Fumonisins: toxicology, emerging issues, and prospects for control and detoxification

Abstract

Much has been learned about fumonisins since their discovery and investigations to further characterize their toxicity and mode of action continue. A recently developed mouse model for neural tube defects in fetuses of fumonisin-treated dams will be a valuable in vivo tool for elucidating the mechanistic relationships between fumonisin exposure, folate transport, and neural tube defects in this mouse model and for determining the relevance of the mouse model for humans. Determining how cooking and food processing affect fumonisins in food matrices and, using an approach combining bioassays and chemical analyses, their toxicity is another emerging research initiative. Ongoing research in these and other areas will contribute to better understanding of fumonisins and to the implementation of science-based mycotoxin management strategies.