U.S. patent application number 15/987401 was filed with the patent office on 2018-09-20 for method of detecting heat-resistant fungus.
This patent application is currently assigned to Kao Corporation. The applicant listed for this patent is Kao Corporation. Invention is credited to Yusuke Hiro, Kouichi Hosoya, Motokazu Nakayama, Hajime Tokuda, Takashi Yaguchi.
Application Number | 20180265933 15/987401 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41377149 |
Filed Date | 2018-09-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180265933 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hosoya; Kouichi ; et
al. |
September 20, 2018 |
Method of Detecting Heat-Resistant Fungus
Abstract
A method of detecting a heat-resistant fungus, which has a step
of identifying the heat-resistant fungus using the following
nucleic acid (I) or (II): (I) a nucleic acid including a nucleotide
sequence set forth in any one of SEQ ID NOS: 24 to 35 and 83 to 86,
or a complementary sequence thereof; or (II) a nucleic acid
including a nucleotide sequence resulting from a deletion,
substitution, or addition of one to several nucleotides in the
nucleotide sequence set forth in any one of SEQ ID NOS: 24 to 35
and 83 to 86 and being capable of detecting the heat-resistant
fungus, or a complementary sequence thereof.
Inventors: |
Hosoya; Kouichi; (Haga-gun,
JP) ; Nakayama; Motokazu; (Haga-gun, JP) ;
Tokuda; Hajime; (Haga-gun, JP) ; Yaguchi;
Takashi; (Chiba-shi, JP) ; Hiro; Yusuke;
(Chiba-shi, JP) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Kao Corporation |
Tokyo |
|
JP |
|
|
Assignee: |
Kao Corporation
Tokyo
JP
|
Family ID: |
41377149 |
Appl. No.: |
15/987401 |
Filed: |
May 23, 2018 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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14747571 |
Jun 23, 2015 |
10006095 |
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15987401 |
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12994566 |
Jan 5, 2011 |
9074261 |
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PCT/JP2009/059818 |
May 28, 2009 |
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14747571 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G01N 2333/37 20130101;
G01N 2333/38 20130101; C12Q 1/04 20130101; C12Q 2600/16 20130101;
C12Q 1/6895 20130101; G01N 33/56961 20130101 |
International
Class: |
C12Q 1/6895 20060101
C12Q001/6895; C12Q 1/04 20060101 C12Q001/04; G01N 33/569 20060101
G01N033/569 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
May 28, 2008 |
JP |
2008-139995 |
May 28, 2008 |
JP |
2008-139996 |
May 28, 2008 |
JP |
2008-139997 |
May 28, 2008 |
JP |
2008-139998 |
May 28, 2008 |
JP |
2008-139999 |
May 29, 2008 |
JP |
2008-141499 |
Claims
[0635] 1.-13. (canceled)
14. A method of detecting whether a heat-resistant fungus is
present in a sample, wherein the heat-resistant fungus is selected
from the group consisting of a member of the genus Hamigera, the
method comprising the steps of: (i) adding, to the sample, or
adding to nucleic acid obtained from the sample, a primer set
selected from the group consisting of primer set no. 4, 9 and 10,
wherein: primer set no. 4 consists of a pair of oligonucleotides
that consists of oligonucleotide (a), which consists of a labeled
or unlabeled nucleotide sequence that has 95% or more homology to
SEQ ID NO: 20; and oligonucleotide (b), which consists of a labeled
or unlabeled nucleotide sequence that has 95% or more homology to
SEQ ID NO: 21; primer set no. 9 consists of a pair of
oligonucleotides that consists of oligonucleotide (a), which
consists of a labeled or unlabeled nucleotide sequence that has 95%
or more homology to SEQ ID NO: 16; and oligonucleotide (b), which
consists of a labeled or unlabeled nucleotide sequence that has 95%
or more homology to SEQ ID NO: 17; and primer set no. 10 consists
of a pair of oligonucleotides that consists of oligonucleotide (a),
which consists of a labeled or unlabeled nucleotide sequence that
has 95% or more homology to SEQ ID NO: 18; and oligonucleotide (b),
which consists of a labeled or unlabeled nucleotide sequence that
has 95% or more homology to SEQ ID NO: 19; (ii) hybridizing the
oligonucleotide pair to nucleic acid in the sample or to nucleic
acid obtained from the sample, under conditions in which the
oligonucleotides in the primer set hybridize specifically to the
nucleic acid of at least one fungus that is a member of the genus
Hamigera, or, hybridizing the oligonucleotide pair to nucleic acid
in the sample or to nucleic acid obtained from the sample, under
conditions in which the oligonucleotides in the primer set
hybridize specifically to nucleic acid of at least one fungus that
is a member of the genus Hamigera that is in the sample or was
obtained from the sample and performing amplification of the
nucleic acid using the oligonucleotides in the primer set as
primers for the amplification, and (iii) determining whether the
oligonucleotides in the primer set hybridized to nucleic acid in
step (ii), or, determining whether an amplification product was
produced in step (ii), wherein, determining that the
oligonucleotides in primer set no. 4, 9 or 10 hybridized to the
nucleic acid, or, when gene amplification was performed using the
oligonucleotides in primer set no. 4, 9 or 10, determining that an
amplification product was produced by the amplification, detects
the presence, in the sample, of a fungus belonging to the genus
Hamigera.
15. The method of detecting a heat-resistant fungus according to
claim 1, wherein at least one oligonucleotide is labeled.
16. The method of claim 14, wherein the primer set is primer set
no. 4, the nucleotide sequence of oligonucleotide (a) is that of
SEQ ID NO: 20 and the nucleotide sequence of oligonucleotide (b) is
that of SEQ ID NO: 21.
17. The method of claim 14, wherein the primer set is primer set
no. 9, the nucleotide sequence of oligonucleotide (a) is that of
SEQ ID NO: 16 and the nucleotide sequence of oligonucleotide (b) is
that of SEQ ID NO: 17.
18. The method of claim 14, wherein the primer set is primer set
no. 10, the nucleotide sequence of oligonucleotide (a) is that of
SEQ ID NO: 18 and the nucleotide sequence of oligonucleotide (b) is
that of SEQ ID NO: 19.
19. The method according to claim 14, wherein step (ii) is
hybridizing the oligonucleotides in the primer set to nucleic acid
in the sample or to nucleic acid obtained from the sample, and step
(iii) is determining whether the oligonucleotides in the primer set
hybridized to nucleic acid in step (ii).
20. The method of claim 14, wherein step (ii) is hybridizing the
oligonucleotides in the primer set to nucleic acid in the sample or
to nucleic acid obtained from the sample and performing
amplification of the nucleic acid using the oligonucleotides in the
primer set as primers for the amplification and step (iii) is
determining whether an amplification product was produced in step
(ii).
Description
REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING SUBMITTED ELECTRONICALLY
[0001] The content of the electronically submitted substitute
sequence listing, file name: 2537_0420003_SeqListing_ascii.txt,
size: 28,041 bytes; and date of creation: May 23, 2018, filed
herewith, is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present invention relates to a method of detecting a
heat-resistant fungus.
