The application of transcriptomics to understand the ecological reasons of ochratoxin a biosynthesis by Penicillium nordicum on sodium chloride rich dry cured foods

Penicillium nordicum and to some extent also P. verrucosum can be found as contaminants on NaCl rich fermented foods like ham, cheeses or vegetables. Both fungal species are able to produce ochratoxin A. Ochratoxin A is a chloride containing mycotoxin which has toxic activities especially against the kidney. Further putative ochratoxin A producing species can be found in this environment. Recent results show that the production of ochratoxin A increases the competitiveness of the producing fungi under salt stress conditions which occur in these types of foods. This increased competitiveness may explain the frequent occurrence of these fungi in salt rich commodities.