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0108285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2014] [Accepted: 08/19/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Ochratoxin A (OTA) is a mycotoxin which is a common contaminant in grains during storage. Aspergillus ochraceus is the most common producer of OTA. Essential oils play a crucial role as a biocontrol in the reduction of fungal contamination. Essential oils namely natural cinnamaldehyde, cinnamon oil, synthetic cinnamaldehyde, Litsea citrate oil, citral, eugenol, peppermint, eucalyptus, anise and camphor oils, were tested for their efficacy against A. ochraceus growth and OTA production by fumigation and contact assays. Natural cinnamaldehyde proved to be the most effective against A. ochraceus when compared to other oils. Complete fungal growth inhibition was obtained at 150-250 µL/L with fumigation and 250-500 µL/L with contact assays for cinnamon oil, natural and synthetic cinnamaldehyde, L. citrate oil and citral. Essential oils had an impact on the ergosterol biosynthesis and OTA production. Complete inhibition of ergosterol biosynthesis was observed at ≥ 100 µg/mL of natural cinnamaldehyde and at 200 µg/mL of citral, but total inhibition was not observed at 200 µg/mL of eugenol. But, citral and eugenol could inhibit the OTA production at ≥ 75 µg/mL and ≥ 150 µg/mL respectively, while natural cinnamaldehyde couldn't fully inhibit OTA production at ≤ 200 µg/mL. The inhibition of OTA by natural cinnamaldehyde is mainly due to the reduction in fungal biomass. However, citral and eugenol could significant inhibit the OTA biosynthetic pathway. Also, we observed that cinnamaldehyde was converted to cinnamic alcohol by A. ochraceus, suggesting that the antimicrobial activity of cinnamaldehyde was mainly attributed to its carbonyl aldehyde group. The study concludes that natural cinnamaldehyde, citral and eugenol could be potential biocontrol agents against OTA contamination in storage grains.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Huijuan Hua
- Institute of Agro-Products Processing Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences/Key Laboratory of Agro-Products Processing, Ministry of Agriculture, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Fuguo Xing
- Institute of Agro-Products Processing Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences/Key Laboratory of Agro-Products Processing, Ministry of Agriculture, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Jonathan Nimal Selvaraj
- Institute of Agro-Products Processing Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences/Key Laboratory of Agro-Products Processing, Ministry of Agriculture, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Yan Wang
- Institute of Agro-Products Processing Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences/Key Laboratory of Agro-Products Processing, Ministry of Agriculture, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Yueju Zhao
- Institute of Agro-Products Processing Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences/Key Laboratory of Agro-Products Processing, Ministry of Agriculture, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Lu Zhou
- Institute of Agro-Products Processing Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences/Key Laboratory of Agro-Products Processing, Ministry of Agriculture, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Xiao Liu
- Institute of Agro-Products Processing Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences/Key Laboratory of Agro-Products Processing, Ministry of Agriculture, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Yang Liu
- Institute of Agro-Products Processing Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences/Key Laboratory of Agro-Products Processing, Ministry of Agriculture, Beijing, P. R. China
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Stoll D, Schmidt-Heydt M, Geisen R. Differences in the regulation of ochratoxin A by the HOG pathway in Penicillium and Aspergillus in response to high osmolar environments. Toxins (Basel) 2013; 5:1282-98. [PMID: 23877195 PMCID: PMC3737497 DOI: 10.3390/toxins5071282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2013] [Revised: 06/19/2013] [Accepted: 07/08/2013] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Penicillium verrucosum, P. nordicum and Aspergillus carbonarius are three important ochratoxin A producing species. P. verrucosum is in addition able to produce citrinin. It has been shown earlier that P. nordicum is adapted to NaCl rich environments like salt rich dry cured foods or even salines. In this organism, the biosynthesis of ochratoxin A plays an adaptive role in this habitat. P. verrucosum generally can be found on cereals, but occasionally also on salt rich dry cured foods. In contrast A. carbonarius usually cannot be found in NaCl rich environments, but it occurs in another environment with high concentration of solutes, e.g., in sugar rich substrates like grapes and grape juices. Usually osmotic challenging conditions activate the HOG MAP kinase signal cascade, which in turn activates various osmo-regulated genes. In the current analysis, it could be demonstrated that in case of P. nordicum and P. verrucosum the NaCl induced production of ochratoxin A is correlated to the phosphorylation status of the HOG MAP kinase. Just the opposite was true for A. carbonarius. In this case, also higher amounts of NaCl in the medium lead to an increased phosphorylation status of HOG, but no increase in ochratoxin biosynthesis was observed. In contrast to the Penicillia, higher NaCl concentrations lead to a rapid cessation of growth by A. carbonarius. High glucose concentrations have much less impact on growth and the phosphorylation of HOG.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dominic Stoll
