Calmodulin mediated activation of acetyl-CoA carboxylase during aflatoxin production by Aspergillus parasiticus

The relevance of Ca2+-calmodulin-mediated processes in channelling acetate for aflatoxin formation was investigated by studying the influence of trifluoperazine (an anticalmodulin agent) on 14C]-acetate incorporation and activity of acetyl-CoA carboxylase in Aspergillus parasiticus NRRL 2999. Culturing the organism in presence of 0.14 mmol l-1 trifluoperazine resulted in 55% decrease of 14C]-acetate incorporation into aflatoxin B1, along with an 80% decrease in acetyl-CoA carboxylase activity at periods corresponding to maximal aflatoxin production. Concomitant decrement (35%) in the activity of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase indicated decreased availability of reduction potential (NADPH) required for aflatoxin biosynthesis. The ability of calmodulin to activate and trifluoperazine to inhibit acetyl-CoA carboxylase activity in a dose-dependent manner was also noted under in vitro conditions. The combined results suggest calmodulin-mediated activation of acetyl-CoA carboxylase as an important event for aflatoxin production.