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ARS Home » Southeast Area » New Orleans, Louisiana » Southern Regional Research Center » Food and Feed Safety Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #264313
Title: Cyclopiazonic acid biosynthesis by Aspergillus flavus

Author
item Chang, Perng Kuang
item Ehrlich, Kenneth

Submitted to: Toxin Reviews
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 8/15/2011
Publication Date: 8/15/2011
Citation: Chang, P.-K., Ehrlich, K. 2011. Cyclopiazonic acid biosynthesis by Aspergillus flavus. Toxin Reviews. 30:79-89.

Interpretive Summary: Aflatoxins and cyclopiazonic acid (CPA) often co-contaminate many agricultural commodities. CPA is an indole-tetramic acid derived neurotoxin produced by some strains of Aspergillus flavus. Characterization of the CPA biosynthesis gene cluster confirmed that formation of CPA is via a three-enzyme pathway. This review examines the structure and organization of the CPA genes, elucidates the specific roles of functional domains of each enzyme in carrying out catalytic conversions leading to CPA production, and delineates the molecular basis for the lack of CPA production by A. flavus strains currently being used in biocontrol of aflatoxin contamination of crops.

Technical Abstract: Cyclopiazonic acid (CPA) is an indole-tetramic acid mycotoxin produced by some strains of Aspergillus flavus. Characterization of the CPA biosynthesis gene cluster confirmed that formation of CPA is via a three-enzyme pathway. This review examines the structure and organization of the CPA genes, elucidates the specific roles of functional domains of each enzyme in carrying out catalytic conversions leading to CPA production, and delineates the molecular basis for the lack of CPA production by A. flavus strains currently being used in biocontrol of aflatoxin contamination of crops.