Evaluation of the yeast acetyltransferase (AYT1) in detoxification of the F. graninearum toxin deoxynivalenol in transgenic plants

The primary causal agent of FHB (F. graminearum) can produce deoxynivalenol (DON), a trichothecene mycotoxin that enhances disease severity and poses a health hazard to human and monogastric animals. To study the possible ways for reducing the effect of DON, an acetyltransferase (AYT1) gene from yeast was cloned and transformed into tobacco as a model plant. AYT1 encodes an enzyme that transfers an acetyl moiety to the C3 hydroxil group of trichothecene. The results of in vitro culture resistance tests suggested detoxification and partial protection against DON mycotoxin in transgenic plants.