BACKGROUND ART
[0003] Heat-resistant fungi are widely distributed throughout
nature, and the fungi grow proliferously in agricultural crops such
as vegetables and fruits and contaminate foods and drinks made from
the agricultural crops. Moreover, the heat-resistant fungi have
high heat resistance compared with general other fungi. For
example, the heat-resistant fungi may survive and grow
proliferously even after a heat sterilization treatment of an
acidic drink and may cause mold growth. Therefore, there are
concerns about the heat-resistant fungi as important harmful fungi
causing severe accidents.
[0004] As major heat-resistant fungi causing contamination
accidents, which may be detected from foods and drinks after a heat
sterilization treatment, heat-resistant fungi belonging to the
genera Byssochlamys, Talaromyces, Neosartorya, and Hamigera are
known. Compared with other heat-resistant fungi which form
ascospores, the fungi belonging to the above-mentioned four genera
have very high heat resistance and are likely to survive after heat
sterilization. On the other hand, heat-resistant fungi other than
the above-mentioned four genera can be killed under usual
sterilization conditions and hence are less likely to cause
contamination accidents unless sterilization fails. Therefore, to
prevent the accidents by such heat-resistant fungi in foods and
drinks and raw materials thereof, it is particularly important to
detect and discriminate the heat-resistant fungi belonging to the
four genera.
[0005] Moreover, to perform accident cause investigation and
countermeasure in the case of a harmful accident, it is necessary
to identify a fungus causing the accident. Therefore, if the
heat-resistant fungi of the above-mentioned four genera can be
discriminated, the fungus causing the accident can be detected and
discriminated more rapidly.
[0006] As a conventional method of detecting and discriminating
heat-resistant fungi, a method involving culturing a sample in PDA
medium or the like and detecting fungi is known. However, in this
method, it takes about seven days until colonies are confirmed.
Moreover, identification of the species of the fungi is performed
based on the morphology of the fungal organ characteristic to each
fungus, and hence it is necessary to continue the culture for
further seven days until morphological characters appear.
Therefore, according to the method, it takes for about 14 days to
detect and discriminate heat-resistant fungi. Such method which
requires a long period of time to detect and discriminate
heat-resistant fungi is not necessarily satisfactory in terms of
sanitary management of foods and drinks, freshness keeping of raw
materials, and distribution constraint. Therefore, it is required
to establish a method of detecting and discriminating
heat-resistant fungi more rapidly.
[0007] As a method of rapidly detecting and discriminating fungi,
detection methods using a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) are known
(e.g., see Patent Documents 1 to 4). However, such methods have
problems in that it is difficult to detect specific heat-resistant
fungi specifically and rapidly.
PRIOR ART DOCUMENT
Patent Document
[0008] [Patent Document 1] JP-T-11-505728 ("JP-T" means published
Japanese translation of PCT application)
[0009] [Patent Document 2] JP-A-2006-61152 ("JP-A" means unexamined
published Japanese patent application)
[0010] [Patent Document 3] JP-A-2006-304763
[0011] [Patent Document 4] JP-A-2007-174903
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[0012] The present invention is to provide a method of specifically
and rapidly detecting and discriminating a heat-resistant fungus
which is a main fungus causing contamination of foods and
drinks.
[0013] The difficulty in detection of a heat-resistant fungi as
described above is caused by false positive and false negative
results in the PCR method using known conventional primers.
[0014] In view of such problems, the inventors of the present
invention have made extensive studies to search a novel DNA region
capable of specifically detecting and discriminating the specific
heat-resistant fungi. As a result, the inventors have found out
that the .beta.-tubulin gene or the ITS region and D1/D2 region of
28S rDNA of the heat-resistant fungi includes a region having a
specific nucleotide sequence which can be clearly different from
that of another fungus (hereinafter, also referred to as "variable
region"). Moreover, the inventors have found out that such the
heat-resistant fungi can be detected specifically and rapidly by
targeting the variable region. The present invention has been
completed based on the findings.
[0015] According to the present invention, there is provided the
following means:
[0016] The present invention resides in a method of detecting a
heat-resistant fungus selected from the group consisting of fungi
belonging to the genus Byssochlamys, fungi belonging to the genus
Talaromyces, fungi belonging to the genus Neosartorya, Aspergillus
fumigates, and fungi belonging to the genus Hamigera, which has at
least one step selected from the group consisting of the following
steps 1) to 4):
[0017] 1) a step of identifying a fungus belonging to the genus
Byssochlamys using the following nucleic acid (A-I) or (A-II):
[0018] (A-I) a nucleic acid including a nucleotide sequence set
forth in SEQ ID NO: 24 or 25, or a complementary sequence thereof;
or
[0019] (A-II) a nucleic acid including a nucleotide sequence
resulting from a deletion, substitution, or addition of one to
several nucleotides in the nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID
NO: 24 or 25 and being capable of detecting the fungus belonging to
the genus Byssochlamys, or a complementary sequence thereof;
[0020] 2) a step of identifying a fungus belonging to the genus
Talaromyces using the following nucleic acid (B-I) or (B-II):
[0021] (B-I) a nucleic acid including a nucleotide sequence set
forth in any one of SEQ ID NOS: 26 to 31, or a complementary
sequence thereof; or
[0022] (B-II) a nucleic acid including a nucleotide sequence
resulting from a deletion, substitution, or addition of one to
several nucleotides in the nucleotide sequence set forth in any one
of SEQ ID NOS: 26 to 31 and being capable of detecting the fungus
belonging to the genus Talaromyces, or a complementary sequence
thereof;
[0023] 3) a step of identifying a fungus belonging to the genus
Neosartorya and/or Aspergillus fumigatus using the following
nucleic acid (C-I) or (C-II):
[0024] (C-I) a nucleic acid including a nucleotide sequence set
forth in any one of SEQ ID NOS: 32 to 34 and 83 to 86, or a
complementary sequence thereof; or
[0025] (C-II) a nucleic acid including a nucleotide sequence
resulting from a deletion, substitution, or addition of one to
several nucleotides in the nucleotide sequence set forth in any one
of SEQ ID NOS: 32 to 34 and 83 to 86 and being capable of detecting
the fungus belonging to the genus Neosartorya and/or Aspergillus
fumigatus, or a complementary sequence thereof; and
[0026] 4) a step of identifying a fungus belonging to the genus
Hamigera using the following nucleic acid (D-I) or (D-II):
[0027] (D-I) a nucleic acid including a nucleotide sequence set
forth in SEQ ID NO: 35, or a complementary sequence thereof; or
[0028] (D-II) a nucleic acid including a nucleotide sequence
resulting from a deletion, substitution, or addition of one to
several nucleotides in the nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID
NO: 35 and being capable of detecting the fungus belonging to the
genus Hamigera, or a complementary sequence thereof.
[0029] Further, the present invention resides in a nucleic acid
represented by the following (I) or (II) for detecting a
heat-resistant fungus:
[0030] (I) a nucleic acid including a nucleotide sequence set forth
in any one of SEQ ID NOS: 24 to 35 and 83 to 86, or a complementary
sequence thereof; or
[0031] (II) a nucleic acid including a nucleotide sequence
resulting from a deletion, substitution, or addition of one to
several nucleotides in the nucleotide sequence set forth in any one
of SEQ ID NOS: 24 to 35 and 83 to 86 and being capable of detecting
the heat-resistant fungus, or a complementary sequence thereof.
