Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 18, 2026

Quantification of Fungal Colonization, Sporogenesis, and Production of Mycotoxins Using Kernel Bioassays
10:01

Quantification of Fungal Colonization, Sporogenesis, and Production of Mycotoxins Using Kernel Bioassays

Published on: April 23, 2012

Biosynthesis of fomannoxin in the root rotting pathogen Heterobasidion occidentale

David Hansson1, Audrius Menkis, Ke Olson

  • 1Department of Chemistry, Uppsala BioCenter, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, P.O. Box 7015, SE-75007 Uppsala, Sweden.

Phytochemistry
|September 18, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Researchers investigated the biosynthesis of fomannoxin, a compound linked to the fungal pathogen Heterobasidion annosum. The study revealed fomannoxin

Area of Science:

  • Mycology
  • Natural Product Biosynthesis
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Fomannoxin is a benzohydrofuran implicated in the pathogenicity of Heterobasidion annosum.
  • Understanding its biosynthesis is crucial for comprehending fungal virulence.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To elucidate the biosynthetic pathway of fomannoxin.
  • To identify key intermediates in fomannoxin production by H. annosum.

Main Methods:

  • Isotopic enrichment study using [1-¹³C]glucose as a metabolic tracer.
  • Carbon-13 Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (¹³C NMR) spectroscopy for analyzing labeling patterns.
  • Isolation and characterization of natural products.

Main Results:

  • The isoprene unit of fomannoxin originates from the mevalonic acid pathway.
  • The aromatic moiety is synthesized via the shikimic acid pathway, involving pyruvate elimination from chorismic acid.
  • A novel intermediate, 4-hydroxy-3-(3-methylbut-2-enyl)benzaldehyde, was identified.

Conclusions:

  • The study clarifies the distinct origins of fomannoxin's structural components.
  • Identified intermediate provides insight into the biosynthesis of fomannoxin and related metabolites in H. annosum.
  • Findings contribute to understanding secondary metabolism in plant-pathogenic fungi.

More Related Videos

A Contrast of Three Inoculation Techniques used to Determine the Race of Unknown Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. niveum Isolates11:48

A Contrast of Three Inoculation Techniques used to Determine the Race of Unknown Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. niveum Isolates

Published on: October 28, 2021

Toxin Induction and Protein Extraction from Fusarium spp. Cultures for Proteomic Studies08:19

Toxin Induction and Protein Extraction from Fusarium spp. Cultures for Proteomic Studies

Published on: February 16, 2010

Related Concept Videos

Fungal Phylum Basidiomycota01:26

Fungal Phylum Basidiomycota

Basidiomycota is a diverse phylum of fungi that includes ecologically significant decomposers such as white rot fungi, symbionts like mycorrhizal fungi, plant pathogens such as rusts and smuts, and edible species like Agaricus bisporus (the common button mushroom). These fungi play crucial roles in nutrient cycling, symbiotic relationships, and even human health. Their defining feature is the basidium, a microscopic club-shaped structure responsible for producing basidiospores.Fruiting Bodies...
Fungal Group Zygomycota01:29

Fungal Group Zygomycota

Zygomycota, previously classified as a distinct fungal group, are primarily terrestrial, saprophytic molds that play a crucial role as decomposers. Recent phylogenetic studies have revealed that these fungi are now divided into two major clades — Mucoromycota, which includes many symbiotic species, and Zoopagomycota, which primarily consists of parasitic and pathogenic fungi. These groups exhibit distinct ecological roles and reproductive strategies while sharing key structural and...
The Roles of Bacteria and Fungi in Plant Nutrition02:11

The Roles of Bacteria and Fungi in Plant Nutrition

Plants have the impressive ability to create their own food through photosynthesis. However, plants often require assistance from organisms in the soil to acquire the nutrients they need to function correctly. Both bacteria and fungi have evolved symbiotic relationships with plants that help the species to thrive in a wide variety of environments.
Necrosis01:16

Necrosis

Necrosis is considered as an “accidental” or unexpected form of cell death that ends in cell lysis. The first noticeable mention of “necrosis” was in 1859 when Rudolf Virchow used this term to describe advanced tissue breakdown in his compilation titled “Cell Pathology”.
Morphological Manifestations of Necrosis
Necrotic cells show different types of morphological appearance depending on the type of tissue and infection. In coagulative necrosis, cells become anucleated and die, but their...
Biosynthesis in Bacteria01:24

Biosynthesis in Bacteria

Biosynthesis in bacteria is a fundamental anabolic process that generates essential macromolecules, including proteins, nucleic acids, lipids, and polysaccharides. These macromolecules are critical for cellular growth, replication, and function. The process is tightly regulated and energetically linked to catabolic pathways to ensure optimal resource utilization.Biosynthetic pathways begin with precursor metabolites such as pyruvate, acetyl-CoA, and glucose-6-phosphate derived from glycolysis,...
Biodeterioration01:28

Biodeterioration

Biodeterioration refers to the unwanted alteration of materials caused by microorganisms—especially fungi—which damage both organic substrates (paper, wood, textiles) and inorganic ones (stone, plaster, glass). Unlike abiotic decay, biodeterioration results from biological activity that produces physical disruption and chemical degradation.Physical deterioration occurs as fungal hyphae penetrate pores, cracks, and surface irregularities. Hyphal turgor pressure, thigmotropic growth along...