Fungus Genome Yields Answers to Protect Grains, People, and Animals

Fusarium graminearum is one of the most devastating fungal pathogen of grains that has resulted in an estimated $10 billion damage in US wheat and barley crops in the last 10 years. The pathogen also produces a mycotoxin that affects humans and livestock leading to a wide range of symptoms: vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhea, staggering, skin irritation, immunosuppression and worst of all, cancer.

A group of scientists from Purdue University, lead by molecular biologist Jin-Rong Xu, reported in the Journal of Science that they have located all the genes on the fungus' chromosomes and determined its genetic sequence. The genes that govern plant and fungus molecular interactions were also identified allowing a deeper understanding of how the fungus infects crops and causes disease. 

"Because we now have the genome sequence and a microarray containing the whole genome, it will help us determine what genes allow this fungus to behave as it does," Xu said. "It also will make it easier to identify and determine the function of similar genes in other pathogens and their plant interactions."

For further details of the research news article and the abstract, visit: http://news.uns.purdue.edu/x/2007b/071004JinRongFusarium.html