As the 20th century ended, Fusarium mycotoxicology entered the age of genomics. With complete genomes of Fusarium graminearum and F. verticillioides and several Fusarium gene expression sequence databases on hand, researchers worldwide are working at a rapid pace to identify mycotoxin biosynthetic and regulatory genes. Seven classes of mycotoxin biosynthetic genes or gene clusters have been ide...

Strigolactones (SLs) are a class of terpenoid plant hormones that regulate shoot branching as well as being known as root-derived signals for symbiosis and parasitism. SL has tricyclic-lactone (ABC-ring) and methyl butenolide (D-ring), and they are connected through an enol ether bridge. Recently, a putative biosynthetic intermediate called carlactone (CL), of which carbon skeleton is in part s...

Effects of 2-buten-4-olide (2-B4O), an endogenous satiety substance, on levels of plasma glucose, corticosterone, and catecholamines were examined in fed, conscious, and unrestrained rats. A vascular indwelling catheter was inserted into the right atrium of the animal from the jugular vein 1 wk before the experiment. Injection of 2-B4O and blood sampling were performed through the catheter in a...

OBJECTIVE To clarify the mechanism of the suppressive effect of 2-buten-4-olide (2-B4O), an endogenous feeding suppressant, on the pulsatile secretion of luteinizing hormone (LH), by studying whether endogenous opioid peptides are involved in this suppressive effect. METHODS Using ovariectomized (ovx) rats, blood samples were taken every 6 min for 2 h after administration of 2-B4O or saline i...