ARS | Publication request: Characterization of the fumonisin biosynthetic regulatory gene FUM21 and multiple alternative splice forms

Submitted to: Fungal Genetics Conference Proceedings
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: January 12, 2007
Publication Date: March 20, 2007
Citation: Brown, D.W., Butchko, R.A., Busman, M., Proctor, R. 2007. Characterization of the fumonisin biosynthetic regulatory gene FUM21 and multiple alternative splice forms [abstract]. Fungal Genetics Conference. p. 121.

Technical Abstract: Fumonisins are a family of mycotoxins produced by some Fusarium species and can contaminate maize or maize products. Ingestion of fumonisins is associated with diseases, including cancer and neural tube defects, in humans and animals. In fungi, genes involved in synthesis of mycotoxins and other secondary metabolites are often located adjacent to each other in gene clusters. The fumonisin biosynthetic gene cluster contains 17 genes of which one, FUM21, encodes a narrow domain transcription factor required for fumonisin biosynthesis. The Fum21p is predicted to include a Zn(II)2Cys6 DNA binding domain and a second domain associated with fungal transcription factors. Analysis of FUM21 cDNAs identified four alternative splice forms (ASFs), and microarray analysis indicated the ASFs were differentially expressed. Based on these data, we present a model for how FUM21 ASFs may regulate fumonisin biosynthesis.