Real-Time RT-PCR assay to quantify the expression of fum1 and fum19 genes from the Fumonisin-producing Fusarium verticillioides

Fumonisins are a group of mycotoxins produced by Fusarium species of the Gibberella fujikuroi species complex that contaminate food and feed products, and represent a risk for human and animal health. In this work, we have developed a specific real-time reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR) assay to quantify the level of expression of two genes of the fumonisin biosynthetic cluster in F. verticillioides: fuml (that encodes a polyketide synthase enzyme) and the ABC transporter encoding gene fm19. The level of expression of both genes was compared with the amount of fumonisin B-1 (FB1), measured by HPLC, produced by several strains of F. verticillioides in liquid culture. The results indicated a good correspondence between the levels of fitnzl and fum19 expression and the production of fumonisin B1. The analysis described provides a good approach for the rapid and specific detection and characterization of the potential ability of F. verticillioides strains to produce fumonisins. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.