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Genetic background of ochratoxin A production inPenicillium

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Abstract

A part of the gene cluster responsible for the production of ochratoxin A inP. nordicum has been characterised recently. The analysed DNA region contains three putative genes: an alcaline proteinase (aspPN), a non-ribosomal peptide synthetase (npsPN) and an polyketide synthase (otapksPN). The last two genes are putative genes of the ochratoxin A biosynthetic pathway. Interestingly theotapksPN gene is present in this form only inP. nordicum but not inP. verrucosum indicating genetic differences between both ochratoxin A producingPenicillium species. The genes in ochratoxin A producingAspergillus species seems to be completely different. It has been demonstrated that thenpsPN gene is actively transcribed inP. nordicum under ochratoxin A producing conditions, indicating that this gene is involved in ochratoxin A biosynthesis.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Federal Research Centre for Nutrition and Food, Location Karisruhe, Haid-und-Neu-Str. 9, D-76131, Karisruhe

    A. Karolewiez, C. Bogs & R. Geisen

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  1. A. Karolewiez
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  2. C. Bogs
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  3. R. Geisen
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Correspondence to R. Geisen.

Additional information

Financial support European Commision Quality of Life and Management of Living Resources Programme (QOL) Key Action 1 on food. Nutrition and Health, Contract No. QLK1-CF-1999-01880

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Karolewiez, A., Bogs, C. & Geisen, R. Genetic background of ochratoxin A production inPenicillium . Mycotox Res 21, 46–48 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02954816

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