@entity11792 is a fungus that principally obtains resources for growth in a saprophytic mode. Yet, it also possesses the characteristics of an opportunistic pathogen with a wide, non-specific host range (plants, animals, and insects). It has attained a high level of agricultural significance due to production of the carcinogen @entity11189 , which significantly reduces the value of contaminated crops. To access a large variety of nutrient substrates and penetrate host tissues, A. flavus possesses the capacity to produce numerous extracellular hydrolases. Most work on A. flavus hydrolases has focused on the @entity563 and metalloproteinases, pectinase P2c, and amylase. Many hydrolases are presumed to function in polymer degradation and nutrient capture, but the regulation of hydrolase secretion is complex and substrate dependent. Proteinases are employed not only to help access protein substrates, such as elastin that is found in mammals and insects, but may also play @entity364 and virulence. Secretion of the endopolygalacturonase P2c is strongly correlated with isolate virulence (against plants) and maceration of @entity2708 boll tissues. In some hosts, secretion of alpha-amylase is critical for starch digestion and may play a critical role in induction of @entity11189 biosynthesis. Despite a significant body of work, much remains to be learned about hydrolase production and utilization by A. flavus. This information may be critical for the formulation of successful strategies to control @entity11189 contamination in affected commodities.

XXXX hydrolases: their roles in pathogenesis and substrate utilization.

@entity2708 :: ('3635', 'Species') :: ['cotton'] @entity11792 :: ('5059', 'Species') :: ['Aspergillus flavus'] @entity364 :: ('MESH:D009181', 'Disease') :: ['roles in fungal defense'] @entity11189 :: ('MESH:D000348', 'Chemical') :: ['aflatoxin'] @entity563 :: ('CHEBI:17822', 'Chemical') :: ['serine']
@entity11792 :: (5059,Species) :: ['Aspergillus flavus']