- Department of Safety and Quality of Fruits and Vegetables, Max Rubner-Institut, Haid-und-Neu-Str. 9, Karlsruhe 76121, Germany.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
31
|
Castrillo ML, Horianski MA, Jerke G. Aislamiento de cepas de Aspergillus sección Nigri en la yerba mate comercializada en Posadas (Misiones, Argentina) y evaluación de su potencial ocratoxigénico. Rev Argent Microbiol 2013; 45:110-3. [PMID: 23876265 DOI: 10.1016/s0325-7541(13)70009-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- María L Castrillo
- Facultad de Ciencias Exactas Químicas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Misiones, Posadas, Misiones, Argentina.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
32
|
Gallo A, Bruno KS, Solfrizzo M, Perrone G, Mulè G, Visconti A, Baker SE. New insight into the ochratoxin A biosynthetic pathway through deletion of a nonribosomal peptide synthetase gene in Aspergillus carbonarius. Appl Environ Microbiol 2012; 78:8208-18. [PMID: 22983973 PMCID: PMC3497364 DOI: 10.1128/aem.02508-12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2012] [Accepted: 09/10/2012] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Ochratoxin A (OTA), a mycotoxin produced by Aspergillus and Penicillium species, is composed of a dihydroisocoumarin ring linked to phenylalanine, and its biosynthetic pathway has not yet been completely elucidated. Most of the knowledge regarding the genetic and enzymatic aspects of OTA biosynthesis has been elucidated in Penicillium species. In Aspergillus species, only pks genes involved in the initial steps of the pathway have been partially characterized. In our study, the inactivation of a gene encoding a nonribosomal peptide synthetase (NRPS) in OTA-producing A. carbonarius ITEM 5010 has eliminated the ability of this fungus to produce OTA. This is the first report on the involvement of an nrps gene product in OTA biosynthetic pathway in an Aspergillus species. The absence of OTA and ochratoxin α, the isocoumaric derivative of OTA, and the concomitant increase of ochratoxin β, the dechloro analog of ochratoxin α, were observed in the liquid culture of transformed strain. The data provide the first evidence that the enzymatic step adding phenylalanine to polyketide dihydroisocoumarin precedes the chlorination step to form OTA in A. carbonarius and that ochratoxin α is a product of hydrolysis of OTA, giving an interesting new insight into the biosynthetic pathway of the toxin.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Antonia Gallo
- Institute of Sciences of Food Production (ISPA), National Research Council (CNR), Bari, Italy.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
33
|
Armando MR, Dogi CA, Poloni V, Rosa CAR, Dalcero AM, Cavaglieri LR. In vitro study on the effect of Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains on growth and mycotoxin production by Aspergillus carbonarius and Fusarium graminearum. Int J Food Microbiol 2012; 161:182-8. [PMID: 23334096 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijfoodmicro.2012.11.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2012] [Revised: 10/18/2012] [Accepted: 11/11/2012] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The effect of Saccharomyces cerevisiae RC008 and RC016 strains, previously selected based on their aflatoxin B₁ mycotoxin binding ability and beneficial properties, against Aspergillus carbonarius and Fusarium graminearum under different interacting environmental conditions was evaluated. In vitro studies on the lag phase, growth rate and ochratoxin A/zearalenone and DON production were carried out under different regimens of a(w) (0.95 and 0.99); pH (4 and 6); temperature (25 and 37 °C) and oxygen availability (normal and reduced). Both yeast strains showed antagonistic activity and decreasing growth rate compared to the control. In general, the RC016 strain showed the greatest inhibitory activity. Except at the interacting condition 0.95 a(W), normal oxygen availability and 37 °C, at both pH values, A. carbonarius and F. graminearum were able to produce large amounts of mycotoxins in vitro. In general, a significant decrease in levels of mycotoxins in comparison with the control was observed. S. cerevisiae RC008 and RC016 could be considered as effective agents to reduce growth and OTA, ZEA and DON production at different interacting environmental conditions, related to those found in stored feedstuff. The beneficial and biocontrol properties of these strains are important in their use as novel additives for the control of mycotoxigenic fungi in stored feedstuffs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M R Armando
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas-CONICET, Agencia Córdoba Ciencia-ACC, Argentina
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
34
|
García-Cela E, Ramos AJ, Sanchis V, Marin S. Ochratoxigenic moulds and effectiveness of grape field antifungals in a climatic change scenario. J Sci Food Agric 2012; 92:1455-1461. [PMID: 22131267 DOI: 10.1002/jsfa.4726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2011] [Revised: 09/22/2011] [Accepted: 09/26/2011] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The presence of ochratoxin A (OTA) in grapes and grape derivatives has been reported mainly in the Mediterranean area. Consequently, great efforts are being made to prevent the growth of Aspergillus on grapes. However, the European Commission suggests that climate change may result in increased temperatures and longer drought periods in southern Europe. Therefore the aim of this study was to investigate how ochratoxigenic fungal growth and the efficiency of fungicides used at present might be affected by environmental conditions predicted with climate change. RESULTS The effectiveness of grape field antifungals (Switch, Flint Max and Equisetum arvense extract) under two alternating temperature, photoperiod and relative humidity (RH) scenarios (current: 20/30 °C, 16 h light/8 h darkness, 80% RH; predicted: 25/37 °C, 16 h light/8 h darkness, 75% RH) on the growth and OTA production of two Aspergillus carbonarius isolates and one Aspergillus ochraceus isolate on grapes was investigated. CONCLUSION Predicted conditions reduced A. carbonarius and limited A. ochraceus growth. Antifungals reduced fungal infection (by 40-84%), although no correlation between climatic conditions and effectiveness of the antifungals was found. However, Switch always showed the greatest reduction and E. arvense (0.02 g mL(-1) extract) the least. Higher temperatures affected OTA production by the isolates in different ways. In general, Switch and Flint Max reduced OTA production, while E. arvense stimulated it.