Genome Mining for Aflatoxin Biosynthesis

Occurrence of aflatoxins in crops has vast impacts on human health. Therefore, the study of aflatoxin biosynthesis has become important. Previous studies have shown that the aflatoxin biosynthesis gene cluster and several genes, enzymes, and regulatory elements are involved in aflatoxin biosynthesis; however, the intricate metabolic regulatory networks of aflatoxin synthesis remain unclear. Rapid development of fungal genomics and other “omics” empower us for genome mining, gene expression profiling, and gene regulation studies that could provide more comprehensive insights into the aflatoxin biosynthesis regulatory network and other secondary metabolisms in fungi. Here we review the recent advances in the field of genome sequencing of aflatoxin-producing fungi, application of genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and epigenetics in aflatoxin biosynthesis. In addition, mitochondrial genomes in Aspergillus spp and their function in aflatoxin biosynthesis are discussed. In summary, the availability of whole-genome sequence of aflatoxigenic fungi will undoubtedly expand our knowledge of aflatoxin biosynthesis and will provide more insights on the biosynthesis of aflatoxin and other secondary metabolites in fungi.