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

Johnson, C. W.; Ohashi, M.; Tang, Y.

doi:10.1101/2024.02.22.581660

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bioRxiv · 10.1101/2024.02.22.581660

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

Johnson, C. W.·Ohashi, M.·Tang, Y.

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Abstract

We uncovered the biosynthetic pathway of the lethal mycotoxin 3-nitropropanoic acid (3-NPA) from koji mold Aspergillus oryzae through 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.

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Johnson, C. W., Ohashi, M., Tang, Y.. 2024-02-23. How Fungi Biosynthesize 3-Nitropropanoic Acid: the Simplest yet Lethal Mycotoxin. https://doi.org/10.1101/2024.02.22.581660

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