Functional analysis of transcriptional factor crz1(Calcineurin-Responsive Zincfinger 1) during quercetin mediated inhibition of Aspergillus flavus

Abstract

Aspergillus flavus Aspergillus flavus is a saprophytic, disease causing fungus, which is distributed worldwide. It colonizes on cereal grains, legumes and tree nuts. It is considered as a major food contaminant. It is said to produce harmful toxins known as Aflatoxins. Aflatoxin produced by Aspergillus flavus is a secondary metabolite and found in the seeds of various crops. Aflatoxin is highly regulated in foodstuff in most of the countries due to its carcinogenic property. (Ref.1) KINGDOM: Fungi DIVISION: Ascomycota CLASS: Eurotiomycetes ORDER: Eurotiales FAMILY: Trichocomaceae GENUS: Aspergillus SPECIES: A. flavus STRAIN: AF67 Infection by Aspergillus flavus is said to cause diseases such as ear rot (in corn) and yellow mold (in peanuts) either before or after gathering the crops. The contamination can be seen in the field, before-harvest, and post harvest and also during storage/transit. Aspergillus flavus aflatoxin production is generally increased by uncontrollable moisture conditions and high temperature during storage of legumes and grains. The pathogen can cause liver cancer in mammals through ingestion of contaminated food or infection by fungus through invasive growth. The yellow-green spores containing powdery masses on the upper and reddish-gold on the lower surface develop a colony for A.flavus. (Ref.2&3).