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Fumonisin B1 Production by Fusarium Species and Mycotoxigenic Effect on Larval Zebrafish
Najihah Azman1, Nur Ain Izzati Mohd Zainudin1, Wan Norhamidah Wan Ibrahim1
1Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia.
Abstract:
Fumonisin B1 (FB1) is a common mycotoxin produced by Fusarium species particularly F. proliferatum and F. verticillioides. The toxin produced can cause adverse effects on humans and animals. The objectives of this study were to detect the production of FB1 based on the amplification of FUM1 gene, to quantify FB1 produced by the isolates using Ultra-fast Liquid Chromatography (UFLC) analysis, to examine the embryotoxicity effect of FB1 and to determine EC50 toward the larvae of zebrafish (Danio rerio). Fifty isolates of Fusarium species were isolated from different hosts throughout Malaysia. Successful amplification of the FUM1 gene showed the presence of this gene (800 bp) in the genome of 48 out of 50 isolates. The highest level of FB1 produced by F. proliferatum isolate B2433 was 6677.32 ppm meanwhile F. verticillioides isolate J1363 was 954.01 ppm. From the assessment of embryotoxicity test of FB1 on larvae of zebrafish, five concentrations of FB1 (0.43 ppm, 0.58 ppm, 0.72 ppm, 0.87 ppm and 1.00 ppm) were tested. Morphological changes of the FB1 exposed-larvae were observed at 24 to 168 hpf. The mortality rate and abnormality of zebrafish larvae were significantly increased at 144 hpf exposure. Meanwhile, the spontaneous tail coiling showed a significant difference. There were no significant differences in the heartbeat rate. As a conclusion, the presence of FUM1 in every isolate can be detected by FUM1 gene analysis and both of the species produced different concentrations of FB1. This is the first report of FB1 produced by Fusarium species gave a significant effect on zebrafish development.
Insights
Fumonisin B1 (FB1) mycotoxin production by Fusarium species was confirmed via FUM1 gene analysis. FB1 significantly impacted zebrafish development, showing increased mortality and abnormalities.
Area of Science:
- Mycology and Toxicology
- Environmental Science and Health
Background:
- Fumonisin B1 (FB1) is a prevalent mycotoxin produced by Fusarium species, posing risks to human and animal health.
- Fusarium proliferatum and Fusarium verticillioides are key producers of FB1, necessitating accurate detection and quantification methods.
Purpose of the Study:
- To detect FB1 production by amplifying the FUM1 gene in Fusarium isolates.
- To quantify FB1 levels using Ultra-fast Liquid Chromatography (UFLC).
- To assess the embryotoxicity of FB1 on zebrafish (Danio rerio) larvae and determine EC50.
Main Methods:
- Isolation of 50 Fusarium species from various hosts across Malaysia.
- PCR amplification of the FUM1 gene (800 bp) for presence detection.
- UFLC analysis for FB1 quantification and zebrafish embryotoxicity assays at varying FB1 concentrations.
Main Results:
- The FUM1 gene was successfully amplified in 48 out of 50 Fusarium isolates.
- FB1 concentrations varied, with Fusarium proliferatum isolate B2433 producing 6677.32 ppm and Fusarium verticillioides isolate J1363 producing 954.01 ppm.
- FB1 exposure significantly increased zebrafish larval mortality and morphological abnormalities, particularly at 144 hours post-fertilization (hpf), and affected tail coiling, but not heartbeat rate.
Conclusions:
- FUM1 gene analysis is effective for detecting potential FB1-producing Fusarium isolates.
- Both Fusarium proliferatum and Fusarium verticillioides species produce varying concentrations of FB1.
- This study is the first to report the significant impact of FB1 from Fusarium species on zebrafish development.
