Comparative Genome Analysis of Japanese Field-Isolated Aspergillus for Aflatoxin Productivity and Non-Productivity.

Aspergillus flavus produces aflatoxin, a carcinogenic fungal toxin that poses a threat to the agricultural and food industries. There is a concern that the distribution of aflatoxin-producing A. flavus is expanding in Japan due to climate change, and it is necessary to understand what types of strains inhabit. In this study, we sequenced the genomes of four Aspergillus strains isolated from agricultural fields in the Ibaraki prefecture of Japan and identified their genetic variants. Phylogenetic analysis based on single-nucleotide variants revealed that the two aflatoxin-producing strains were closely related to A. flavus NRRL3357, whereas the two non-producing strains were closely related to the RIB40 strain of Aspergillus oryzae, a fungus widely used in the Japanese fermentation industry. A detailed analysis of the variants in the aflatoxin biosynthetic gene cluster showed that the two aflatoxin-producing strains belonged to different morphotype lineages. RT-qPCR results indicated that the expression of aflatoxin biosynthetic genes was consistent with aflatoxin production in the two aflatoxin-producing strains, whereas the two non-producing strains expressed most of the aflatoxin biosynthetic genes, unlike common knowledge in A. oryzae, suggesting that the lack of aflatoxin production was attributed to genes outside of the aflatoxin biosynthetic gene cluster in these strains.

Inhibition of Aflatoxin Production in Aspergillus flavus by a Klebsiella sp. and Its Metabolite Cyclo(l-Ala-Gly).

During an experiment where we were cultivating aflatoxigenic Aspergillus flavus on peanuts, we accidentally discovered that a bacterium adhering to the peanut strongly inhibited aflatoxin (AF) production by A. flavus. The bacterium, isolated and identified as Klebsiella aerogenes, was found to produce an AF production inhibitor. Cyclo(l-Ala-Gly), isolated from the bacterial culture supernatant, was the main active component. The aflatoxin production-inhibitory activity of cyclo(l-Ala-Gly) has not been reported. Cyclo(l-Ala-Gly) inhibited AF production in A. flavus without affecting its fungal growth in a liquid medium with stronger potency than cyclo(l-Ala-l-Pro). Cyclo(l-Ala-Gly) has the strongest AF production-inhibitory activity among known AF production-inhibitory diketopiperazines. Related compounds in which the methyl moiety in cyclo(l-Ala-Gly) is replaced by ethyl, propyl, or isopropyl have shown much stronger activity than cyclo(l-Ala-Gly). Cyclo(l-Ala-Gly) did not inhibit recombinant glutathione-S-transferase (GST) in A. flavus, unlike (l-Ala-l-Pro), which showed that the inhibition of GST was not responsible for the AF production-inhibition of cyclo(l-Ala-Gly). When A. flavus was cultured on peanuts dipped for a short period of time in a dilution series bacterial culture broth, AF production in the peanuts was strongly inhibited, even at a 1 × 104-fold dilution. This strong inhibitory activity suggests that the bacterium is a candidate for an effective biocontrol agent for AF control.

Low-dose ethanol increases aflatoxin production due to the adh1-dependent incorporation of ethanol into aflatoxin biosynthesis.

Aflatoxins are toxic secondary metabolites produced by some aspergilli, including Aspergillus flavus. Recently, ethanol has attracted attention as an agent for the control of aflatoxin contamination. However, as aflatoxin biosynthesis utilizes acetyl coenzyme A, ethanol may be conversely exploited for aflatoxin production. Here, we demonstrated that not only the 13C of labeled ethanol, but also that of labeled 2-propanol, was incorporated into aflatoxin B1 and B2, and that ethanol and 2-propanol upregulated aflatoxin production at low concentrations (<1% and <0.6%, respectively). In the alcohol dehydrogenase gene adh1 deletion mutant, the 13C incorporation of labeled ethanol, but not labeled 2-propanol, into aflatoxin B1 and B2 was attenuated, indicating that the alcohols have different utilization pathways. Our results show that A. flavus utilizes ethanol and 2-propanol as carbon sources for aflatoxin biosynthesis and that adh1 indirectly controls aflatoxin production by balancing ethanol production and catabolism.

