De novo sequencing and detection of secondary metabolite gene clusters of Penicillium griseofulvum

Abstract

The genus Penicillium comprises different economically important species with the ability to produce a wide array of secondary metabolites. Among different Penicillium species, P. griseofulvum is worldwide distributed and has been associated with blue mold decay. In the present study, the complete genome of P. griseofulvum strain PG3 isolated from rotted apples harvested in Italy was sequenced and some important secondary metabolites clusters present in PG3 were reported. The PG3 estimated genome size was of 29.3 Mb, and the phylogenetic analysis at the wholegenome level revealed that P. griseofulvum is branched off after the divergence of P. oxalicum and before P. chrysogenum. Genome-wide analysis of PG3 genes uncovered a putative gene cluster for patulin biosynthesis. In vitro results clearly confirmed that PG3 is a high patulin producer. In addition to patulin, we detected a functional griseofulvin gene cluster.This study will enable to gain insight into secondary metabolite synthesis in P. griseofulvum and assess its potential applications in biotechnology and threats for food safety.