Verruculogen: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 11:55, 9 February 2025

Verruculogen

Chemical structure of verruculogen

Verruculogen is a mycotoxin produced by certain species of fungi, particularly those belonging to the genus Aspergillus. It is a member of the indole alkaloid family and is known for its neurotoxic effects.

Chemical Structure and Properties

Verruculogen is characterized by a complex chemical structure that includes an indole moiety. The molecular formula of verruculogen is C27H33N3O6, and it has a molecular weight of 495.57 g/mol. The structure of verruculogen includes several epoxide groups, which are believed to contribute to its biological activity.

Biosynthesis

The biosynthesis of verruculogen involves a series of enzymatic reactions that occur within the fungal organism. It is synthesized from tryptophan, a common precursor for many indole alkaloids. The biosynthetic pathway includes the formation of several intermediate compounds before the final product, verruculogen, is produced.

Toxicity

Verruculogen is known for its neurotoxic effects, which can lead to tremors and other neurological symptoms in animals. It acts by inhibiting the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptor, which is crucial for neurotransmission in the central nervous system. This inhibition can lead to uncontrolled neuronal firing and subsequent neurological symptoms.

Occurrence

Verruculogen is primarily produced by Aspergillus species, including Aspergillus fumigatus and Aspergillus nidulans. These fungi are commonly found in soil and decaying organic matter. They can also contaminate food and feed, posing a risk to human health and animal health.

Detection and Analysis

The detection of verruculogen in food and feed is important for ensuring safety. Analytical methods such as high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and mass spectrometry (MS) are commonly used to identify and quantify verruculogen in samples. These methods provide sensitive and accurate measurements of verruculogen concentrations.

Related Pages

References

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-{{svg-image}}
+== Verruculogen ==
-'''Verruculogen''' is a [[mycotoxin]] produced by certain species of fungi, notably by ''[[Penicillium]] verruculosum'' and ''[[Aspergillus]] fumigatus''. It belongs to a class of secondary metabolites known as [[tremorgenic mycotoxins]], which are compounds capable of causing tremors and other neurological symptoms in animals and humans. Verruculogen is particularly noted for its potent neurotoxic effects, which have been studied in the context of both its potential threat to health and its possible applications in biomedical research.
+[[File:Verruculogen.svg|thumb|right|Chemical structure of verruculogen]]
-The structure of verruculogen includes several fused rings, which contribute to its biological activity. This compound interferes with the normal function of [[neurotransmitter]]s, particularly those involved in the activation of neurons, leading to the characteristic tremors and potentially fatal neurological dysfunction if ingested in significant quantities.
+'''Verruculogen''' is a [[mycotoxin]] produced by certain species of [[fungi]], particularly those belonging to the genus ''[[Aspergillus]]''. It is a member of the [[indole alkaloid]] family and is known for its [[neurotoxic]] effects.
-Verruculogen is found in mold-contaminated grains and other foodstuffs, posing a risk to both human and animal health. Its presence in food commodities is of particular concern in areas with high humidity and temperature, which are conducive to the growth of verruculogen-producing fungi. The detection and quantification of verruculogen in food and feed are therefore important for ensuring safety and preventing intoxication.
+== Chemical Structure and Properties ==
+Verruculogen is characterized by a complex chemical structure that includes an indole moiety. The molecular formula of verruculogen is C27H33N3O6, and it has a molecular weight of 495.57 g/mol. The structure of verruculogen includes several [[epoxide]] groups, which are believed to contribute to its biological activity.
-Research into verruculogen has also explored its potential as a tool in neurobiological studies, given its specific effects on neurotransmitter systems. However, the toxic nature of verruculogen limits its application in this area.
+== Biosynthesis ==
+The biosynthesis of verruculogen involves a series of enzymatic reactions that occur within the fungal organism. It is synthesized from [[tryptophan]], a common precursor for many indole alkaloids. The biosynthetic pathway includes the formation of several intermediate compounds before the final product, verruculogen, is produced.
-Due to the health risks associated with exposure to verruculogen, there is ongoing research aimed at understanding its biosynthesis, mechanisms of action, and strategies for detoxification or prevention of contamination in food products. This includes the development of analytical methods for its detection and the exploration of agricultural and food processing practices that can minimize the risk of contamination.
+== Toxicity ==
+Verruculogen is known for its neurotoxic effects, which can lead to [[tremors]] and other neurological symptoms in animals. It acts by inhibiting the [[gamma-aminobutyric acid]] (GABA) receptor, which is crucial for [[neurotransmission]] in the central nervous system. This inhibition can lead to uncontrolled neuronal firing and subsequent neurological symptoms.
+== Occurrence ==
+Verruculogen is primarily produced by ''Aspergillus'' species, including ''[[Aspergillus fumigatus]]'' and ''[[Aspergillus nidulans]]''. These fungi are commonly found in soil and decaying organic matter. They can also contaminate [[food]] and [[feed]], posing a risk to [[human health]] and [[animal health]].
+== Detection and Analysis ==
+The detection of verruculogen in food and feed is important for ensuring safety. Analytical methods such as [[high-performance liquid chromatography]] (HPLC) and [[mass spectrometry]] (MS) are commonly used to identify and quantify verruculogen in samples. These methods provide sensitive and accurate measurements of verruculogen concentrations.
+== Related Pages ==
+* [[Mycotoxin]]
+* [[Aspergillus]]
+* [[Indole alkaloid]]
+* [[Neurotoxicity]]
+== References ==
+{{Reflist}}
 [[Category:Mycotoxins]]
-[[Category:Neurotoxins]]
+[[Category:Indole alkaloids]]
-[[Category:Fungal toxins]]
+[[Category:Aspergillus]]
-{{chem-stub}}