Preparation of Monoclonal Antibodies Specifically Reacting with the Trichothecene Mycotoxins Nivalenol and 15-Acetylnivalenol via the Introduction of a Linker Molecule into Its C-15 Position.

Nivalenol (NIV) is a trichothecene mycotoxin that is more toxic than deoxynivalenol. It accumulates in grains due to infection with Fusarium species, which are the causative agents of scab or Fusarium head blight. An immunoassay, which is a rapid and easy analytical method, is necessary for monitoring NIV in grains. However, a specific antibody against NIV has not been prepared previously. To establish an immunoassay, we prepared NIV, introduced a linker, and generated antibodies against it. NIV was prepared from a culture of Fusarium kyushuense obtained from pressed barley through chromatographic procedures with synthetic adsorbents and silica gel. NIV was reacted with glutaric anhydride, and the reaction was stopped before mono-hemiglutaryl-NIV was changed to di-hemiglutaryl-NIV. 15-O-Hemiglutaryl-NIV was isolated via preparative HPLC and bound to keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH) using the active ester method. Two different monoclonal antibodies were prepared by immunizing mice with the NIV-KLH conjugate. The 50% inhibitory concentration values were 36 and 37 ng/mL. These antibodies also showed high reactivity in a direct competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and specifically reacted with NIV and 15-acetyl-NIV but not with deoxynivalenol and 4-acetyl-NIV.

Effects of Four Isothiocyanates in Dissolved and Gaseous States on the Growth and Aflatoxin Production of Aspergillus flavus In Vitro.

Aflatoxins (AFs), a class of toxins produced by certain species of the genus Aspergillus, occasionally contaminate food and cause serious damage to human health and the economy. AFs contamination is a global problem, and there is a need to develop effective strategies to control aflatoxigenic fungi. In this study, we focused on isothiocyanates (ITCs) as potential chemical agents for the control of aflatoxigenic fungi. We quantitatively evaluated the effects of four ITCs (allyl ITC (AITC), benzyl ITC (BITC), and methyl and phenylethyl ITCs) in dissolved and gaseous states on the growth and aflatoxin B1 production of Aspergillus flavus. In experiments using dissolved ITCs, BITC was found to be the strongest inhibitor of growth and aflatoxin B1 production by A. flavus. Meanwhile, in the gaseous state, AITC strongly inhibited the A. flavus growth. When the concentration of ITCs in the liquid medium was quantified over time, AITC levels decreased to below the detection limit within 24 h, whereas BITC levels remained stable even after 48 h. These results suggested that when ITCs are utilized to control aflatoxigenic fungi, it is necessary to use them in a dissolved or gaseous state, depending on their volatility.

Dioctatin Activates ClpP to Degrade Mitochondrial Components and Inhibits Aflatoxin Production.

Aflatoxin contamination of crops is a serious problem worldwide. Utilization of aflatoxin production inhibitors is attractive, as the elucidation of their modes of action contributes to clarifying the mechanism of aflatoxin production. Here, we identified mitochondrial protease ClpP as the target of dioctatin, an inhibitor of aflatoxin production of Aspergillus flavus. Dioctatin conferred uncontrolled caseinolytic capacity on ClpP of A. flavus and Escherichia coli. Dioctatin-bound ClpP selectively degraded mitochondrial energy-related proteins in vitro, including a subunit of respiratory chain complex V, which was also reduced by dioctatin in a ClpP-dependent manner in vivo. Dioctatin enhanced glycolysis and alcohol fermentation while reducing tricarboxylic acid cycle metabolites. These disturbances were accompanied by reduced histone acetylation and reduced expression of aflatoxin biosynthetic genes. Our results suggest that dioctatin inhibits aflatoxin production by inducing ClpP-mediated degradation of mitochondrial energy-related components, and that mitochondrial energy metabolism functions as a key determinant of aflatoxin production.

Unique Distribution of Diacyl-, Alkylacyl-, and Alkenylacyl-Phosphatidylcholine Species Visualized in Pork Chop Tissues by Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization-Mass Spectrometry Imaging.

