Defining gene's role may lead to prevention of dangerous ...( WEST LAFAYETTE Ind. - Discovery that...)
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - Discovery that a specific gene is integral to both fungal invasion of corn and development of a potentially deadly toxin in the kernels may lead to ways to control the pathogen and the poison.
Purdue University researchers evaluated the fungal gene ZFR1 and found that it is vital to the process of the fungus growing on corn kernels. Production of the toxin decreased when the scientists disabled the gene.
At certain levels, the toxin can cause illness in humans and most domestic livestock. Horses and pigs are at particular risk and can develop fatal diseases by ingesting feed containing one of a group of toxins called fumonisins (few-mahn-ah-sins). About $40 million of the U.S. corn crop is lost annually due to presence of these toxins, according to experts.
"Our main research question has been what triggers toxin production when the fungus attacks the corn kernel; it appears that kernel starch plays an important role," said Charles Woloshuk, a Purdue plant pathologist. "When ZFR1 is deleted, the resulting mutant fungus has a problem transporting sugars that are produced from the degradation of kernel starch."
The resulting sugars must be transported to cells as fuel for other biochemical processes.
"The pathogen - the fungus Fusarium verticillioides - has a number of putative sugar transporter genes that are expressed during its growth on kernels and toxin production," Woloshuk said. "Disruption of ZFR1 also affects expression of the sugar transporter genes."
Woloshuk and his colleague, Bert Bluhm, now at the University of Arkansas, report in the current issue of Molecular Plant Pathology that when the gene ZFR1 is turned off, it reduces manifestation of genes involved in production of the most prevalent and dangerous fumonisin, FB1.
The researchers studied ZFR1 regulation of fungal growth and toxin production in the starch-rich areas of corn kernels and the conversion
'/>"/>
| Contact: Susan A. Steeves ssteeves@purdue.edu 765-496-7481 Purdue University Source:Eurekalert |
Related biology news :
1. Gene regulation, not just genes, is what sets humans apart
2. Interaction of just 2 genes governs coloration patterns in mice
3. Muscle mass: Scientists identify novel mode of transcriptional regulation during myogenesis
4. Study finds blocking angiogenesis signaling from inside cell may lead to serious health problems
5. Smoking turns on genes -- permanently
6. Genes, Environment and Health Initiative invests in genetic studies, environmental monitoring
7. Hebrew SeniorLife researchers search for aging, osteoporosis genes
8. UT Southwestern researchers identify hundreds of genes controlling female fertility
9. Genes and environment grant funds close look at nature-nurture overlap in common diseases
10. Jumping genes could make for safer gene delivery system
11. Genes from the father facilitate the formation of new species
 Defining gene's role may lead to prevention of dangerous corn toxin |
| Copyright © 2003-2009 Bio-Medicine. All rights reserved. ABOUT | CONTACT US | DISCLAIMER | PRIVACY POLICY | TERMS AND CONDITIONS |  |