[0032] Further, the present invention resides in an oligonucleotide
for detecting a heat-resistant fungus, which is capable of
hybridizing with the nucleic acid (I) or (II) described above and
has a function as a nucleic acid probe or nucleic acid primer for
specifically detecting the heat-resistant fungus.
[0033] Moreover, the present invention resides in a kit for
detecting a heat-resistant fungus containing the above-mentioned
oligonucleotides for detection as a nucleic acid probe or a nucleic
acid primer.
[0034] According to the present invention, it is possible to
provide a method of specifically and rapidly detecting and
discriminating a heat-resistant fungus which is a main fungus
causing contamination of foods and drinks.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0035] FIG. 1 is a diagram for comparing partial nucleotide
sequences of the .beta.-tubulin genes of Aspergillus fumigatus,
Neosartorya fischeri fischeri, and Neosartorya fischeri
spinosa.
[0036] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating nucleotide sequences of the
.beta.-tubulin genes of Hamigera avellanea and Cladosporium
cladosporoides.
[0037] FIG. 3 is an electrophoretogram showing discrimination
results of fungi belonging to the genus Byssochlamys in Example
1(A-1).
[0038] FIG. 4 is an electrophoretogram in the case of using strains
of Byssochlamys fulva in Example 1(A-2).
[0039] FIG. 5 is an electrophoretogram in the case of using strains
of Byssochlamys nivea in Example 1(A-2).
[0040] FIG. 6 is an electrophoretogram showing discrimination
results of fungi belonging to the genus Talaromyces in Example
1(B-1).
[0041] FIG. 7 is an electrophoretogram showing discrimination
results of fungi belonging to the genus Talaromyces in Example
1(B-2).
[0042] FIG. 8 is an electrophoretogram showing discrimination
results of fungi belonging to the genus Talaromyces in Example
1(B-2).
[0043] FIG. 9-1 is an electrophoretogram in Example 1(B-3).
[0044] FIG. 9-2 is an electrophoretogram in Example 1(B-4).
[0045] FIG. 10 is an electrophoretogram in the case of using
strains of Talaromyces flavus in Example 1(B-5).
[0046] FIG. 11 is an electrophoretogram in the case of using
strains of Talaromyces macrosporus in Example 1(B-5).
[0047] FIG. 12 is an electrophoretogram showing discrimination
results of fungi belonging to the genus Neosartorya and Aspergillus
fumigatus in Example 1(C-1).
[0048] FIG. 13 is an electrophoretogram showing discrimination
results of fungi belonging to the genus Neosartorya and Aspergillus
fumigatus in Example 1(C-2).
[0049] FIG. 14 is an electrophoretogram showing discrimination
results of Aspergillus fumigatus from fungi belonging to the genus
Neosartorya and Aspergillus fumigatus in Example 1(C-3).
[0050] FIG. 15 is an electrophoretogram showing discrimination
results of Aspergillus fumigatus from fungi belonging to the genus
Neosartorya and Aspergillus fumigatus in Example 1(C-3).
[0051] FIG. 16 is an electrophoretogram in the case of using
strains of Neosartorya fischeri fischeri in Example 1(C-4).
[0052] FIG. 17 is an electrophoretogram in the case of using
strains of Neosartorya fischeri glabra in Example 1(C-4).
[0053] FIG. 18 is an electrophoretogram in the case of using
strains of Neosartorya hiratsukae in Example 1(C-4).
[0054] FIG. 19 is an electrophoretogram in the case of using
strains of Neosartorya paulistensis in Example 1(C-4).
[0055] FIG. 20 is an electrophoretogram in the case of using
strains of Neosartorya fischeri spinosa in Example 1(C-4).
[0056] FIG. 21 is an electrophoretogram showing discrimination
results of fungi belonging to the genus Hamigera in Example
1(D-1).
[0057] FIG. 22 is an electrophoretogram showing discrimination
results of fungi belonging to the genus Hamigera in Example
1(D-2).
[0058] FIG. 23 is an electrophoretogram showing discrimination
results of fungi belonging to the genus Hamigera in Example
1(D-3).
[0059] FIG. 24-1 is an electrophoretogram in the case of using
strains of Hamigera striata in Example 1(D-4).
[0060] FIG. 24-2 is an electrophoretogram in the case of using
strains of Hamigera avellanea in Example 1(D-5).
[0061] FIG. 25-1 is an electrophoretogram in the case of using
fungi belonging to the genera Hamigera and Byssochlamys in Example
1(D-6).
[0062] FIG. 25-2 is an electrophoretogram in the case of using
fungi belonging to the genera Hamigera and Byssochlamys in Example
1(D-6).
[0063] FIG. 26 is a diagram illustrating the position relationship
of nucleotide sequences recognized by primers for detecting the
genus Byssochlamys in the nucleotide sequences of the ITS region
and D1/D2 region of 28S rDNA of fungi belonging to the genus the
genus Byssochlamys.
[0064] FIG. 27 is a diagram illustrating the position relationship
of nucleotide sequences recognized by primers for detecting the
genus Neosartorya in the nucleotide sequences of the .beta.-tubulin
genes of fungi belonging to the genus the genus Neosartorya.
[0065] FIG. 28 is a diagram illustrating the position relationship
of nucleotide sequences recognized by primers for detecting
Aspergillus fumigatus in the nucleotide sequences of the
.beta.-tubulin genes of Aspergillus fumigatus.
[0066] FIG. 29 is a diagram illustrating the position relationship
of nucleotide sequences recognized by primers for detecting the
genus Hamigera in the nucleotide sequences of the .beta.-tubulin
genes of fungi belonging to the genus the genus Hamigera.
[0067] FIG. 30 is a diagram illustrating the position relationship
of nucleotide sequences recognized by primers for detecting
Talaromyces flavus in the nucleotide sequences of the
.beta.-tubulin genes of Talaromyces flavus.
[0068] FIG. 31 is a diagram illustrating the position relationship
of nucleotide sequences recognized by primers for detecting
Talaromyces wortmannii in the nucleotide sequences of the
.beta.-tubulin genes of Talaromyces wortmannii.
[0069] FIG. 32 is a diagram illustrating the position relationship
of nucleotide sequences recognized by primers for detecting
Talaromyces luteus in the nucleotide sequences of the
.beta.-tubulin genes of Talaromyces luteus.
[0070] FIG. 33 is a diagram illustrating the position relationship
of nucleotide sequences recognized by primers for detecting
Talaromyces flavus in the nucleotide sequences of the ITS region
and D1/D2 region of 28S rDNA of Talaromyces flavus.
[0071] FIG. 34 is a diagram illustrating the position relationship
of nucleotide sequences recognized by primers for detecting
Talaromyces trachyspermus and Talaromyces flavus in the nucleotide
sequences of the ITS region and D1/D2 region of 28S rDNA of
Talaromyces trachyspermus and Talaromyces flavus.