Phosphatidylcholine (PC) is the major phospholipid in meat and influences meat qualities, such as healthiness. PC is classified into three groups based on the bond at the sn-1 position: Diacyl, alkylacyl, and alkenylacyl. To investigate their composition and distribution in pork tissues, including longissimus thoracis et lumborum (loin) spinalis muscles, intermuscular fat, and transparent tissues, we performed matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-mass spectrometry imaging (MALDI-MSI). Eleven diacyl-, seven alkylacyl-, and six alkenylacyl-PCs were identified using liquid chromatography (LC)-tandem MS (MS/MS) analysis. Despite many alkylacyl- and alkenylacyl-PC species sharing identical m/z values, we were able to visualize these PC species using MALDI-MSI. Diacyl- and alkylacyl- and/or alkenylacyl-PC species showed unique distribution patterns in the tissues, suggesting that their distribution patterns were dependent on their fatty acid compositions. PCs are a major dietary source of choline in meat, and the amount was significantly higher in the muscle tissues. Consumption of choline mitigates age-related memory decline and neurodegenerative diseases; therefore, the consumption of pork muscle tissues could help to mitigate these diseases. These results support the use of MALDI-MSI analysis for assessing the association between PC species and the quality parameters of meat.

Inhibition of Aflatoxin Production by Paraquat and External Superoxide Dismutase in Aspergillus flavus.

Aflatoxin contamination of crops is a worldwide problem, and elucidation of the regulatory mechanism of aflatoxin production, for example relative to the oxidative⁻antioxidative system, is needed. Studies have shown that oxidative stress induced by reactive oxygen species promotes aflatoxin production. However, superoxide has been suggested to have the opposite effect. Here, we investigated the effects of the superoxide generator, paraquat, and externally added superoxide dismutase (SOD) on aflatoxin production in Aspergillus flavus. Paraquat with an IC50 value of 54.9 µM inhibited aflatoxin production without affecting fungal growth. It increased cytosolic and mitochondrial superoxide levels and downregulated the transcription of aflatoxin biosynthetic cluster genes, including aflR, a key regulatory protein. The addition of bovine Cu/ZnSOD to the culture medium suppressed the paraquat-induced increase in superoxide levels, but it did not fully restore paraquat-inhibited aflatoxin production because bovine Cu/ZnSOD with an IC50 value of 17.9 µg/mL itself inhibited aflatoxin production. Externally added bovine Cu/ZnSOD increased the SOD activity in fungal cell extracts and upregulated the transcription of genes encoding Cu/ZnSOD and alcohol dehydrogenase. These results suggest that intracellular accumulation of superoxide impairs aflatoxin production by downregulating aflR expression, and that externally added Cu/ZnSOD also suppresses aflatoxin production by a mechanism other than canonical superoxide elimination activity.

Intracellular superoxide level controlled by manganese superoxide dismutases affects trichothecene production in Fusarium graminearum.

The intracellular superoxide level is a clue to clarification of the regulatory mechanism for mycotoxin production in Fusarium graminearum. In this study, we focused on two manganese superoxide dismutases (SODs) of the fungus, FgSOD2 and FgSOD3, to investigate the relationship of the superoxide level to trichothecene production. Recombinant FgSOD2 and FgSOD3 showed SOD activity, and they were localized mainly in the mitochondria and cytoplasm, respectively. Trichothecene production and mRNA levels of Tri5 and Tri6, which encode a trichothecene biosynthetic enzyme and a key regulator of trichothecene production, respectively, were greatly reduced in gene-deletion mutants of FgSod2 and FgSod3 (ΔFgSod2 and ΔFgSod3). Significant increases in the cytosolic and mitochondrial superoxide levels were observed in ΔFgSod2 and ΔFgSod3, respectively. These results suggested that the cellular superoxide level affects trichothecene production in F. graminearum.

The Mode of Action of Cyclo(l-Ala-l-Pro) in Inhibiting Aflatoxin Production of Aspergillus flavus.

