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Review
. 2010 Apr;2(4):613-31.
doi: 10.3390/toxins2040613. Epub 2010 Apr 5.

Biosynthesis and toxicological effects of patulin

Olivier Puel  1 , Pierre Galtier, Isabelle P Oswald
Affiliations
Review

Biosynthesis and toxicological effects of patulin

Olivier Puel et al. Toxins (Basel). 2010 Apr.

Abstract

Patulin is a toxic chemical contaminant produced by several species of mold, especially within Aspergillus, Penicillium and Byssochlamys. It is the most common mycotoxin found in apples and apple-derived products such as juice, cider, compotes and other food intended for young children. Exposure to this mycotoxin is associated with immunological, neurological and gastrointestinal outcomes. Assessment of the health risks due to patulin consumption by humans has led many countries to regulate the quantity in food. A full understanding of the molecular genetics of patulin biosynthesis is incomplete, unlike other regulated mycotoxins (aflatoxins, trichothecenes and fumonisins), although the chemical structures of patulin precursors are now known. The biosynthetic pathway consists of approximately 10 steps, as suggested by biochemical studies. Recently, a cluster of 15 genes involved in patulin biosynthesis was reported, containing characterized enzymes, a regulation factor and transporter genes. This review includes information on the current understanding of the mechanisms of patulin toxinogenesis and summarizes its toxicological effects.

Keywords: biosynthesis; patulin; polyketide; toxicity.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
An apple contaminated by Penicillium expansum.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Scheme of patulin biosynthetic pathways. Adapted from [29,41,107].
Figure 3
Figure 3
Patulin gene cluster in A. clavatus and comparison of secondary metabolite gene clusters in three other fungi species that contain some genes related to patulin production. Grey indicates genes of the patulin cluster; white indicates genes adjacent to the patulin cluster. The black arrows in T. stipitatus represent genes that are not present in the patulin gene cluster.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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