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Esther García-Cela
- Food Technology Department, Lleida University, XaRTA-UTPV, Lleida, Spain.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
35
|
Alexa E, Poiana MA, Sumalan RM. Mycoflora and ochratoxin a control in wheat grain using natural extracts obtained from wine industry by-products. Int J Mol Sci 2012; 13:4949-4967. [PMID: 22606022 PMCID: PMC3344258 DOI: 10.3390/ijms13044949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2012] [Revised: 04/09/2012] [Accepted: 04/13/2012] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of some natural extracts obtained from grape pomace (GPE) and grape seeds (GSE) as compared to a synthetic food, antioxidant-butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), in order to control fungal population and ochratoxin A (OTA) production in naturally contaminated wheat. The results showed that the addition of these extracts was efficient with OTA content decreasing. On treatment with these extracts the loss of OTA content after 14 days was in the range 7.8-28.3% relative to the control sample, but increased up to 26.48-37% after 28 days. The highest loss in OTA content was recorded for treatment with GPE at the 500 ppm level. Regarding the fungal development, the obtained results show that the total fungal populations were significantly reduced by using natural extracts. The most efficient extract was GPE. Both BHT and GPE inhibit the growth of Penicillium verrrucosum, for all doses, but less with Aspergillus genera. GPE affects the growth of other types of moulds such as Rhizopus microsporus, Fusarium graminearum, Alternaria infectoria and Cladosporium herbarum. Our data suggested that GPE and GSE are able to provide fungicidal and fungistatic protection and to control the OTA accumulation in wheat, at least in a similar manner to BHT.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ersilia Alexa
- Faculty of Food Processing Technology, Banat’s University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Calea Aradului 119, RO 300645, Timisoara, Romania; E-Mail:
| | - Mariana-Atena Poiana
- Faculty of Food Processing Technology, Banat’s University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Calea Aradului 119, RO 300645, Timisoara, Romania; E-Mail:
| | - Renata-Maria Sumalan
- Faculty of Horticulture and Forestry, Banat’s University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Calea Aradului 119, RO 300645, Timisoara, Romania; E-Mail:
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Virgili R, Simoncini N, Toscani T, Camardo Leggieri M, Formenti S, Battilani P. Biocontrol of Penicillium nordicum growth and ochratoxin A production by native yeasts of dry cured ham. Toxins (Basel) 2012; 4:68-82. [PMID: 22474567 PMCID: PMC3317108 DOI: 10.3390/toxins4020068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2011] [Revised: 01/18/2012] [Accepted: 01/20/2012] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Twelve yeast strains isolated from the surface of Italian typical dry-cured hams, belonging to D. hansenii, D. maramus, C. famata, C. zeylanoides and H. burtonii species, and previously selected for their ability to grow in dry-cured ham-like substrates, were screened for antagonistic activity against a toxigenic strain of P. nordicum and inhibition of ochratoxin A (OTA) biosynthesis. On average, yeast inhibitory activity was lowered by increasing fungal inoculum and enhanced by NaCl presence. In the assay conditions, H. burtonii and C. zeylanoides were the most effective, both in inhibiting P. nordicum growth and OTA production. D. hansenii was the species with the lowest inhibitory activity, especially in the absence of salt. OTA production dropped from the range < LOD - 5000 ppb in P. nordicum control plates to the range < LOD - 200 ppb in yeast-added plates. OTA production increased in the presence of NaCl in P. nordicum control plates, while salt enhanced inhibition against OTA production in yeast-added plates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Virgili
- Stazione Sperimentale per l’Industria delle Conserve Alimentari, V.le F. Tanara, 31/A, Parma 43121, Italy; (N.S.); (T.T.)
| | - Nicoletta Simoncini
- Stazione Sperimentale per l’Industria delle Conserve Alimentari, V.le F. Tanara, 31/A, Parma 43121, Italy; (N.S.); (T.T.)
| | - Tania Toscani
- Stazione Sperimentale per l’Industria delle Conserve Alimentari, V.le F. Tanara, 31/A, Parma 43121, Italy; (N.S.); (T.T.)
| | - Marco Camardo Leggieri
- Institute of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Via Emilia Parmense, 84, Piacenza I29100, Italy; (M.C.L.); (S.F.); (P.B.)
| | - Silvia Formenti
- Institute of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Via Emilia Parmense, 84, Piacenza I29100, Italy; (M.C.L.); (S.F.); (P.B.)
| | - Paola Battilani
- Institute of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Via Emilia Parmense, 84, Piacenza I29100, Italy; (M.C.L.); (S.F.); (P.B.)
