Biochemistry and Regulation of Trichothecene Toxin Biosynthesis in Fusarium

The trichothecenes are a large family of sesquiterpene epoxides that inhibit eukaryotic protein synthesis and thereby impairhuman and animal health. Several fungal species of the genus Fusarium and related generacan produce trichothecenes in agricultural crops and commodities. Interest in these toxins is due primarily to the discovery that trichothecene contamination ofhuman foods and animal feeds is a continuing worldwide problem. The most effective control strategy for trichothecene toxins is prevention of fungal infection and toxin production in the field and in storage. In the long term. understanding the biochemistry and regulation of trichothecene production should help the development of practical and specific controls. In recent years. rapid advances in the molecular genetics of filamentous fungi haveopened the way fordetailed geneticanalysisoftrichothecene biosynthesis in Fusarium species. This review will describe recent progress in understanding the biochemistry and genetics of the trichothecene biosynthetic pathway.