Fumonisin B2
Encyclopedia
Fumonisin B2 is a fumonisin mycotoxin
produced by the fungi Fusarium
verticillioides and Fusarium moniliforme. It is a structural analog of fumonisin B1
. Fumonisin B2 is more cytotoxic
than fumonisin B1. Fumonisin B2 inhibits sphingosine
acyltransferase
.
Fumonisin B2 and other fumonisins frequently contaminate maize
and other crops.
Mycotoxin
A mycotoxin is a toxic secondary metabolite produced by organisms of the fungus kingdom, commonly known as molds. The term ‘mycotoxin’ is usually reserved for the toxic chemical products produced by fungi that readily colonize crops...
produced by the fungi Fusarium
Fusarium
Fusarium is a large genus of filamentous fungi widely distributed in soil and in association with plants. Most species are harmless saprobes, and are relatively abundant members of the soil microbial community. Some species produce mycotoxins in cereal crops that can affect human and animal health...
verticillioides and Fusarium moniliforme. It is a structural analog of fumonisin B1
Fumonisin B1
Fumonisin B1 is the most prevalent member of a family of toxins, known as fumonisins, produced by several species of Fusarium molds, such as Fusarium verticillioides, which occur mainly in maize , wheat and other cereals. Fumonisin B1 contamination of maize has been reported worldwide at mg/kg levels...
. Fumonisin B2 is more cytotoxic
Cytotoxicity
Cytotoxicity is the quality of being toxic to cells. Examples of toxic agents are a chemical substance, an immune cell or some types of venom .-Cell physiology:...
than fumonisin B1. Fumonisin B2 inhibits sphingosine
Sphingosine
Sphingosine is an 18-carbon amino alcohol with an unsaturated hydrocarbon chain, which forms a primary part of sphingolipids, a class of cell membrane lipids that include sphingomyelin, an important phospholipid.-Functions:...
acyltransferase
Acyltransferase
Acyltransferase is a type of transferase enzyme that acts upon acyl groups.Examples include:* Glyceronephosphate O-acyltransferase* Lecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase...
.
Fumonisin B2 and other fumonisins frequently contaminate maize
Maize
Maize known in many English-speaking countries as corn or mielie/mealie, is a grain domesticated by indigenous peoples in Mesoamerica in prehistoric times. The leafy stalk produces ears which contain seeds called kernels. Though technically a grain, maize kernels are used in cooking as a vegetable...
and other crops.