Abstract
Mycotoxins and phytotoxins are fungal secondary metabolites that exert toxicity against complex animals (including humans) and plants, respectively. They were originally categorized as distinct toxic chemicals; however, this is now considered an inappropriate classification for toxins from plant pathogenic fungi. Fumonisins (mycotoxin) and AAL-toxins (phytotoxin) are produced by Fusarium and Alternaria pathogens, respectively, and they share a common chemical structure and biological activity. It is therefore possible that the biosynthetic pathways of the two toxins have a common evolutionary origin. Comparative studies are therefore important to determine the molecular mechanisms behind the evolution and diversification of fungal secondary metabolites. Recent development of fungal genomics and functional analysis of fungal genes could help shed light on the relationship between mycotoxins and phytotoxins. Such studies will contribute to both basic and applied research in a variety of scientific and technical fields.
