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Biosynthesis of dothistromin
Rosie E Bradshaw1, Shuguang Zhang
1National Centre for Advanced Bio-Protection Technologies, Institute of Molecular BioSciences, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand. R.E.Bradshaw@massey.ac.nz
Mycopathologia
|September 1, 2006
Summary
Dothistromin, a mycotoxin similar to aflatoxin precursors, is produced by Dothistroma fungi during pine needle blight. Its biosynthesis involves genes similar to aflatoxin pathways, suggesting a role in early fungal invasion.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Plant Pathology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Dothistromin is a mycotoxin structurally similar to versicolorin B, a precursor for aflatoxin and sterigmatocystin.
- Pathogenic Dothistroma species produce dothistromin in pine needles during needle blight and secrete it in culture.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the biosynthesis and genomic organization of dothistromin.
- To compare dothistromin biosynthesis with that of aflatoxin and sterigmatocystin.
Main Methods:
- Identification of dothistromin biosynthetic genes through sequence similarity to aflatoxin and sterigmatocystin genes.
- Analysis of gene clustering and location on a minichromosome in Dothistroma septosporum.
- Expression analysis of dothistromin genes during fungal growth.
Main Results:
- Genes homologous to aflatoxin and sterigmatocystin biosynthetic genes are required for dothistromin production.
- A unique epoxide hydrolase gene is clustered with dothistromin genes.
- Dothistromin genes are located on a minichromosome and expressed early in fungal growth.
Conclusions:
- Dothistromin biosynthesis shares genetic elements with aflatoxin and sterigmatocystin pathways.
- The early expression of dothistromin genes suggests a role in the initial stages of plant infection.
- Genomic organization and expression patterns offer insights into fungal pathogenesis and mycotoxin evolution.
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