Pest Management Science (2010) 66, 1344-1350

Jianhua Zhang, Li Zhao, Jie Zhang, Rui Han, Shuxiang Li, Yongze Yuan, Jian Wan, Wenjing Xiao and Deli Liu (2010)
Optimised expression and spectral analysis of the target enzyme CYP51 from Penicillium digitatum with possible new DMI fungicides
Pest Management Science 66 (12), 1344-1350
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Sterol 14-alpha demethylase (CYP51), a key target of azole (DMI) fungicides, can be expressed in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Green mould of citrus, caused by Penicillium digitatum (Pers.) Sacc., is a serious post-harvest disease. To develop specific and more effective fungicides against this disease, the characteristics of the interaction between sterol 14-alpha demethylase from P. digitatum (PdCYP51) and possible new fungicides were analysed. The cyp51 gene of P. digitatum was cloned and expressed under different conditions in Escherichia coli (Mig.) Cast. and Chalm., and the binding spectra of PdCYP51 were explored by the addition of two commercial azoles and four new nitrogen compounds.
RESULTS: The yield of soluble protein (PdCYP51) was largest when expressed in Rosetta (DE3) induced by 0.5 mM IPTG for 8 h at 30 °C. Compound B (7-methoxy-2H-benzo[b][1,4]thiazine-3-amine) showed the strongest binding activity of the four new nitrogen compounds, with a Kd value of 0.268 µM. The Kd values of the six compounds were significantly correlated with their EC₅₀ values.
CONCLUSION: The spectral analysis and bioassay results could be used to screen the new chemical entities effectively. Compound B, selected by virtual screening from a commercial chemical library, is a candidate for a new DMI fungicide. These results provide a theoretical basis and new ideas for efficient design and development of new antifungal agents.
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Link to article at publishers website

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
control - general

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Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Penicillium digitatum	Citrus (genus)
	Penicillium digitatum	Stored fruits/vegetables