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Ferracin LM, Fier CB, Vieira MLC, Monteiro-Vitorello CB, Varani ADM, Rossi MM, Müller-Santos M, Taniwaki MH, Thie Iamanaka B, Fungaro MHP. Strain-specific polyketide synthase genes of Aspergillus niger. Int J Food Microbiol 2012; 155:137-45. [PMID: 22341916 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijfoodmicro.2012.01.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2011] [Revised: 01/12/2012] [Accepted: 01/24/2012] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
In silico comparison of 34 putative pks genes in Aspergillus niger strain CBS 513.88 versus A. niger strain ATCC 1015 genome revealed significant nucleotide identity (>95% covering a minimum of 99% of the gene sequence) for 31 of these genes (approximately 91%). A. niger CBS 513.88 harbors three putative pks genes (An01g01130, An11g05940, and An15g07920), for which nucleotide identity was not found in A. niger ATCC 1015. To compare the results of the in silico analysis with the in vivo situation, experimental data were obtained for a large number of A. niger strains obtained from different substrates and geographical regions. Three putative pks genes that were found to be variable between the two A. niger strains using bioinformatics tools were in fact strain-specific genes based on experimental data. The PCR amplification signals for the An01g01130, An11g05940, and An15g07920 pks genes were detected in only 97%, 71%, and 26% of the strains, respectively. Southern blot analyses confirmed the PCR data. Because one of the strain-specific pks genes (An15g07920) is located in a putative ochratoxin cluster, we focused our investigation on that region. We assessed the ochratoxin production capability of the 119 A. niger strains and found a positive association between the presence of this pks gene and the capability of the respective strain to produce ochratoxin.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lara Munique Ferracin
- Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Centro de Ciências Biológicas, P.O. Box 6001, 86051-990 Londrina, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
38
|
Kapetanakou AE, Kollias JN, Drosinos EH, Skandamis PN. Inhibition of A. carbonarius growth and reduction of ochratoxin A by bacteria and yeast composites of technological importance in culture media and beverages. Int J Food Microbiol 2011; 152:91-9. [PMID: 22075525 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijfoodmicro.2011.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2011] [Revised: 09/06/2011] [Accepted: 09/07/2011] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Five composites of yeast and six of bacterial isolates from fermented products were studied, in order to assess their ability to inhibit Aspergillus carbonarius growth and reduce OTA concentration in culture media and beverages. The antagonistic effect of the above composites against A. carbonarius growth was studied in synthetic grape medium of pH 3.5 and a(w) 0.98, 0.95, 0.92 after incubation at 25°C. Different combinations of initial inocula of bacteria or yeast composites and fungi were used (10(2)cfu/mL vs 10(5)spores/mL; 10(5)cfu/mL vs 10(2)spores/mL; and 10(5)cfu/mL vs 10(5)spores/mL). Regarding the OTA reduction experiment, 10(3) and 10(7)cfu/mL of the bacteria and yeast composites were inoculated in liquid media of different pH (3.0, 4.0, 5.0, and 6.1 or 6.5) and initial OTA concentration (50 and 100μg/L) and incubated at 30°C. Moreover, grape juice, red wine, and beer were supplemented with 100μg/L of OTA and inoculated with composites of 16 yeasts (16YM) and 29 bacterial (29BM) strains (10(7)cfu/mL) to estimate the kinetics of OTA reduction at 25°C for 5days. Fungal inhibition and OTA reduction were calculated in comparison to control samples. None of the bacterial composites inhibited A. carbonarius growth. The high inoculum of yeast composites (10(5) cfu/mL) showed more efficient fungal inhibition compared to cell density of 10(2) cfu/mL. All yeast composites showed higher OTA reduction (up to 65%) compared to bacteria (2-25%), at all studied assays. The maximum OTA reduction was obtained at pH 3.0 by almost all yeast composites. For all studied beverages the decrease in OTA concentration was higher by yeasts (16YM) compared to bacteria (29BM). The highest OTA reduction was observed in grape juice (ca 32%) followed by wine (ca 22%), and beer (ca 12%). The present findings may assist in the control of A. carbonarius growth and OTA production in fermented foodstuffs by the use of proper strains of technological importance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A E Kapetanakou
- Laboratory of Food Quality Control and Hygiene, Department of Food Science & Technology, Agricultural University of Athens, Greece
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
39
|
Khalesi M, Khatib N. The effects of different ecophysiological factors on ochratoxin A production. Environ Toxicol Pharmacol 2011; 32:113-121. [PMID: 21843789 DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2011.05.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2011] [Revised: 05/09/2011] [Accepted: 05/27/2011] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Mycotoxin biosynthesis is affected by peculiar agro-ecosystem dependent conditions. Accordingly, the correlation between mycotoxin contamination and environmental condition change scenarios should be carefully considered. This is because fungal colonization and mycotoxin contamination could critically impair the availability of food products, especially in poor countries. At any time, the agricultural products might become susceptible to fungal contamination and mycotoxin production in uncontrolled storage. From 2000 to 2010, many studies were carried out in the case of the effects of different parameters on ochratoxin A (OTA) production by fungi in order to avoid providing the appropriate conditions for producing OTA. Water activity (a(w)), temperature, type of species and the substrates were introduced as the most important in these articles. This paper reviews the major published articles regarding the different ecophysiological factors influencing on OTA production.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mohammadreza Khalesi
- Food Science and Nutrition Research Centre (LFoRCe-MaltBeerSci), Department of Microbial and Molecular Systems (M(2)S), Katholic University of Leuven, Heverlee 3001, Belgium.
