Genetic and molecular analysis of the RNA interference pathway in Aspergillus

• Published in: Phytopathology Vol. 94; no. 6
• Main Authors: Hammond, T M, McDonald, T R, Bok, J W, Keller, N P
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 01.06.2004
• Subjects: Aspergillus flavus; Aspergillus nidulans; Aspergillus parasiticus
• ISSN: 0031-949X

Our lab is investigating the post-transcriptional gene silencing mechanism of RNA interference (RNAi) in Aspergillus species with a goal of using RNAi to control mycotoxin production by filamentous fungi. Our studies show that RNAi can be directed to block the production of two highly toxic and carcinogenic compounds by Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus parasiticus and Aspergillus nidulans. Creation of an RNAi-based mycotoxin control strategy will require a thorough understanding of this mechanism in these organisms. Therefore, a genetic and molecular analysis of RNAi in Aspergillus species is underway. Our work with A. nidulans suggests that the Aspergilli require a PAZ and PIWI domain protein, characteristic of RNAi in other eukaryotes, but do not require an RNA dependent RNA polymerase (RDRP), an enzyme often found to play an important role in RNAi. We are currently in the process of determining if RDRPs have a supplementary role in Aspergillus RNAi, such as in 'spreading' or 'amplification' of the silencing effect. Additionally, we are testing two putative RNAse III enzymes in A. nidulans for RNAi functionality.