Evolution of structural diversity of trichothecenes, a family of toxins produced by plant pathogenic and entomopathogenic fungi

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1006946
• Publication Date: 2018-04-12T18:32:39Z
• Authors: Robert H. Proctor; Susan P. McCormick; Hye-Seon Kim; Rosa E. Cardoza; April M. Stanley; Laura Lindo; Amy Kelly; Daren W. Brown; Theresa Lee; Martha M. Vaughan; Nancy J. Alexander; Mark Busman; Santiago Gutiérrez
• Keywords: Gene cluster

Trichothecenes are a family of terpenoid toxins produced by multiple genera fungi, including plant and insect pathogens. Some trichothecenes the fungus Fusarium among mycotoxins greatest concern to food feed safety because their toxicity frequent occurrence in cereal crops, trichothecene production contributes pathogenesis some species on plants. Collectively, fungi produce over 150 analogs: i.e., molecules that share same core structure but differ patterns substituents attached structure. Here, we carried out genomic, phylogenetic, gene-function, analytical chemistry studies strains from nine fungal identify genetic variation responsible for structural diversity gain insight into evolutionary processes have contributed variation. The results indicate has resulted gain, loss, functional changes biosynthetic (TRI) genes. also presence arisen independently different genes with function. Variation TRI gene duplication number loci was observed examined, there no evidence such differences We inferred ancestral states cluster pathway, proposed scenarios structures during divergence homologs. Together, our findings provide diversification pathogenic fungi.