| | | |
Collapse
|
40
|
Schmidt-Heydt M, Graf E, Stoll D, Geisen R. The biosynthesis of ochratoxin A by Penicillium as one mechanism for adaptation to NaCl rich foods. Food Microbiol 2011; 29:233-41. [PMID: 22202878 DOI: 10.1016/j.fm.2011.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2011] [Revised: 07/14/2011] [Accepted: 08/04/2011] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Penicillium.nordicum is an ochratoxin A producing filamentous fungus, which is adapted to sodium chloride and protein rich food environments like certain cheeses or dry cured meats. Penicillium.verrucosum usually occurs on cereals but can also be isolated from brined olives. It could be shown that sodium chloride has a profound influence on the regulation of ochratoxin A biosynthesis in both Penicillium species. High amounts of ochratoxin A are produced by P. nordicum over a wide concentration range of NaCl (5-100 g/l) with a weak optimum at about 20 g/l after growth on YES medium. P. verrucosum shifts secondary metabolite biosynthesis after growth on YES medium from citrinin at low to ochratoxin at elevated NaCl concentrations. The ochratoxin A biosynthesis of P. nordicum is accompanied by an induction of the otapksPN gene, the gene of the ochratoxin A polyketide synthase. A mutant strain unable to produce ochratoxin showed a drastic growth reduction under high NaCl conditions. Determination of the dry weight and the chloride content in the mycelium of the P. nordicum wild type strain and a non-ochratoxin A producing mutant strain showed a much higher increase of both parameters in the mutant compared to the wild type. These results suggest, that the constant biosynthesis and excretion of ochratoxin A, which itself contains a chloride atom, ensures a partial chloride homeostasis in the fungal cell. This mechanism may support the adaptation of ochratoxin A producing Penicillia to NaCl rich foods.
Collapse
|
41
|
Davolos D, Persiani AM, Pietrangeli B, Ricelli A, Maggi O. Aspergillus affinis sp. nov., a novel ochratoxin A-producing Aspergillus species (section Circumdati) isolated from decomposing leaves. Int J Syst Evol Microbiol 2011; 62:1007-1015. [PMID: 21788229 DOI: 10.1099/ijs.0.034785-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Two ochratoxin A (OTA)-producing Aspergillus isolates, recently collected from submerged riparian decomposing leaves in Italy, were found to have a similar morphology to Aspergillus cretensis (subgenus Circumdati, section Circumdati). However, marked differences emerged between these two novel isolates and A. cretensis as the former displayed different colony features and had larger vesicles, metulae, phialides and conidia, as well as a distinct sclerotial form and size. In order to determine the taxonomic status and to infer the evolutionary relationships of these two morphologically identical isolates, a molecular phylogenetic analysis was performed on all the officially recognized lineages in the section Circumdati. The DNA sequences and the deduced amino acid residues from the nuclear loci were analysed. Both rRNA and protein coding genes were assessed, which are widely used to differentiate taxa belonging to genus Aspergillus at various evolutionary levels. The 5.8S rDNA gene and internal transcribed spacers (ITS), the D1/D2 domains of the 28S rDNA gene, a region of the tubulin beta chain gene (benA) and part of the calmodulin gene (cmd) were amplified by PCR and then sequenced. The analysis of the rRNA regions and of the benA and cmd sequence data indicated that the two isogenic isolates belonged to a genetically distinct OTA-producing species of the genus Aspergillus. The isolates are proposed as representing a novel species, Aspergillus affinis sp. nov., with the type strain ATCC MYA-4773T=CBS 129190=417). Phylogenetically, A. affinis sp. nov. appeared to be very closely related to A. cretensis, from which it could be distinguished by means of a morphological trait analysis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Domenico Davolos
- Department of Productive Plants and Interaction with the Environment (DIPIA), National Institute for Occupational Safety and Prevention (INAIL-exISPESL), Via Urbana, 167 - 00184 Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Persiani
- Department of Environmental Biology, Sapienza University of Rome, P. le A. Moro, 5-00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Biancamaria Pietrangeli
- Department of Productive Plants and Interaction with the Environment (DIPIA), National Institute for Occupational Safety and Prevention (INAIL-exISPESL), Via Urbana, 167 - 00184 Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandra Ricelli
- Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry ICB-CNR, P. le A. Moro, 5 - 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Oriana Maggi
