Mycotoxin fumonisins: Health impacts and biosynthetic mechanism*

Fumonisins are one of the most important groups of mycotoxins in agriculture and the food industry. They are produced by several widespread fungal pathogens of corn. Fumonisin contamination in maize-derived food and feeds causes several fatal diseases in livestock and poses a significant cancer risk to human (Group 2B carcinogen). In the recent years, fumonisins have become a hot area in mycotoxin research. This review attempts to highlight the progress in the studies of molecular mechanisms for fumonisin biosynthesis and mode of action. The current understandings in the molecular basis for the cellular effects induced by fumonisins are discussed. Special at tentions are paid to introduce the progress in the characterization of individual genes enzymes involved in the biosynthesis of fumonisions. Supported by National Science Foundation of China (Grant Nos. 30428023) and NSF EPSCOR II, USA