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<li> Develop data for use in risk assessment of mycotoxins in human and animal health. <li> Develop new techniques and improve current assays to identify and measure mycotoxins and mycotoxigenic fungi in cereal grains. <li> Establish integrated strategies to manage and to prevent mycotoxin contamination in cereal grains. <li> Define the regulation of mycotoxin biosynthesis and the molecular relationships between mycotoxigenic fungi. </ol>
NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY: Hazard assessment includes exposure assessment and evaluation of toxicity, both are essential. The proposed research is wide-ranging and could lead to negative consequences if not completed.
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APPROACH: <BR>Objective 1: We will continue to generate data to address the knowledge gaps for the mechanistic basis for mycotoxin induced disease. This will be done through evaluating structure activity relationships (SAR) and investigating cell, tissue and whole animal responses at the biochemical, physiological and structural levels. Epidemiology data will be considered where available. Missouri will continue to provide all groups with Fusarium verticillioides culture material. MI, MN, ND, IN and PA will provide trichothecene-contaminated grain samples for all stations. <p>Objective 2: We will identify, isolate, and purify milligram amounts of mycotoxins, and develop antibodies for rapid-detection assays. We also will use the rapid assays to determine the prevalence of mycotoxin reaction products in commodities and foods.<p>Objective 3: We ill study the effects of nutrients on mycotoxin toxicity.