Cyclo(l-Ala-l-Pro) inhibits aflatoxin production in aflatoxigenic fungi without affecting fungal growth. The mode of action of cyclo(l-Ala-l-Pro) in inhibiting aflatoxin production of Aspergillus flavus was investigated. A glutathione S-transferase (GST) of the fungus, designated AfGST, was identified as a binding protein of cyclo(l-Ala-l-Pro) in an experiment performed using cyclo(l-Ala-l-Pro)-immobilized Sepharose beads. Cyclo(l-Ala-l-Pro) specifically bound to recombinant AfGST and inhibited its GST activity. Ethacrynic acid, a known GST inhibitor, inhibited the GST activity of recombinant AfGST and aflatoxin production of the fungus. Ethacrynic acid reduced the expression level of AflR, a key regulatory protein for aflatoxin production, similar to cyclo(l-Ala-l-Pro). These results suggest that cyclo(l-Ala-l-Pro) inhibits aflatoxin production by affecting GST function in A. flavus, and that AfGST inhibitors are possible candidates as selective aflatoxin production inhibitors.

Inhibitory Activities of Alkyl Syringates and Related Compounds on Aflatoxin Production.

Inhibitors of aflatoxin production of aflatoxigenic fungi are useful for preventing aflatoxin contamination in crops. As methyl syringate weakly inhibits aflatoxin production, aflatoxin production inhibitory activities of additional alkyl syringates with alkyl chains from ethyl to octyl were examined. Inhibitory activity toward aflatoxin production of Aspergillus flavus became stronger as the length of the alkyl chains on the esters became longer. Pentyl, hexyl, heptyl, and octyl syringates showed strong activity at 0.05 mM. Heptyl and octyl parabens, and octyl gallate also inhibited aflatoxin production as strongly as octyl syringate. Alkyl parabens and alkyl gallates inhibit the complex II activity of the mitochondrial respiration chain; thus, whether alkyl syringates inhibit complex II activity was examined. Inhibitory activities of alkyl syringates toward complex II also became stronger as the length of the alkyl chains increased. The complex II inhibitory activity of octyl syringate was comparable to that of octyl paraben and octyl gallate. These results suggest that alkyl syringates, alkyl parabens, and alkyl gallates, including commonly used food additives, are useful for aflatoxin control.

Synthesis of CdSe Quantum Dots Using Fusarium oxysporum.

CdSe quantum dots are often used in industry as fluorescent materials. In this study, CdSe quantum dots were synthesized using Fusarium oxysporum. The cadmium and selenium concentration, pH, and temperature for the culture of F. oxysporum (Fusarium oxysporum) were optimized for the synthesis, and the CdSe quantum dots obtained from the mycelial cells of F. oxysporum were observed by transmission electron microscopy. Ultra-thin sections of F. oxysporum showed that the CdSe quantum dots were precipitated in the intracellular space, indicating that cadmium and selenium ions were incorporated into the cell and that the quantum dots were synthesized with intracellular metabolites. To reveal differences in F. oxysporum metabolism, cell extracts of F. oxysporum, before and after CdSe synthesis, were compared using sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). The results suggested that the amount of superoxide dismutase (SOD) decreased after CdSe synthesis. Fluorescence microscopy revealed that cytoplasmic superoxide increased significantly after CdSe synthesis. The accumulation of superoxide may increase the expression of various metabolites that play a role in reducing Se4+ to Se2- and inhibit the aggregation of CdSe to make nanoparticles.

Search for aflatoxin and trichothecene production inhibitors and analysis of their modes of action.

Mycotoxin contamination of crops is a serious problem throughout the world because of its impact on human and animal health as well as economy. Inhibitors of mycotoxin production are useful not only for developing effective methods to prevent mycotoxin contamination, but also for investigating the molecular mechanisms of secondary metabolite production by fungi. We have been searching for mycotoxin production inhibitors among natural products and investigating their modes of action. In this article, we review aflatoxin and trichothecene production inhibitors, including our works on blasticidin S, methyl syringate, cyclo(L-Ala-L-Pro), respiration inhibitors, and precocene II.

Precocene II, a Trichothecene Production Inhibitor, Binds to Voltage-Dependent Anion Channel and Increases the Superoxide Level in Mitochondria of Fusarium graminearum.

