STUDY OF REGULATORY MECHANISMS OF BIOSYNTHESIS OF SECONDARY METABOLITES OF ASPERGILLUS FLAVUS USING BIOINFORMATICS TOOLS

Abstract

Currently, the study of the risks of contamination of grain raw materials with toxigenic microflora, in particular micromycetes of the Aspergillus flavus species and its secondary metabolites, including Aflatoxin B1, is a relevant area for an indepth study of the possibility of minimizing the risks of grain processing products. Over time, opportunities have emerged to use bioinformatics tools that allow us to predictively uncover the mechanisms of disinfection technologies and determine the level of impact of disinfection processes to mitigate risks. The aim of this study was to examine the genes (aflR, aflJ, aflS, LaeA, VeA, rtfA) of secondary metabolites of the toxigenic micromycete Aspergillus flavus to assess the key regulatory mechanisms of aflatoxin biosynthesis and the influence of reactive oxygen species (ROS) on gene expression using bioin-formatics tools (UGENE, AlphaFold Server, ProtParam). It was found that studying the influence of reactive oxygen species (ROS) on gene expression is applicable to understanding the mechanisms of grain raw material resistance to mold contamination and aflatoxin accumulation under extreme climatic conditions. Analysis of the Aspergillus flavus genome revealed 56 gene clusters encoding various enzymes required for the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites, including aflatoxins, cyclopiazonic acid, and aflatrem. The relationship between genomic and structural information and physicochemical properties is critical for understanding the pathogenesis and re-sistance of Aspergillus flavus, developing control methods, and creating effective methods for disinfecting grain raw materials, which is of direct importance for ensuring food security and con-sumer health in relation to food and feed grain.