Genomic sequence of the aflatoxigenic filamentous fungus Aspergillus nomius
Geromy G Moore1, Brian M Mack2, Shannon B Beltz3
1United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Southern Regional Research Center, New Orleans, LA, USA. geromy.moore@ars.usda.gov.
Background:
Aspergillus nomius is an opportunistic pathogen and one of the three most important producers of aflatoxins in section Flavi. This fungus has been reported to contaminate agricultural commodities, but it has also been sampled in non-agricultural areas so the host range is not well known. Having a similar mycotoxin profile as A. parasiticus, isolates of A. nomius are capable of secreting B- and G- aflatoxins.
Results:
In this study we discovered that the A. nomius type strain (NRRL 13137) has a genome size of approximately 36 Mb which is comparable to other Aspergilli whose genomes have been sequenced. Its genome encompasses 11,918 predicted genes, 72% of which were assigned GO terms using BLAST2GO. More than 1,200 of those predicted genes were identified as unique to A. nomius, and the most significantly enriched GO category among the unique genes was oxidoreducatase activity. Phylogenomic inference shows NRRL 13137 as ancestral to the other aflatoxigenic species examined from section Flavi. This strain contains a single mating-type idiomorph designated as MAT1-1.
Conclusions:
This study provides a preliminary analysis of the A. nomius genome. Given the recently discovered potential for A. nomius to undergo sexual recombination, and based on our findings, this genome sequence provides an additional evolutionary reference point for studying the genetics and biology of aflatoxin production.
Insights
The Aspergillus nomius genome, a key aflatoxin producer, was sequenced, revealing unique genes and its ancestral position in the Flavi section. This provides insights into aflatoxin genetics and evolution.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Genomics
- Pathogen Research
Background:
- Aspergillus nomius is an opportunistic pathogen and a significant producer of aflatoxins.
- Its host range is not well-defined, despite contamination of agricultural commodities.
- A. nomius shares a similar mycotoxin profile with A. parasiticus, producing B- and G- aflatoxins.
Purpose of the Study:
- To perform a preliminary analysis of the Aspergillus nomius genome.
- To provide an evolutionary reference for studying aflatoxin production genetics.
- To investigate the genomic characteristics of the A. nomius type strain NRRL 13137.
Main Methods:
- Genome sequencing of the A. nomius type strain NRRL 13137.
- Gene prediction and functional annotation using BLAST2GO.
- Phylogenomic inference to determine evolutionary relationships.
Main Results:
- The A. nomius genome size is approximately 36 Mb with 11,918 predicted genes.
- Over 1,200 unique genes were identified, with oxidoreductase activity being the most enriched GO category.
- Phylogenomic analysis positions NRRL 13137 as ancestral to other aflatoxigenic species in section Flavi and identified a MAT1-1 mating-type idiomorph.
Conclusions:
- The genome sequence offers a valuable resource for understanding A. nomius biology.
- It serves as an evolutionary reference for studying the genetics of aflatoxin production.
- The findings support further research into the potential for sexual recombination in A. nomius.
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