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Review
. 2020 Nov;19(6):2797-2842.
doi: 10.1111/1541-4337.12638. Epub 2020 Oct 20.

Chemical repertoire and biosynthetic machinery of the Aspergillus flavus secondary metabolome: A review

Valdet Uka  1   2 , Jeffrey W Cary  3 , Matthew D Lebar  3 , Olivier Puel  4 , Sarah De Saeger  1 , José Diana Di Mavungu  1
Affiliations
Review

Chemical repertoire and biosynthetic machinery of the Aspergillus flavus secondary metabolome: A review

Valdet Uka et al. Compr Rev Food Sci Food Saf. 2020 Nov.

Abstract

Filamentous fungi represent a rich source of extrolites, including secondary metabolites (SMs) comprising a great variety of astonishing structures and interesting bioactivities. State-of-the-art techniques in genome mining, genetic manipulation, and secondary metabolomics have enabled the scientific community to better elucidate and more deeply appreciate the genetic and biosynthetic chemical arsenal of these microorganisms. Aspergillus flavus is best known as a contaminant of food and feed commodities and a producer of the carcinogenic family of SMs, aflatoxins. This fungus produces many SMs including polyketides, ribosomal and nonribosomal peptides, terpenoids, and other hybrid molecules. This review will discuss the chemical diversity, biosynthetic pathways, and biological/ecological role of A. flavus SMs, as well as their significance concerning food safety and security.

Keywords: Aspergillus flavus; aflatoxins; biosynthesis; food safety; secondary metabolites.

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References

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