ARS | Publication request: Current understanding on aflatoxin biosynthesis and future perspective in reducing aflatoxin contamination

Submitted to: Toxins
Publication Type: Review Article
Publication Acceptance Date: October 9, 2012
Publication Date: October 25, 2012
Citation: Yu, J. 2012. Current understanding on aflatoxin biosynthesis and future perspective in reducing aflatoxin contamination. Toxins. 4(11):1024-1057.

Interpretive Summary: Aspergilli are opportunistic fungal pathogens most commonly associated with diseases of crops, human and animal systems. The mechanisms that regulate production of secondary metabolites are not well understood. Genetic and genomics technologies are powerful tool in discovering genes and the mechanisms of genetic regulation in an organism. Aspergillus flavus has been used in studying aflatoxin formation mechanisms of genetic regulation. In this study, we reported the current status on aflatoxin research and future perspectives as to solving aflatoxin contamination. This information could be used for devising strategy in control aflatoxin contamination in food and feed.

Technical Abstract: Traditional molecular techniques have been used in research in discovering the genes and enzymes that are involved in aflatoxin formation and genetic regulation. We cloned most if not all of the aflatoxin pathway genes. A consensus gene cluster for aflatoxin biosynthesis has been discovered in 2005. The factors that affect aflatoxin formation have been studied. In this report, the author summarized the current status of the research progresses and future possibilities that are going to be used for solving aflatoxin contamination.