Precocene II, a constituent of essential oils, shows antijuvenile hormone activity in insects and inhibits trichothecene production in fungi. We investigated the molecular mechanism by which precocene II inhibits trichothecene production in Fusarium graminearum, the main causal agent of Fusarium head blight and trichothecene contamination in grains. Voltage-dependent anion channel (VDAC), a mitochondrial outer membrane protein, was identified as the precocene II-binding protein by an affinity magnetic bead method. Precocene II increased the superoxide level in mitochondria as well as the amount of oxidized mitochondrial proteins. Ascorbic acid, glutathione, and α-tocopherol promoted trichothecene production by the fungus. These antioxidants compensated for the inhibitory activity of precocene II on trichothecene production. These results suggest that the binding of precocene II to VDAC may cause high superoxide levels in mitochondria, which leads to stopping of trichothecene production.

Correlation of ATP citrate lyase and acetyl CoA levels with trichothecene production in Fusarium graminearum.

The correlation of ATP citrate lyase (ACL) and acetyl CoA levels with trichothecene production in Fusarium graminearum was investigated using an inhibitor (precocene II) and an enhancer (cobalt chloride) of trichothecene production by changing carbon sources in liquid medium. When precocene II (30 µM) was added to inhibit trichothecene production in a trichothecene high-production medium containing sucrose, ACL expression was reduced and ACL mRNA level as well as acetyl CoA amount in the fungal cells were reduced to the levels observed in a trichothecene trace-production medium containing glucose or fructose. The ACL mRNA level was greatly increased by addition of cobalt chloride in the trichothecene high-production medium, but not in the trichothecene trace-production medium. Levels were reduced to those level in the trichothecene trace-production medium by addition of precocene II (300 µM) together with cobalt chloride. These results suggest that ACL expression is activated in the presence of sucrose and that acetyl CoA produced by the increased ALC level may be used for trichothecene production in the fungus. These findings also suggest that sucrose is important for the action of cobalt chloride in activating trichothecene production and that precocene II may affect a step down-stream of the target of cobalt chloride.

Quantitative analyses of lymphoid tissue in the spleen, lymph nodes and Peyer's patches in cynomolgus monkeys.

To clarify the morphological characteristics of the cynomolgus monkey immune system, we analyzed quantitative data on their lymphoid organs. Spleens, major lymph nodes and Peyer's patches were sampled from cynomolgus monkeys, and the lymphoid follicle and germinal center areas and percentages of CD3- and CD20-positive areas were calculated. All the organs analyzed showed large interindividual variations in the sizes of lymphoid follicles and germinal centers. Lymphoid follicle in the spleen, submandibular lymph nodes and Peyer's patches showed no marked difference in size. Germinal center size in the mesenteric lymph nodes and Peyer's patches were significantly smaller than those in the spleen. Areas containing T cells were largest in the lymph nodes, while those containing B cells were largest in the spleen and Peyer's patches. The mean size of the splenic lymphoid follicle in cynomolgus monkeys is larger than that in rats and similar to that in humans. Based on the large individual variation and the characteristics of lymphoid organs, it is important to use cynomolgus monkeys in standard toxicity studies. Taking advantage of the characteristics of each species enables reliable evaluation of the immunologic system in standard toxicity studies.

Focal nodular hyperplasia in the livers of cynomolgus macaques (macaca fascicularis).

Two cases of spontaneous focal hepatic hyperplasia were observed in young female cynomolgus macaques (Macaca fascicularis). Grossly, a single raised nodule was observed in the left hepatic lobe. Histopathologically, the nodule compressed surrounding normal tissue; however, the hepatic cords within the nodule continued to those in the nor mal area except in part. Extensive fibrosis and absence of a normal hepatic triad were observed in the nodule. Thin fibrous septa radiating from the dense central stellate scarring and distended vessels were apparent in one animal. Hepatocytes in the nodule lacked cellular atypia, showed frequent PAS-positive eosinophilic inclusions in the cytoplasm and showed higher positive ratios for PCNA. The present cases resembled focal nodular hyperplasia reported in humans and a chimpanzee.

Characteristics of troponins as myocardial damage biomarkers in cynomolgus monkeys.

