Abstract
Fusarium head blight (FHB) reduces crop yield and results in contamination of grains with trichothecene mycotoxins. We previously showed that mitochondria play a critical role in the toxicity of a type B trichothecene. Here, we investigated the direct effects of type A and type B trichothecenes on mitochondrial translation and membrane integrity in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Sensitivity to trichothecenes increased when functional mitochondria were required for growth, and trichothecenes inhibited mitochondrial translation at concentrations, which did not inhibit total translation. In organello translation in isolated mitochondria was inhibited by type A and B trichothecenes, demonstrating that these toxins have a direct effect on mitochondrial translation. In intact yeast cells trichothecenes showed dose-dependent inhibition of mitochondrial membrane potential and reactive oxygen species, but only at doses higher than those affecting mitochondrial translation. These results demonstrate that inhibition of mitochondrial translation is a primary target of trichothecenes and is not secondary to the disruption of mitochondrial membranes.
Highlights
IntroductionFusarium graminearum, which causes head blight or scab of wheat and barley, resulting in yield reduction and contamination of grains with trichothecene mycotoxins [1]
Trichothecenes are foodborne toxins produced by various fungi including the plant pathogenFusarium graminearum, which causes head blight or scab of wheat and barley, resulting in yield reduction and contamination of grains with trichothecene mycotoxins [1]
We further show that trichothecenes have time and dose-dependent effects on mitochondrial membrane potential and generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), but only at doses higher than those inhibiting mitochondrial translation
Summary
Fusarium graminearum, which causes head blight or scab of wheat and barley, resulting in yield reduction and contamination of grains with trichothecene mycotoxins [1]. Trichothecenes are structurally related mycotoxins characterized by two functionally critical features: a double bond at C9 and C10 and an epoxide ring at C12 and C13 [1]. Based on their substitution pattern of specific functional groups, trichothecenes are divided into four groups with varied toxicity that is related to their structure [1,4,5]. Of the 200+ trichothecenes identified, DON and T-2 are toxicologically the most relevant and widely studied
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