Molecular identification of Brazilian Fusarium strains: sources of proteases with milk-clotting properties
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Updated: Jun 14, 2026
Toxin Induction and Protein Extraction from Fusarium spp. Cultures for Proteomic Studies
Published on: February 16, 2010
Ana Carla da Silva Santos1,2, Renan do Nascimento Barbosa3, Anthony Dias Cavalcanti3
1Departamento de Micologia, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Av. Professor Moraes Rego 1235, Cidade Universitária, Recife, Pernambuco, 50670-901, Brazil. ana.carla.bio@hotmail.com.
Abstract:
Fusarium is a genus of ubiquitous fungi that comprises mycotoxigenic animal and plant pathogens. These fungi have the ability to exploit a wide range of substrates and hosts, indicating their great potential for enzyme production; however, this aspect is understudied. Therefore, the present study aimed for revaluating the identity of twenty-three Fusarium strains maintained in the University Recife Mycology (URM) culture collection, Brazil, and to evaluate their potential for proteases production and the milk-clotting activity of these proteases. According to phylogenetic analysis of translation elongation factor 1-alpha (TEF1) gene partial sequences, these strains belonged to 12 species representing four species complexes: Fusarium concolor, F. fujikuroi, F. incarnatum-equiseti, and F. oxysporum. Four of these species are putatively novel to science. Notably, novel associations of Fusarium spp. with certain hosts/substrates were documented. The proteolytic activity ranged from 1.67 U ml-1 to 22.03 U ml-1 among the evaluated fungal isolates, with specific proteolytic activity reaching 205.86 U mg-1. The values for coagulant activity and specific activity were up to 157.14 U ml-1 and 1,424.11 U mg-1, respectively. These results indicate the potential of URM Fusarium strains as a source for the production of enzymes of industrial interest. Additionally, they reinforce the importance of applying DNA-based methods for reviewing the identification of fungal strains preserved in biodiversity repositories.
Insights
This study re-identified Fusarium fungal strains, revealing their significant potential for producing industrial enzymes like proteases. DNA analysis confirmed diverse species, some new to science, highlighting their value for biotechnology.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Enzyme Technology
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Fusarium fungi are known pathogens but understudied for industrial enzyme production.
- Their ability to utilize diverse substrates suggests significant enzymatic potential.
- Accurate fungal identification is crucial for understanding their capabilities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To re-evaluate the identity of 23 Fusarium strains from the URM culture collection.
- To assess the protease production and milk-clotting activity of these strains.
- To explore novel applications of Fusarium fungi in enzyme production.
Main Methods:
- Phylogenetic analysis using translation elongation factor 1-alpha (TEF1) gene sequences.
- Culturing and identification of Fusarium strains.
- Quantification of proteolytic and milk-clotting activities.
Main Results:
- Identified 12 Fusarium species across four complexes, including potentially novel species.
- Documented new associations between Fusarium species and their hosts/substrates.
- Demonstrated significant proteolytic activity (1.67–22.03 U/mL) and milk-clotting activity (up to 157.14 U/mL).
Conclusions:
- Fusarium strains from the URM collection are a promising source for industrial enzymes.
- DNA-based identification is essential for accurate fungal strain characterization in repositories.
- Further research into these enzymes could lead to industrial biotechnology advancements.