[0072] FIG. 34-1 is a diagram illustrating the position
relationship of nucleotide sequences recognized by primers for
detecting Talaromyces trachyspermus and Talaromyces flavus in the
nucleotide sequences of the ITS region and D1/D2 region of 28S rDNA
of Talaromyces trachyspermus and Talaromyces flavus. (Continuation
of FIG. 34)
[0073] FIG. 35 is a graph illustrating the detection sensitivity of
the ITS region and D1/D2 region of 28S rDNA of fungi belonging to
the genus Byssochlamys by real-time turbidity monitoring method in
Example 2. The numeral 1 denotes the detection sensitivity of a
sample including genomic DNA derived from Byssochlamys fulva
IFM48421 strain; the numeral 2 denotes the detection sensitivity of
a sample including genomic DNA derived from Byssochlamys nivea
IFM51244 strain, the numeral 4 denotes the detection sensitivity of
a sample including genomic DNA derived from Talaromyces luteus
IFM53241 strain, the numeral 6 denotes the detection sensitivity of
a sample including genomic DNA derived from Talaromyces wortmannii
IFM52262 strain, and the numeral 7 denotes the detection
sensitivity of a sample including genomic DNA derived from
Neosartorya fischeri IFM46945 strain.
[0074] FIG. 36 is a graph illustrating the detection sensitivity of
the .beta.-tubulin genes of fungi belonging to the genus
Neosartorya by real-time turbidity monitoring method in Example 3.
The numeral 1 denotes the detection sensitivity of a sample
including genomic DNA derived from Neosartorya fischeri IFM46945
strain; the numeral 2 denotes the detection sensitivity of a sample
including genomic DNA derived from Neosartorya spinosa IFM46967
strain; the numeral 3 denotes the detection sensitivity of a sample
including genomic DNA derived from Neosartorya glabra IFM46949
strain; the numeral 4 denotes the detection sensitivity of a sample
including genomic DNA derived from Neosartorya hiratsukae IFM47036
strain; the numeral 5 denotes the detection sensitivity of a sample
including genomic DNA derived from Talaromyces flavus IFM42243
strain; the numeral 6 denotes the detection sensitivity of a sample
including genomic DNA derived from Talaromyces luteus IFM53242
strain; the numeral 7 denotes the detection sensitivity of a sample
including genomic DNA derived from Talaromyces trachyspermus
IFM42247 strain; the numeral 9 denotes the detection sensitivity of
a sample including genomic DNA derived from Byssochlamys fulva
IFM48421 strain; the numeral 11 denotes the detection sensitivity
of a sample including genomic DNA derived from Alternaria alternate
IFM41348 strain; the numeral 14 denotes the detection sensitivity
of a sample including genomic DNA derived from Fusarium oxysporium
IFM50002 strain.
[0075] FIG. 36-1 is a graph illustrating the detection sensitivity
of the .beta.-tubulin genes of fungi belonging to the genus
Neosartorya and Aspergillus fumigatus by real-time turbidity
monitoring method in Example 3.
[0076] FIG. 37 is a graph illustrating the detection sensitivity of
the .beta.-tubulin genes of fungi belonging to the genus Hamigera
by real-time turbidity monitoring method in Example 4. The numeral
1 denotes the detection sensitivity of a sample including genomic
DNA derived from Hamigera avellanea IFM42323 strain; the numeral 2
denotes the detection sensitivity of a sample including genomic DNA
derived from Hamigera avellanea IFM52241 strain; the numeral 3
denotes the detection sensitivity of a sample including genomic DNA
derived from Hamigera avellanea IFM52957 strain; the numeral 4
denotes the detection sensitivity of a sample including genomic DNA
derived from Byssochlamys fulva IFM51213 strain; the numeral 5
denotes the detection sensitivity of a sample including genomic DNA
derived from Byssochlamys nivea IFM51245 strain; the numeral 6
denotes the detection sensitivity of a sample including genomic DNA
derived from Paecilomyces variotii IFM40913 strain; the numeral 7
denotes the detection sensitivity of a sample including genomic DNA
derived from Paecilomyces variotii IFM40915 strain.
[0077] FIG. 38 is a graph illustrating the detection sensitivity of
the .beta.-tubulin genes of Aspergillus fumigatus by real-time
turbidity monitoring method in Example 5. The numeral 1 denotes the
detection sensitivity of a sample including genomic DNA derived
from Aspergillus fumigatus A209 strain; the numeral 2 denotes the
detection sensitivity of a sample including genomic DNA derived
from Aspergillus fumigatus A213 strain; the numeral 3 denotes the
detection sensitivity of a sample including genomic DNA derived
from Aspergillus fumigatus A215 strain; the numeral 6 denotes the
detection sensitivity of a sample including genomic DNA derived
from Neosartorya spinosa IFM46967 strain.
[0078] FIG. 39 is a graph illustrating the detection sensitivity of
the .beta.-tubulin genes of Talaromyces flavus by real-time
turbidity monitoring method in Example 6. The numeral 1 denotes the
detection sensitivity of a sample including genomic DNA derived
from Talaromyces flavus IFM42243 strain; the numeral 2 denotes the
detection sensitivity of a sample including genomic DNA derived
from Talaromyces flavus IFM52233 strain; the numeral 6 denotes the
detection sensitivity of a sample including genomic DNA derived
from Talaromyces trachyspermus IFM52252 strain; the numeral 7
denotes the detection sensitivity of a sample including genomic DNA
derived from Talaromyces wortmannii IFM52255 strain; the numeral 9
denotes the detection sensitivity of a sample including genomic DNA
derived from Byssochlamys fulva IFM48421 strain.
[0079] FIG. 40 is a graph illustrating the detection sensitivity of
the .beta.-tubulin genes of Talaromyces wortmannii by real-time
turbidity monitoring method in Example 7. The numeral 1 denotes the
detection sensitivity of a sample including genomic DNA derived
from Talaromyces wortmannii IFM52255 strain; the numeral 2 denotes
the detection sensitivity of a sample including genomic DNA derived
from Talaromyces wortmannii IFM52262 strain; the numeral 3 denotes
the detection sensitivity of a sample including genomic DNA derived
from Talaromyces flavus IFM42243 strain; the numeral 4 denotes the
detection sensitivity of a sample including genomic DNA derived
from Talaromyces luteus IFM53241 strain; the numeral 5 denotes the
detection sensitivity of a sample including genomic DNA derived
from Talaromyces trachyspermus IFM42247 strain; the numeral 7
denotes the detection sensitivity of a sample including genomic DNA
derived from Byssochlamys nivea IFM51244 strain; the numeral 8
denotes the detection sensitivity of a sample including genomic DNA
derived from Hamigera avellanea IFM42323 strain.
[0080] FIG. 41 is a graph illustrating the detection sensitivity of
the .beta.-tubulin genes of Talaromyces luteus by real-time
turbidity monitoring method in Example 8. The numeral 1 denotes the
detection sensitivity of a sample including genomic DNA derived
from Talaromyces luteus IFM53242 strain; the numeral 2 denotes the
detection sensitivity of a sample including genomic DNA derived
from Talaromyces luteus IFM53241 strain; the numeral 5 denotes the
detection sensitivity of a sample including genomic DNA derived
from Talaromyces wortmannii IFM52262 strain; the numeral 8 denotes
the detection sensitivity of a sample including genomic DNA derived
from Neosartorya spinosa IFM46967 strain.