- Department of Environmental Biology, Sapienza University of Rome, P. le A. Moro, 5-00185 Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Velmourougane K, Bhat R, Gopinandhan TN. Coffee berry borer (Hypothenemus hampei)—a vector for toxigenic molds and ochratoxin A contamination in coffee beans. Foodborne Pathog Dis 2010; 7:1279-84. [PMID: 20618085 DOI: 10.1089/fpd.2010.0571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Coffee berry borer (CBB, Hypothenemus hampei Ferrari) is a common insect pest in coffee plantations and is a suspected vector of various mycotoxin-producing molds. In the present study, field trials were undertaken consecutively for 3 years to evaluate the impact of CBB on the microbial contamination of Arabica and Robusta coffee bean varieties, with emphasis laid toward ochratoxin A (OTA)-producing fungi. Results revealed higher microbial contamination in CBB-infested beans in both the varieties of coffee with the presence of toxigenic molds (such as Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus ochraceus). The "timely harvested" coffee, which was infested with CBB, was found to possess comparatively lesser OTA levels than those berries left in soil or on coffee plants. Studies carried out on coffee beans collected from nine curing factories indicated the presence of OTA in almost all the CBB-infested coffee beans, irrespective of the variety. Results of the present study provide sufficient baseline information and evidence to understand and correlate the role of CBB with various OTA-producing molds in coffee beans. Understanding the role of CBB might be useful and applicable in the coffee-growing regions of the world, especially in plantations for production of quality coffee.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kulandaivelu Velmourougane
- Indian Council of Agricultural Research, Central Institute of Cotton Research, Nagpur, Maharashtra, India.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
43
|
Gatti MJ, Fraga ME, Magnoli C, Dalcero AM, da Rocha Rosa CA. Mycological survey for potential aflatoxin and ochratoxin producers and their toxicological properties in harvested Brazilian black pepper. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2010; 20:1120-6. [PMID: 14726275 DOI: 10.1080/02652030310001622791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
A mycological survey was carried out on 115 samples of whole dried black pepper seeds, from two main production regions of Brazil (Pará and Espírito Santo). A high incidence of contamination was verified in both regions when 99.1% of the samples showed filamentous fungi contamination. A total of 497 species of nine different genera were isolated (Aspergillus, Eurotium, Rhizopus, Penicillium, Curvularia, Cladosporium, Absidia, Emericella and Paecilomyces). The genus Aspergillus was the predominant (53.5%) followed by species from the Eurotium genus (24.5%). Eurotium chevalieri (16.4%) was the most predominant species followed by A. flavus (14.6%) present on 55 samples of black pepper (47.8%) analysed. Twenty-five samples (21.7%) were contaminated with aflatoxigenic strains of A. flavus and A. parasiticus. In relation to the types of aflatoxins produced by mycotoxigenic strains, it was observed that 25 strains (44.6%) of 56 isolated of A. flavus produced aflatoxins. From 12 samples, A. ochraceus species were isolated in low frequency (3.5%). Two strains of A. ochraceus from 16 isolated were producers of ochratoxin A. With respect to the aflatoxins and ochratoxin A natural contamination, none of the samples presented detectable levels of these mycotoxins using thin-layer chromatographic analysis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M J Gatti
- Departamento de Biologia, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
44
|
Cabañes FJ, Bragulat MR, Castellá G. Ochratoxin A producing species in the genus Penicillium. Toxins (Basel) 2010; 2:1111-20. [PMID: 22069629 PMCID: PMC3153233 DOI: 10.3390/toxins2051111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2010] [Revised: 05/04/2010] [Accepted: 05/11/2010] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Ochratoxin A (OTA) producing fungi are members of the genera Aspergillus and Penicillium. Nowadays, there are about 20 species accepted as OTA producers, which are distributed in three phylogenetically related but distinct groups of aspergilli of the subgenus Circumdati and only in two species of the subgenus Penicillium. At the moment, P. verrucosum and P. nordicum are the only OTA producing species accepted in the genus Penicillium. However, during the last century, OTA producers in this genus were classified as P. viridicatum for many years. At present, only some OTA producing species are known to be a potential source of OTA contamination of cereals and certain common foods and beverages such as bread, beer, coffee, dried fruits, grape juice and wine among others. Penicillium verrucosum is the major producer of OTA in cereals such as wheat and barley in temperate and cold climates. Penicillium verrucosum and P. nordicum can be recovered from some dry-cured meat products and some cheeses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francisco Javier Cabañes
- Veterinary Mycology Group, Department of Animal Health and Anatomy, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
45
|
