How Fungi Biosynthesize 3-Nitropropanoic Acid: The Simplest yet Lethal Mycotoxin

• DOI: 10.1021/acs.orglett.4c00758
• Publication Date: 2024-04-08T17:44:40Z
• Authors: Colin W. Johnson; Masao Ohashi; Yi Tang
• Keywords: 0301 basic medicine; 03 medical and health sciences; Aspergillus oryzae; Mycotoxins; Propionates; Nitro Compounds

AbstractWe uncovered the biosynthetic pathway of the lethal mycotoxin 3-nitropropanoic acid (3-NPA) from koji moldAspergillus oryzaethrough genome mining, genetic inactivation and biochemical characterization. The biosynthetic gene cluster (BGC) of 3-NPA, which encodes an amine oxidase and a decarboxylase, is conserved in many fungi used in food processing, although most of the strains have not been reported to produce 3-NPA. Our discovery will lead to efforts that improve the safety profiles of these indispensable microorganisms in making food, alcoholic beverages, and seasoning.