[0081] FIG. 42 is a graph illustrating the detection sensitivity of
the ITS region and D1/D2 region of 28S rDNA of Talaromyces flavus
and Talaromyces trachyspermus by real-time turbidity monitoring
method in Example 9. The numeral 1 denotes the detection
sensitivity of a sample including genomic DNA derived from
Talaromyces flavus IFM42243 strain; the numeral 2 denotes the
detection sensitivity of a sample including genomic DNA derived
from Talaromyces flavus IFM52233 strain; the numeral 3 denotes the
detection sensitivity of a sample including genomic DNA derived
from Talaromyces flavus T38 strain; the numeral 6 denotes the
detection sensitivity of a sample including genomic DNA derived
from Talaromyces trachyspermus IFM42247 strain; the numeral 7
denotes the detection sensitivity of a sample including genomic DNA
derived from Talaromyces trachyspermus IFM52252 strain; the numeral
9 denotes the detection sensitivity of a sample including genomic
DNA derived from Talaromyces wortmannii IFM52255 strain; the
numeral 10 denotes the detection sensitivity of a sample including
genomic DNA derived from Byssochlamys fulva IFM48421 strain; the
numeral 12 denotes the detection sensitivity of a sample including
genomic DNA derived from Penicillium griseofulvum IFM54313 strain;
the numeral 13 denotes the detection sensitivity of a sample
including genomic DNA derived from Penicillium citirinum IFM54314
strain; the numeral 15 denotes the detection sensitivity of a
sample including genomic DNA derived from Neosartorya ficheri
IFM46945 strain; the numeral 16 denotes the detection sensitivity
of a sample utilizing DW as a negative control.
[0082] Other and further features and advantages of the invention
will appear more fully from the following description,
appropriately referring to the accompanying drawings.
MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[0083] Hereinafter, the present invention is described in
detail.
[0084] The present invention relates to a method of specifically
discriminating/detecting a heat-resistant fungus by identifying the
heat-resistant fungus using a nucleic acid including a partial
nucleotide sequence of the .beta.-tubulin gene or nucleotide
sequences of the D1/D2 region and ITS region of 28S rDNA of the
heat-resistant fungus, i.e., a nucleotide sequence of a region
specific to each genus of the heat-resistant fungi or a
species-specific region (variable region) in the .beta.-tubulin
gene region or the D1/D2 region and ITS region of 28S rDNA of the
heat-resistant fungus.
[0085] According to the present invention, it is possible to
discriminate/detect a heat-resistant fungus such as a fungus
belonging to the genus Byssochlamys, a fungus belonging to the
genus Talaromyces, a fungus belonging to the genus Neosartorya, a
fungus belonging to the genus Hamigera, or Aspergillus
fumigatus.
[0086] More specifically, the present invention is a method of
detecting a heat-resistant fungus, including at least one of the
following identification/detection steps 1) to 4).
1) A step of specifically discriminating/detecting a fungus
belonging to the genus Byssochlamys by identifying the fungus
belonging to the genus Byssochlamys using a nucleic acid including
a nucleotide sequence of a region specific to the genus
Byssochlamys (variable region) in the .beta.-tubulin gene region
and/or the D1/D2 region and ITS region of 28S rDNA of the fungus
belonging to the genus Byssochlamys. 2) A step of specifically
discriminating/detecting a fungus belonging to the genus
Talaromyces by identifying the fungus belonging to the genus
Talaromyces using a nucleic acid including a nucleotide sequence of
a region specific to the genus Talaromyces or a species-specific
region (variable region) in the .beta.-tubulin gene region and/or
the D1/D2 region and ITS region of 28S rDNA of the fungus belonging
to the genus Talaromyces. 3) A step of specifically
discriminating/detecting a fungus belonging to the genus
Neosartorya and/or Aspergillus fumigatus by identifying the fungus
belonging to the genus Neosartorya and/or Aspergillus fumigatus
using a nucleic acid including a nucleotide sequence of a region
specific to the genus Neosartorya and/or Aspergillus fumigatus or a
species-specific region (variable region) in the .beta.-tubulin
gene region of the fungus belonging to the genus Neosartorya and/or
Aspergillus fumigatus. 4) A step of specifically
discriminating/detecting a fungus belonging to the genus Hamigera
by identifying the fungus belonging to the genus Hamigera using a
nucleic acid including a nucleotide sequence of a region specific
to the genus Hamigera or a species-specific region (variable
region) in the .beta.-tubulin gene region of the fungus belonging
to the genus Hamigera.
[0087] The detection method of the present invention includes
preferably at least two of the above-mentioned
identification/detection steps 1) to 4), more preferably at least
three of the above-mentioned identification/detection steps 1) to
4), still more preferably all the steps of the above-mentioned
identification/detection steps 1) to 4). If the detection method of
the present invention includes a plurality of the above-mentioned
steps 1) to 4), it is possible to comprehensively detect the
heat-resistant fungus which is a main fungi causing contamination
of foods and drinks.
[0088] The "heat-resistant fungus" in the present invention, such
as the fungus belonging to the genus Byssochlamys, the fungus
belonging to the genus Talaromyces, the fungus belonging to the
genus Neosartorya, Aspergillus fumigatus, and the fungus belonging
to the genus Hamigera, is a plectomycete belonging to the family
Trichocomaceae and is a heat-resistant fungus which forms
ascospores which can remain viable even after a heat treatment at
75.degree. C. for 30 minutes. Examples of the fungus belonging to
the genus Byssochlamys include Byssochlamys fulva and Byssochlamys
nivea. Examples of the fungus belonging to the genus Talaromyces
include Talaromyces flavus, Talaromyces luteus, Talaromyces
trachyspermus, Talaromyces wortmannii, Talaromyces bacillisporus,
and Talaromyces macrosporus. Examples of the fungus belonging to
the genus Neosartorya include Neosartorya fischeri var. spinosa;
(hereinafter, also referred to as "Neosartorya spinosa"),
Neosartorya fischeri var. fischeri; (hereinafter, also referred to
as "Neosartorya fischeri"), Neosartorya fischeri var. glabra;
(hereinafter, also referred to as "Neosartorya glabra"),
Neosartorya hiratsukae, Neosartorya paulistensis, and Neosartorya
peudofischeri. Examples of the fungus belonging to the genus
Hamigera include Hamigera avellanea, and Hamigera striata.
[0089] The "Aspergillus fumigatus" in the present invention is one
of deuteromycetes and is morphologically very similar to an
anamorph (asexual stage) of Neosartorya fischeri but has no
teleomorph (sexual stage).
[0090] In the present invention, the "variable region" is a region
where nucleotide mutations tend to accumulate in the .beta.-tubulin
gene or in the D1/D2 region and ITS (internal transcribed spacer)
region of 28S rDNA.
[0091] The ".beta.-tubulin" is a protein which constitutes a
microtubule with .alpha.-tubulin, and the ".beta.-tubulin gene" is
a gene encoding .beta.-tubulin. The "28S rDNA" is a DNA encoding
gene information of ribosome where conversion into a protein is
performed. The inventors of the present invention have focused on
that proteins themselves encoded by both the .beta.-tubulin gene
and 28S rDNA are universally present in fungi. Further, the
inventors have discovered that nucleotide mutations tend to
accumulate in the .beta.-tubulin gene and 28S rDNA sequence and the
mutations are conserved at genus- or species-level, and there is a
high possibility that a specific region having a nucleotide
sequence which can be used for discrimination from another genus or
species is present in the .beta.-tubulin gene or 28S rDNA sequence.