Magan N, Aldred D, Hope R, Mitchell D. Environmental factors and interactions with mycobiota of grain and grapes: effects on growth, deoxynivalenol and ochratoxin production by Fusarium culmorum and Aspergillus carbonarius. Toxins (Basel) 2010; 2:353-66. [PMID: 22069589 PMCID: PMC3153192 DOI: 10.3390/toxins2030353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2010] [Revised: 03/12/2010] [Accepted: 03/15/2010] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Mycotoxigenic fungi colonizing food matrices are inevitably competing with a wide range of other resident fungi. The outcomes of these interactions are influenced by the prevailing environmental conditions and the competing species. We have evaluated the competitiveness of F. culmorum and A. carbonarius in the grain and grape food chain for their in vitro and in situ dominance in the presence of other fungi, and the effect that such interactions have on colony interactions, growth and deoxynivalenol (DON) and ochratoxin A (OTA) production. The Index of Dominance shows that changes in water activity (aw) and temperature affect the competitiveness of F. culmorum and A. carbonarius against up to nine different fungi. Growth of both mycotoxigenic species was sometimes inhibited by the presence of other competing fungi. For example, A. niger uniseriate and biseriate species decreased growth of A. carbonarius, while Aureobasidium pullulans and Cladosporium species stimulated growth. Similar changes were observed when F. graminearum was interacting with other grain fungi such as Alternaria alternata, Cladopsorium herbarum and Epicoccum nigrum. The impact on DON and OTA production was very different. For F. culmorum, the presence of other species often inhibited DON production over a range of environmental conditions. For A. carbonarius, on a grape-based medium, the presence of certain species resulted in a significant stimulation of OTA production. However, this was influenced by both temperature and aw level. This suggests that the final mycotoxin concentrations observed in food matrices may be due to complex interactions between species and the environmental history of the samples analyzed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Naresh Magan
- Author to whom correspondence should be addressed; ; Tel.: +44 1234 758308; Fax: +44 1234 758380
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
46
|
Reverberi M, Punelli F, Scarpari M, Camera E, Zjalic S, Ricelli A, Fanelli C, Fabbri AA. Lipoperoxidation affects ochratoxin A biosynthesis in Aspergillus ochraceus and its interaction with wheat seeds. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2009; 85:1935-46. [PMID: 20101489 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-009-2220-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2009] [Revised: 08/25/2009] [Accepted: 08/25/2009] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
In Aspergillus nidulans, Aspergillus flavus, and Aspergillus parasiticus, lipoperoxidative signalling is crucial for the regulation of mycotoxin biosynthesis, conidiogenesis, and sclerotia formation. Resveratrol, which is a lipoxygenase (LOX) and cyclooxygenase inhibitor, downmodulates the biosynthesis of ochratoxin A (OTA) in Aspergillus ochraceus. In the genome of A. ochraceus, a lox-like sequence (AoloxA; National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) accession number: DQ087531) for a lipoxygenase-like enzyme has been found, which presents high homology (100 identities, 100 positives %, score 555) with a lox gene of Aspergillus fumigatus (NCBI accession number: XM741370). To study how inhibition of oxylipins formation may affect the A. ochraceus metabolism, we have used a DeltaAoloxA strain. This mutant displays a different colony morphology, a delayed conidia formation, and a high sclerotia production. When compared to the wild type, the DeltaAoloxA strain showed a lower basal activity of LOX and diminished levels of 13-hydroperoxylinoleic acid (HPODE) and other oxylipins derived from linoleic acid. The limited oxylipins formation corresponded to a remarkable inhibition of OTA biosynthesis in the DeltaAoloxA strain. Also, wheat seeds (Triticum durum cv Ciccio) inoculated with the DeltaAoloxA mutant did not accumulate 9-HPODE, which is a crucial element in the host defence system. Similarly, the expression of the pathogenesis-related protein 1 (PR1) gene in wheat seeds was not enhanced. The results obtained contribute to the current knowledge on the role of lipid peroxidation governed by the AoloxA gene in the morphogenesis, OTA biosynthesis, and in host-pathogen interaction between wheat seeds and A. ochraceus.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Massimo Reverberi
- Dipartimento di Biologia Vegetale, Università "Sapienza", L.go Cristina di Svezia 24, 00165 Roma, Italy.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
47
|
Abbas A, Valez H, Dobson ADW. Analysis of the effect of nutritional factors on OTA and OTB biosynthesis and polyketide synthase gene expression in Aspergillus ochraceus. Int J Food Microbiol 2009; 135:22-7. [PMID: 19682762 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijfoodmicro.2009.07.