ARS | Publication request: Aspergillus flavus Genomics for Development of Strategies to Interrupt Aflatoxin Formation and Discovery of Fungal Enzymes for Biofuel Production

Submitted to: Society of Industrial Microbiology Symposium
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: April 14, 2007
Publication Date: August 2, 2007
Citation: Cleveland, T.E., Yu, J., Bhatnagar, D., Nierman, W.C., Payne, G.A. 2007. Aspergillus flavus Genomics for Development of Strategies to Interrupt Aflatoxin Formation and Discovery of Fungal Enzymes for Biofuel Production. Society of Industrial Microbiology Annual Meeting, July 29-August 2, 2007, Denver, CO. Abstract #S87. p. 102.

Technical Abstract: Aspergillus flavus produces toxic and the most carcinogenic mycotoxins, the aflatoxins. The primary objectives of our A. flavus genomics program are to reduce and eliminate aflatoxin contamination in food and feed and control fungal infection in preharvest crops such as corn, cotton, peanut and tree nuts. The saprophytic property of A. flavus can be explored for its potential benefit in biofuel production. An A. flavus EST project was completed and a whole genome sequencing project for this fungus is near completion. Three different types of A. flavus microarrays have been constructed and used in gene profiling and functional genomics studies. Data mining of the A. flavus genome demonstrated that A. flavus possesses a whole array of genes encoding enzymes that can breakdown organic materials. Novel strain design and genome synthesis can be performed to create a highly efficient bio-degrader for bioconversion, particularly in the production of biofuels. Results of comparative analysis of several sequenced Aspergillus species are also presented.