Abstract
Aspergillus flavus is a facultative pathogen capable of producing aflatoxins (AF), potent carcinogens that accumulate in corn kernels, peanuts, cottonseed and tree nuts. To understand resistance mechanisms in corn to AF accumulation we performed a high-throughput genomics study using an in vitro kernel screening assay with A. flavus 3357, resistant corn hybrid TZAR102 and susceptible corn hybrid Va35. Furthermore, we incorporated gene expression data with genomic data to perform redundancy analysis (RDA). We determined that corn genotype, fungal treatment and duration of infection significantly co-vary to influence the overall gene expression patterns. We performed gene ontology enrichment analysis on highly significant genes and found enrichment of pathways linked to fungal and microbial responses such as Pathogenesis-related (PR) proteins. To determine additional genes of interest using field and gene expression data, we linked genome-wide association analysis results with gene expression data, allowing us to detect significant expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL). Our results showed that resistance to aflatoxin contamination is a polygenic trait and found significant association between specific flavonoid biosynthetic pathway genes and infection by A. flavus. Additional experiments including functional genomics analyses and fungal bioassays to identify the role of flavonoids and their contribution to corn resistance to A. flavus growth and AF production will also be presented.
Highlights
Can we find a way to identify multiple key elements and pathways of corn resistance to Aspergillus flavus by doing major data integration analysis?
❖ Post-GWAS data integration pipelines showed that flavonoid pathways play a role in the host resistance ❖ Naringenin and apigenin inhibit fungal growth
Preliminary results showed: Naringenin and apigenin have a high relationship with inhibition of fungal growth when incubated with A. flavus 70 and 3357 strains accumulation is a polygenic trait
Summary
This fungus colonizes crops such as corn, cottonseed, peanut and more. Some strains produce highly toxic and carcinogenic chemicals such as aflatoxin.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
