Mycotoxins: Biosecurity, Food Safety And Biofuels Byproducts (Nc129, Nc1025)

The project is a continuation of WIS01665 and will investigate the molecular mechanisms of VelB (and VosA)-mediated regulation of sporulation, spore viability and aflatoxin production in the major toxigenic plant pathogen Aspergillus flavus. Expected results include better understanding of the functions of these novel fungus-specific regulators in governing dissemination and mycotoxin biosyntheis, identification of groups of genes that are controlled by the key regulator VelB, and defining the networkds regulating spore formation and aflatoxin production. Understanding the mechanisms governing sporulation and toxin biosynthesis will reveal critical points in the regulation where targeted controls can be developed. Better understanding of how sporulation and toxin biosynthesis is regulated by a common controller in this fungus ill not lead to novel prevention strategies, but also advance our understanding of fungal pathogeneis and toxigenesis in general. Eventually, outcomes of the proposed studies will provide new insights into the development of safe and effective control strategies (e,g., new antifungal drugs or RNAi for velvet and/or their interactions) for fungal dispersion and AF contamination in fields wit minimum effects on environmental quality and human health.