Fumonisin

The fumonisins are a group of mycotoxins derived from Fusarium and their Liseola section.^[1] They have strong structural similarity to sphinganine, the backbone precursor of sphingolipids.^[2]

Chemical structure of fumonisin B1

More specifically, it can refer to:

• Fumonisin B1
• Fumonisin B2
• Fumonisin B3
• Fumonisin B4

As the fumonisins appear to be non-genotoxic the possibility that they belong to another class of non-genotoxic carcinogens, the peroxisome proliferators, was investigated^[3]

Genetic engineering is reported as a promising means of detoxifying mycotoxins. This approach may provide innovative solutions to the problem of fumonisin in corn.^[4]

At least 15 different fumonisins have so far been reported and other minor metabolites have been identified, although most of them have not been shown to occur naturally.^[5] In 2015, a unique class of non-aminated fumonisins^[6] was reported on grapes infected with Aspergillus welwitschiae, although their toxicities have not yet been established.

Other Fusarium toxins

The trichothecene (T-2) mycotoxins are a group of over 40 compounds produced by fungi of the genus Fusarium, a common grain mold.^[7]

The estrogenic metabolite, zearalenone, is also referred to as F-2 toxin.^[8]