Based on such findings, the inventors identified/analyzed the
nucleotide sequence of the .beta.-tubulin gene or 28S rDNA for each
of fungi such as the above-mentioned heat-resistant fungi, to
thereby determine the "variable regions" according to the present
invention.
[0092] The nucleotide sequences of the variable regions are
significantly different among the genera or species of fungi, and
the variable regions in the .beta.-tubulin genes or the D1/D2
regions and ITS regions of 28S rDNA of the fungi include nucleotide
sequences specific to the fungi. Therefore, it is possible to
distinguish from other genera or other species of fungi based on
the nucleotide sequences of the variable regions.
[0093] The nucleotide sequence of the specific region (variable
region) in the .beta.-tubulin gene or the D1/D2 region and ITS
region of 28S rDNA of a heat-resistant fungus for use in the
present invention corresponds to the following nucleic acid (I) or
(II).
[0094] (I) a nucleic acid including a nucleotide sequence set forth
in any one of SEQ ID NOS: 24 to 35 and 83 to 86, or a complementary
sequence thereof.
[0095] (II) a nucleic acid including a nucleotide sequence
resulting from a deletion, substitution, or addition of one to
several nucleotides in the nucleotide sequence set forth in any one
of SEQ ID NOS: 24 to 35 and 83 to 86 and being capable of detecting
the heat-resistant fungus; or a complementary sequence thereof.
[0096] More specifically, the following nucleic acid (A-I) or
(A-II) is a nucleic acid corresponding to the nucleotide sequence
of the specific region (variable region) in the .beta.-tubulin gene
and/or the D1/D2 region and ITS region of 28S rDNA of a fungus
belonging to the genus Byssochlamys, and is used to detect the
fungus belonging to the genus Byssochlamys.
[0097] (A-I) a nucleic acid including a nucleotide sequence set
forth in SEQ ID NO: 24 or 25, or a complementary sequence
thereof.
[0098] (A-II) a nucleic acid including a nucleotide sequence
resulting from a deletion, substitution, or addition of one to
several nucleotides in the nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID
NO: 24 or 25 and being capable of detecting the fungus belonging to
the genus Byssochlamys, or a complementary sequence thereof.
[0099] The inventors of the present invention identified the
nucleotide sequences of a variety of the .beta.-tubulin genes and
D1/D2 regions and ITS regions of 28S rDNA from fungi belonging to
the genus Byssochlamys and related species of the fungi belonging
to the genus Byssochlamys, and performed genetic distance analyses
between the related genera of the genus Byssochlamys and the genus
Byssochlamys, and among the fungi belonging to the genus
Byssochlamys. Moreover, the inventors performed homology analyses
of the determined .beta.-tubulin gene sequences and the nucleotide
sequences of the D1/D2 regions and ITS regions of 28S rDNA. As a
result, the inventors found out variable regions specific to the
fungi belonging to the genus Byssochlamys in the sequences. The
variable region has a specific nucleotide sequence to the fungi
belonging to the genus Byssochlamys, and hence it is possible to
discriminate/identify the fungi belonging to the genus Byssochlamys
based on the sequence of the variable region.
[0100] In the detection method of the present invention, the
following nucleic acid (B-I) or (B-II) is a nucleic acid
corresponding to the nucleotide sequence of the specific region
(variable region) in the .beta.-tubulin gene and/or the D1/D2
region and ITS region of 28S rDNA of a fungus belonging to the
genus Talaromyces, and is used to detect the fungus belonging to
the genus Talaromyces.
[0101] (B-I) a nucleic acid including a nucleotide sequence set
forth in any one of SEQ ID NOS: 26 to 31, or a complementary
sequence thereof.
[0102] (B-II) a nucleic acid including a nucleotide sequence
resulting from a deletion, substitution, or addition of one to
several nucleotides in the nucleotide sequence set forth in any one
of SEQ ID NOS: 26 to 31 and being capable of detecting the fungus
belonging to the genus Talaromyces, or a complementary sequence
thereof.
[0103] The inventors of the present invention identified nucleotide
sequences of a variety of the .beta.-tubulin genes and D1/D2
regions and ITS regions of 28S rDNA from fungi belonging to the
genus Talaromyces and related species of the fungi belonging to the
genus Talaromyces, and performed genetic distance analyses between
the related genera of the genus Talaromyces and the genus
Talaromyces, and among the fungi belonging to the genus
Talaromyces. Moreover, the inventors performed homology analyses of
the determined .beta.-tubulin gene sequences and the nucleotide
sequences of the D1/D2 regions and ITS regions of 28S rDNA. As a
result, the inventors found out variable regions specific to the
fungi belonging to the genus Talaromyces in the sequences. The
variable region has a specific nucleotide sequence to the fungi
belonging to the genus Talaromyces, and hence it is possible to
discriminate/identify the fungi belonging to the genus Talaromyces
based on the sequence of the variable region.
[0104] In the detection method of the present invention, the
following nucleic acid (C-I) or (C-II) is a nucleic acid
corresponding to the nucleotide sequence of the specific region
(variable region) in the .beta.-tubulin gene of a fungus belonging
to the genus Neosartorya and/or Aspergillus fumigatus, and is used
to detect the fungus belonging to the genus Neosartorya and/or
Aspergillus fumigatus.
[0105] (C-I) a nucleic acid including a nucleotide sequence set
forth in any one of SEQ ID NOS: 32 to 34 and 83 to 86, or a
complementary sequence thereof.
[0106] (C-II) a nucleic acid including a nucleotide sequence
resulting from a deletion, substitution, or addition of one to
several nucleotides in the nucleotide sequence set forth in any one
of SEQ ID NOS: 32 to 34 and 83 to 86 and being capable of detecting
the fungus belonging to the genus Neosartorya and/or Aspergillus
fumigatus, or a complementary sequence thereof.
[0107] The inventors of the present invention identified nucleotide
sequences of a variety of the .beta.-tubulin genes from fungi
belonging to the genus Neosartorya and/or Aspergillus fumigatus and
related species of the fungi belonging to the genus Neosartorya
and/or Aspergillus fumigatus, and performed genetic distance
analyses between the related genera of the genus Neosartorya and
the genus Neosartorya, among the fungi belonging to the genus
Neosartorya, and among the related genera of the genus Neosartorya,
the genus Neosartorya and Aspergillus fumigatus. Moreover, the
inventors performed homology analyses of the determined
.beta.-tubulin gene sequences. As a result, the inventors found out
variable regions specific to the fungi belonging to the genus
Neosartorya and/or Aspergillus fumigatus in the sequences. The
variable regions have specific nucleotide sequences to the fungi
belonging to the genus Neosartorya and Aspergillus fumigatus, and
hence it is possible to discriminate/identify the fungi belonging
to the genus Neosartorya and Aspergillus fumigatus based on the
sequence of the variable region.
[0108] In the detection method of the present invention, the
following nucleic acid (D-I) or (D-II) is a nucleic acid
corresponding to the nucleotide sequence of the specific region
(variable region) in the .beta.-tubulin gene of a fungus belonging
to the genus Hamigera, and is used to detect the fungus belonging
to the genus Hamigera.
[0109] (D-I) a nucleic acid including a nucleotide sequence set
forth in SEQ ID NO: 35, or a complementary sequence thereof.