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2009] [Revised: 07/01/2009] [Accepted: 07/14/2009] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The effect of a wide variety of nutritional based biotic factors on the production of both OTA and OTB biosynthesis in A. ochraceus was assessed. Different carbon sources including glucose, sucrose, maltose, galactose, xylose and glycerol appear to repress OTA production when the fungus is grown in OTA permissive PDY medium. In contrast lactose appears to induce OTA production, with the addition of lactose and galactose to the OTA restrictive PDC medium resulting in marked increases in OTA levels. The addition of lactose to MCB and PDY media considerably increases OTB production. The addition of both sucrose and galactose to MCB has similar yet less marked effects. Different nitrogen sources also affect OTA production with ammonium chloride significantly reducing OTA production, while organic nitrogen sources such as urea and amino acids including phenylalanine, lysine, glutamine and proline induce OTA production. The induction of otapksAo gene expression under these conditions correlates well with the levels of OTA produced under the same experimental conditions, suggesting that the observed effects appear to be modulated, at least in part, at the level of gene transcription. However while the levels of OTB produced in A. ochraceus also appear to be influenced by these nutritional based biotic factors, this appears to be regulated in a manner which is independent of otapksAo gene expression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abdelhamid Abbas
- Department of Microbiology, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
48
|
Gallo A, Perrone G, Solfrizzo M, Epifani F, Abbas A, Dobson ADW, Mulè G. Characterisation of a pks gene which is expressed during ochratoxin A production by Aspergillus carbonarius. Int J Food Microbiol 2008; 129:8-15. [PMID: 19038469 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijfoodmicro.2008.10.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2008] [Revised: 10/21/2008] [Accepted: 10/23/2008] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Aspergillus carbonarius is considered the main fungus responsible for ochratoxin A (OTA) contamination in grapes. OTA is a potent nephrotoxin and a possible human carcinogen with a polyketide derived structure. Fungal polyketide synthases (PKSs) have recently been demonstrated to be involved in OTA biosynthesis in both Penicillium and Aspergillus species. We report here on the identification and characterisation of part of a novel polyketide synthase gene, ACpks from A. carbonarius. The sequence appears to encode conserved ketosynthase and acyl transferase domains, which are characteristic of previously characterised PKS enzymes. Expression of the ACpks gene is differentially regulated, with transcription being observed when the fungus was grown on synthetic grape medium and on OTA permissive medium (MM) whereas no transcription was detected when the fungus was grown on OTA restrictive medium (YES). ACpks expression was also observed when A. carbonarius was grown at low pH, with concomitant increases in OTA production. This correlation between ACpks gene expression and OTA production suggests the likely involvement for the product of this gene in ochratoxin A biosynthesis in the fungus. From a preliminary screening of Aspergillus isolates with ACpks specific primers, ACpks gene homologues appear to be present in A. sclerotioniger and A. ibericus, two species of section Nigri which are closely related to A. carbonarius.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Antonia Gallo
- Institute of Sciences of Food Production, ISPA-CNR, Bari, Italy.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
49
|
Bufflier E, Susca A, Baud M, Mulè G, Brengel K, Logrieco A. Detection of Aspergillus carbonarius and other black aspergilli from grapes by DNA OLISA microarray. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2008; 24:1138-47. [PMID: 17886186 DOI: 10.1080/02652030701579447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Black aspergilli, and particularly Aspergillus carbonarius, are responsible for ochratoxin A production in grapes. Correct identification of these species is essential for toxicological risk assessment in grape and wine. A low-complexity oligonucleotide microarray (OLISA, Apibio, F) based on DNA oligonucleotides probes, obtained from sequences of the calmodulin gene, was set up in order to detect A. carbonarius, A. japonicus/A. aculeatus and A. ibericus isolated from grape. The designed microarray distinguished all Aspergillus species and the detection limit for A. carbonarius was 3.2 pg of DNA as a template for the PCR reaction. This microarray offers a quick and parallel analysis to detect individual Aspergillus species in pure cultures and in naturally contaminated grape samples.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- E Bufflier
- BioMerieux-Molecular Biology Unit, Parc Polytec, 5 rue des Berges, F-38024 Grenoble cedex, France
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
50
|
Medina A, Mateo EM, Valle-Algarra FM, Mateo F, Mateo R, Jiménez M. Influence of nitrogen and carbon sources on the production of ochratoxin A by ochratoxigenic strains of Aspergillus spp. isolated from grapes. Int J Food Microbiol 2008; 122:93-9. [PMID: 18164776 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijfoodmicro.2007.11.055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2007] [Revised: 11/12/2007] [Accepted: 11/19/2007] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Angel Medina
- Dpto. de Microbiologia i Ecologia, Universitat de Valencia, Dr. Moliner 50, E-46100, Burjassot, Valencia, Spain
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|