Recently, troponin T (TnT) and troponin I (TnI) have been reported as suitable biomarkers of myocardial injury for pre-clinical toxicity studies. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the characteristics of troponins as myocardial damage biomarkers in cynomolgus monkeys. Initially, tissue distribution of biomarkers was investigated in nine organs (including the heart, liver, and kidneys) collected from naive cynomolgus monkeys. The results showed that TnT and TnI were distributed specifically in the heart, and were not detected in other tissues. Secondly, changes in blood biomarker levels and histopathological changes in cardiac tissue were investigated following myocardial injury induced by concomitant administration of isoproterenol (ISO) and vasopressin (VASO). Compared with pre-dosing, TnT and TnI were markedly increased in the ISO + VASO groups, in which severe histopathological changes including necrosis and vacuolation of muscle fibers were observed. In order to investigate the relationship of biomarker levels with the severity of myocardial injury, Spearman's correlation coefficient was calculated between C(max) and AUC and necrosis and vacuolation scores in the heart. A high correlation between necrosis and vacuolation in the heart and TnT and TnI levels was noted. These results suggest that TnT and TnI possess high sensitivity and specificity for myocardial injury in cynomolgus monkeys, and are useful biomarkers for detection of drug-induced myocardial injury in cynomolgus monkeys.

Low doses of losartan and trandolapril improve arterial stiffness in hemodialysis patients.

BACKGROUND: Hemodialysis patients have uremic dyslipidemia, represented by elevated serum intermediate-density lipoprotein cholesterol (IDL-C) levels, and an increased cardiovascular mortality rate. This study was performed to determine the low-dose effects of the angiotensin II receptor blocker losartan and the angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor trandolapril on pulse wave velocity (PWV), which predicts cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in hemodialysis patients. METHODS: Serum lipid levels and PWV were monitored for 12 months in 64 hemodialysis patients who were administered low doses of losartan or trandolapril or a placebo. RESULTS: At the start of the study, there were no differences in patient characteristics among the 3 groups. PWV tended to increase in the placebo group during the 12-month study period, but decreased significantly in the losartan and trandolapril groups, and decreases in PWV were similar in the losartan and trandolapril groups. There were no changes in blood pressure, hematocrit, erythropoietin dose, ankle-brachial index, serum lipid levels, serum 8-isoprostane levels, or serum C-reactive protein levels during the 12-month study period, but there was an increase in serum triglyceride levels in the losartan group and a decrease in serum IDL-C levels in the losartan and trandolapril groups. CONCLUSION: In hemodialysis patients, trandolapril is as effective as losartan in decreasing PWV independent of its depressor effect and in suppressing elevated IDL-C levels. Long-term blockade of the renin-angiotensin system may have a beneficial effect on the acceleration of atherosclerosis and uremic dyslipidemia.

Fluvastatin prevents development of arterial stiffness in haemodialysis patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

BACKGROUND: Arterial stiffness assessed by pulse wave velocity (PWV) predicts all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in diabetic patients with end-stage renal disease. We studied the preventive effects of a 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitor, fluvastatin, on arterial PWV values in this population. METHODS: Twenty-two patients with normal serum lipid levels received fluvastatin (20 mg/day p.o.) or a placebo for 6 months. Their serum lipid levels, serum levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), arterial PWV, and ankle brachial indexes (ABI) were determined before, and 3 and 6 months after taking the medication to evaluate arterial stiffness. RESULTS: At the beginning of the follow-up, there were no differences in age, blood pressure, body mass index, serum haemoglobin A1c level, serum CRP level, serum lipid levels, PWV or ABI between the placebo- (n=10) and the fluvastatin-treated patients (n=12). After 6 months, the PWV and the serum oxidized low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) level increased significantly (from 1969+/-140 to 2326+/-190 cm/s and 70.4+/-13.8 to 91.8+/-15.5 U/l, respectively) in the placebo-treated patients. However, the fluvastatin group had a significantly reduced PWV (from 1991+/-162 to 1709+/-134 cm/s), oxidized LDL-C serum levels (from 89.0+/-9.6 to 73.0+/-5.8 U/l) and CRP serum levels (from 0.97+/-0.32 to 0.26+/-0.16 mg/dl) compared with those in the placebo group. CONCLUSIONS: Long-term administration of fluvastatin prevents further worsening of arterial biomechanics in haemodialysis patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, even in the presence of serum lipid levels in the normal range.