Metabolic Fate of Phenylalanine in the Corn Smut Fungus Ustilago maydis

Cetecol has been known as a component of melanin in teliospores of the corn smut fungus Ustilago maydis. Its metabolic precursor has been assumed to be benzoic acid but it has not been proven yet. This study was carried out to verify the synthesis of benzoic acid and to chase its metabolic origin in...

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Published inHangug gynnhaghoi ji Vol. 39; no. 3
Main Authors Hyun, M.W., Dankook University, Cheonan, Republic of Korea, Kim, S.H., Dankook University, Cheonan, Republic of Korea
Format Journal Article
LanguageKorean
Published 01.12.2011
Subjects
ACIDE BENZOIQUE
ACIDO BENZOICO
BENZOIC ACID
Phenylalanine metabolism
USTILAGO ZEAE
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Summary:Cetecol has been known as a component of melanin in teliospores of the corn smut fungus Ustilago maydis. Its metabolic precursor has been assumed to be benzoic acid but it has not been proven yet. This study was carried out to verify the synthesis of benzoic acid and to chase its metabolic origin in U. maydis. For this aim, the catabolic process of phenylalanine was investigated by culturing the fungus in the complete medium containing L-∨14C-phenylalanine and ∨14C-trans-cinnamic acid. We detected trans-cinnamic acid, benzoic acid, 4-hydroxybenzoic acid and hydroxybenzoic acid derivatives from the extracts of the fungus cells and cultural filtrates by thin layered chromatography analysis. We also observed that the fungus could completely catabolize L-∨14C-phenylalanine and produce ∨14CO₂ in the air. Conclusively, this study provided an evidence that U. maydis could produce benzoic acid through catabolic process of phenylalanine.
Bibliography:2012002439
A50
ISSN:0253-651X
2383-5249