ARS | Publication request: The launch of the Aspergillus flavus genome browser and limited release of whole genome sequence

Submitted to: Germplasm Release
Publication Type: Germplasm Release
Publication Acceptance Date: January 1, 2006
Publication Date: May 1, 2006
Citation: Payne, G.A., Yu, J., Pritchard, B., Nierman, W.C., Dean, R.A. 2006. The launch of the Aspergillus flavus genome browser and limited release of whole genome sequence. Germplasm Release. The Aspergillus flavus genome browser at North Carolina State University (http://gaplabg5.cfr.ncsu.edu/cgi-bin/gbrowse/Aflavus_may05/) associated with the Aspergillus flavus genomics web site (http://www.aspergillusflavus.org/genomics/).

Interpretive Summary: Aflatoxins are toxic and cancer-inducing compounds produced by the fungal mold Aspergillus flavus and A. parasiticus. Contamination of agricultural commodities by aflatoxins poses serious health hazard to animals and human beings. Due to health and food safety concerns, the mechanism of aflatoxin formation and prevention of aflatoxin contamination have been investigated in great detail. Aspergillus flavus genomics, to reveal all genetic blue print, i.e. the whole genome sequencing, provides a rapid and effective method for identification of the genes involved in aflatoxin formation and promises effective control strategy being developed through biotechnology. The Aspergillus flavus genome sequence data will help scientists in understanding the mechanism of aflatoxin formation and fungal infection in crops for devising strategies to control aflatoxin contamination.

Technical Abstract: Aflatoxins are produced by Aspergillus flavus and A. parasiticus. These toxic and carcinogenic compounds contaminate pre-harvest agricultural crops in the field and post-harvest grains during storage. In order to reduce and eliminate aflatoxin contamination of food and feed, Aspergilllus flavus whole genome sequencing has been completed. A robust web server named The Aspergillus flavus Genome Browser (http://gaplabg5.cfr.ncsu.edu/cgi-bin/gbrowse/Aflavus_may05/) associated with The Aspergillus flavus genomics web site (http://www.aspergillusflavus.org/genomics/) for sequence access and analysis has been constructed at North Carolina State University. This database is for preliminary release of the whole genome sequence to the general public, which provides the 36.5Mb whole genome sequence. The availability of the sequence data and the analytic presentation platform has a significant impact to the research community in studying fungal genetics, fungal biology and plant pathology for reducing and eliminating aflatoxin contamination of food and feed.