Abstract

BAEZ FLORES, María Elena; TRONCOSO ROJAS, Rosalba  and  TIZNADO HERNANDEZ, Martín Ernesto. Genetic Responses Induced by Isothiocyanates Treatment on the Fungal Genus Alternaria. Rev. mex. fitopatol [online]. 2011, vol.29, n.1, pp.61-68. ISSN 2007-8080.

The isothiocyanates are natural compounds with potent antifungal activity produced by Brassicas as part of their defense system. These compounds represent an alternative to the utilization of chemical compounds for controlling fungal infections in agricultural products. The objective of the review was to analyze the published literature including studies of the fungal molecular mechanisms responding to the toxic effect of isothiocyanates. The studies in Alternaria brassicicola show the induction of genes playing a role in oxidative stress (cytochrome P450, thioredoxins and oxidoreductases), and genes playing a role in the elimination of isothiocyanates from the cell (glutathione-S-transferases, and ABC transporters). The fungus A. brassiciccola is a pathogen specialized in Brassicas, while Alternaria alternata is a generalist pathogen. However, in A. alternata it was also reported the induction of a gene encoding an ABC transporter. Based on the reviewed data, it can be concluded that the fungi response mechanism to isothiocyanates consists in the formation of an isothiocyanate-glutathione conjugate which is secreted by an ABC transporter. It is suggested that the utilization of isothiocyanates in combination with ABC transporter inhibitors, could avoid the fungal resistance and it could constitute a safe treatment for the environment as well as for human health.

Keywords : Brassicas; fungicides; response molecular mechanism; ABC transporter; glutathione-S-transferase.

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