[0110] (D-II) a nucleic acid including a nucleotide sequence
resulting from a deletion, substitution, or addition of one to
several nucleotides in the nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID
NO: 35 and being capable of detecting the fungus belonging to the
genus Hamigera, or a complementary sequence thereof.
[0111] The inventors of the present invention identified nucleotide
sequences of a variety of the .beta.-tubulin genes from fungi
belonging to the genus Hamigera and related species of the fungi
belonging to the genus Hamigera, and performed genetic distance
analyses between the related genera of the genus Hamigera and the
genus Hamigera, and among the fungi belonging to the genus
Hamigera. Moreover, the inventors performed homology analyses of
the determined .beta.-tubulin gene sequences. As a result, the
inventors found out variable regions specific to the fungi
belonging to the genus Hamigera in the sequences. The variable
region has a specific nucleotide sequence to the fungi belonging to
the genus Hamigera, and hence it is possible to
discriminate/identify the fungi belonging to the genus Hamigera
based on the sequence of the variable region.
[0112] In the present invention, such variable regions, and nucleic
acids and oligonucleotides derived from such variable regions are
used as targets.
[0113] The nucleotide sequence (A-I) or (A-II) to be used in the
detection method of the present invention corresponds to a partial
nucleotide sequence of the .beta.-tubulin gene or the nucleotide
sequences of the variable regions of the ITS region and D1/D2
region of 28S rDNA of the fungi belonging to the genus
Byssochlamys.
[0114] The nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 24 or the
complementary sequence thereof is the nucleotide sequence of the
variable region in the .beta.-tubulin gene isolated and identified
from Byssochlamys nivea. The nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ
ID NO: 25 or the complementary sequence thereof is the nucleotide
sequences of the variable regions in the ITS region and D1/D2
region of 28S rDNA isolated and identified from Byssochlamys fulva.
The sequences are specific to the fungi belonging to the genus
Byssochlamys, and it is possible to specifically
discriminate/identify the fungi belonging to the genus Byssochlamys
by confirming whether a sample has the nucleotide sequences or not.
Moreover, it is also possible to specifically discriminate/identify
the fungi belonging to the genus Byssochlamys by using the nucleic
acid including the nucleotide sequence resulting from a deletion,
substitution, or addition of one to several nucleotides in the
nucleotide sequence set forth in any one of SEQ ID NOS: 24 to 25
and being capable of detecting the fungus belonging to the genus
Byssochlamys, or the complementary sequence thereof. The nucleic
acids including such nucleotide sequences are particularly
preferably used for detecting Byssochlamys nivea and Byssochlamys
fulva.
[0115] The nucleotide sequence (B-I) or (B-II) to be used in the
detection method of the present invention corresponds to a partial
nucleotide sequence of the .beta.-tubulin gene or the nucleotide
sequences of the variable regions of the ITS region and D1/D2
region of 28S rDNA of the fungi belonging to the genus
Talaromyces.
[0116] The nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 26 or the
complementary sequence thereof is the nucleotide sequence of the
variable region in the .beta.-tubulin gene isolated and identified
from Talaromyces flavus. The sequences are specific to the fungi
belonging to the genus Talaromyces, and it is possible to
specifically discriminate/identify the fungi belonging to the genus
Talaromyces by confirming whether a sample has the nucleotide
sequences or not. Moreover, it is also possible to specifically
discriminate/identify the fungi belonging to the genus Talaromyces
by using the nucleic acid including the nucleotide sequence
resulting from a deletion, substitution, or addition of one to
several nucleotides in the nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID
NO: 26 and being capable of detecting the fungi belonging to the
genus Talaromyces, or the complementary sequence thereof. The
nucleic acids including such nucleotide sequences are particularly
preferably used for detecting Talaromyces flavus and Talaromyces
trachyspermus.
[0117] The nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 27 or the
complementary sequence thereof is the nucleotide sequence of the
variable region in the .beta.-tubulin gene isolated and identified
from Talaromyces luteus. The sequences are specific to the fungi
belonging to the genus Talaromyces, and it is possible to
specifically discriminate/identify the fungi belonging to the genus
Talaromyces by confirming whether a sample has the nucleotide
sequences or not. Moreover, it is also possible to specifically
discriminate/identify the fungi belonging to the genus Talaromyces
by using the nucleic acid including the nucleotide sequence
resulting from a deletion, substitution, or addition of one to
several nucleotides in the nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID
NO: 27 and being capable of detecting the fungi belonging to the
genus Talaromyces, or the complementary sequence thereof. The
nucleic acids including such nucleotide sequences are particularly
preferably used for detecting Talaromyces luteus, Talaromyces
bacillisporus and Talaromyces wortmannii.
[0118] The nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 28 or the
complementary sequence thereof is the nucleotide sequences of the
variable regions in the ITS region and D1/D2 region of 28S rDNA
isolated and identified from Talaromyces wortmannii. The sequences
are specific to the fungi belonging to the genus Talaromyces, and
it is possible to specifically discriminate/identify the fungi
belonging to the genus Talaromyces by confirming whether a sample
has the nucleotide sequences or not. Moreover, it is also possible
to specifically discriminate/identify the fungi belonging to the
genus Talaromyces by using the nucleic acid including the
nucleotide sequence resulting from a deletion, substitution, or
addition of one to several nucleotides in the nucleotide sequence
set forth in SEQ ID NO: 28 and being capable of detecting the fungi
belonging to the genus Talaromyces, or the complementary sequence
thereof. The nucleic acids including such nucleotide sequences are
particularly preferably used for detecting Talaromyces wortmannii,
Talaromyces flavus, Talaromyces trachyspermus and Talaromyces
macrosporus.
[0119] The nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 29 or the
complementary sequence thereof is the nucleotide sequence of the
variable region in the .beta.-tubulin gene isolated and identified
from Talaromyces wortmannii. The sequences are specific to the
fungi belonging to the genus Talaromyces, and it is possible to
specifically discriminate/identify the fungi belonging to the genus
Talaromyces by confirming whether a sample has the nucleotide
sequences or not. Moreover, it is also possible to specifically
discriminate/identify the fungi belonging to the genus Talaromyces
by using the nucleic acid including the nucleotide sequence
resulting from a deletion, substitution, or addition of one to
several nucleotides in the nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID
NO: 29 and being capable of detecting the fungi belonging to the
genus Talaromyces, or the complementary sequence thereof. The
nucleic acids including such nucleotide sequences are particularly
preferably used for detecting Talaromyces wortmannii.
[0120] The nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 30 or the
complementary sequence thereof is the nucleotide sequences of the
variable regions in the ITS region and D1/D2 region of 28S rDNA
isolated and identified from Talaromyces flavus. The nucleotide
sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 31 or the complementary sequence
thereof is the nucleotide sequences of the variable regions in the
ITS region and D1/D2 region of 28S rDNA isolated and identified
from Talaromyces trachyspermus. The sequences are specific to the
fungi belonging to the genus Talaromyces, and it is possible to
specifically discriminate/identify the fungi belonging to the genus
Talaromyces by confirming whether a sample has the nucleotide
sequences or not. Moreover, it is also possible to specifically
discriminate/identify the fungi belonging to the genus Talaromyces
by using the nucleic acid including the nucleotide sequence
resulting from a deletion, substitution, or addition of one to
several nucleotides in the nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID
NO: 30 or 31 and being capable of detecting the fungi belonging to
the genus Talaromyces, or the complementary sequence thereof. The
nucleic acids including such nucleotide sequences are particularly
preferably used for detecting Talaromyces flavus and Talaromyces
trachyspermus.
