Preparation of mycotoxin-derived metabolites using yeast expressing drug-metabolizing enzymes

Abstract

Recently, there has been a concern about health hazards caused by mycotoxins. They are metabolized by drug-metabolizing enzymes (DME) in livestock and human bodies. The resultant metabolites are at risk of being converted to the active forms by endogenous or exogenous hydrolases. Thus, metabolic studies of mycotoxins are essential for their risk assessment. Our group has successfully generated recombinant yeasts expressing DME, and established a technology to produce metabolites of drugs, food factors, and various toxins. Our technology may contribute to risk assessment of mycotoxins.