[0121] The nucleotide sequence (C-I) or (C-II) to be used in the
detection method of the present invention corresponds to a partial
nucleotide sequence of the .beta.-tubulin gene of the fungi
belonging to the genus Neosartorya or Aspergillus fumigatus.
[0122] The nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 32 or the
complementary sequence thereof is the nucleotide sequence of the
variable region in the .beta.-tubulin gene isolated and identified
from Neosartorya glabra. The nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ
ID NO: 83 or 84 or the complementary sequence thereof is the
nucleotide sequence of the variable region in the .beta.-tubulin
gene isolated and identified from Neosartorya fischeri. The
nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 85 or 86 or the
complementary sequence thereof is the nucleotide sequence of the
variable region in the .beta.-tubulin gene isolated and identified
from Neosartorya spinosa. The nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ
ID NO: 33 or 34 or the complementary sequence thereof is the
nucleotide sequence of the variable region in the .beta.-tubulin
gene isolated and identified from Aspergillus fumigatus. The
sequences are specific to the fungi belonging to the genus
Neosartorya and/or Aspergillus fumigatus, and it is possible to
specifically discriminate/identify the fungi belonging to the genus
Neosartorya and/or Aspergillus fumigatus by confirming whether a
sample has the nucleotide sequences or not. Moreover, it is also
possible to specifically discriminate/identify the fungi belonging
to the genus Neosartorya and/or Aspergillus fumigatus by using the
nucleic acid including the nucleotide sequence resulting from a
deletion, substitution, or addition of one to several nucleotides
in the nucleotide sequence set forth in any one of SEQ ID NOS: 32
to 34 and 83 to 86 and being capable of detecting the fungi
belonging to the genus Neosartorya and/or Aspergillus fumigatus, or
the complementary sequence thereof. The nucleic acids including
such nucleotide sequences are particularly preferably used for
detecting Neosartorya glabra, Neosartorya fischeri, Neosartorya
spinosa, Neosartorya hiratsukae, Neosartorya paulistensis,
Neosartorya pseudofischeri, and Aspergillus fumigatus.
[0123] The nucleotide sequence (D-I) or (D-II) to be used in the
detection method of the present invention corresponds to a partial
nucleotide sequence of the .beta.-tubulin gene of the fungi
belonging to the genus Hamigera.
[0124] The nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 35 or the
complementary sequence thereof is the nucleotide sequence of the
variable region in the .beta.-tubulin gene isolated and identified
from Hamigera avellanea. The sequences are specific to the fungi
belonging to the genus Hamigera, and it is possible to specifically
discriminate/identify the fungi belonging to the genus Hamigera by
confirming whether a sample has the nucleotide sequences or not.
Moreover, it is also possible to specifically discriminate/identify
the fungi belonging to the genus Hamigera by using the nucleic acid
including the nucleotide sequence resulting from a deletion,
substitution, or addition of one to several nucleotides in the
nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 35 and being capable of
detecting the fungi belonging to the genus Hamigera, or the
complementary sequence thereof. The nucleic acids including such
nucleotide sequences are particularly preferably used for detecting
Hamigera avellanea and Hamigera striata.
[0125] Hereinafter, any one of the above nucleotide sequences (A-I)
to (D-II) are also referred to as "the nucleotide sequence of the
variable region according to the present invention"
[0126] In the present invention, the method of identifying the
heat-resistant fungus by using the nucleic acid including the
nucleotide sequence of the variable region according to the present
invention is not particularly limited, and may be performed by a
usual genetic engineering procedure such as a sequencing method, a
hybridization method, a PCR method, or a LAMP method.
[0127] In the detection method of the present invention for
identifying the heat-resistant fungus by using the nucleic acid
including the nucleotide sequence of the variable region according
to the present invention, a preferable embodiment includes
determining a nucleotide sequence of the .beta.-tubulin gene region
or the ITS region and D1/D2 region of 28S rDNA in a sample, and
then confirming whether the obtained nucleotide sequence includes
any one of the nucleotide sequences (A-I) to (D-II) or not.
[0128] When identifying the fungi belonging to the genus
Byssochlamys by using the nucleic acid including the nucleotide
sequence of the variable region, it is preferable to determine a
nucleotide sequence of the .beta.-tubulin gene region or the ITS
region and D1/D2 region of 28S rDNA in a sample, and then to
confirm whether the obtained nucleotide sequence includes the
nucleotide sequence (A-I) or (A-II) or not. In other words, the
detection method of the present invention preferably includes:
analyzing and determining a nucleotide sequence of the
.beta.-tubulin gene or the ITS region and D1/D2 region of 28S rDNA
in a sample; comparing the determined nucleotide sequence with the
nucleotide sequence (A-I) or (A-II) corresponding to the variable
region in the .beta.-tubulin gene or the ITS region and D1/D2
region of 28S rDNA; and identifying the fungi belonging to the
genus Byssochlamys based on the matching or difference between the
both nucleotide sequences.
[0129] When identifying the fungi belonging to the genus
Talaromyces by using the nucleic acid including the nucleotide
sequence of the variable region, it is preferable to determine a
nucleotide sequence of the .beta.-tubulin gene region or the ITS
region and D1/D2 region of 28S rDNA in a sample, and then to
confirm whether the obtained nucleotide sequence includes the
nucleotide sequence (B-I) or (B-II) or not. In other words, the
detection method of the present invention preferably includes:
analyzing and determining a nucleotide sequence of the
.beta.-tubulin gene or the ITS region and D1/D2 region of 28S rDNA
in a sample; comparing the determined nucleotide sequence with the
nucleotide sequence (B-I) or (B-II) corresponding to the variable
region in the .beta.-tubulin gene or the ITS region and D1/D2
region of 28S rDNA; and identifying the fungi belonging to the
genus Talaromyces based on the matching or difference between the
both nucleotide sequences.
[0130] When identifying the fungi belonging to the genus
Neosartorya and/or Aspergillus fumigatus by using the nucleic acid
including the nucleotide sequence of the variable region, it is
preferable to determine a nucleotide sequence of the .beta.-tubulin
gene region in a sample, and then to confirm whether the obtained
nucleotide sequence includes the nucleotide sequence (C-I) or
(C-II) or not. In other words, the detection method of the present
invention preferably includes: analyzing and determining a
nucleotide sequence of the .beta.-tubulin gene in a sample;
comparing the determined nucleotide sequence with the nucleotide
sequence (C-I) or (C-II) corresponding to the variable region in
the .beta.-tubulin gene; and identifying the fungi belonging to the
genus Neosartorya and/or Aspergillus fumigatus based on the
matching or difference between the both nucleotide sequences.
[0131] When identifying the fungi belonging to the genus Hamigera
by using the nucleic acid including the nucleotide sequence of the
variable region, it is preferable to determine a nucleotide
sequence of the .beta.-tubulin gene region in a sample, and then to
confirm whether the obtained nucleotide sequence includes the
nucleotide sequence (D-I) or (D-II) or not. In other words, the
detection method of the present invention preferably includes:
analyzing and determining a nucleotide sequence of the
.beta.-tubulin gene in a sample; comparing the determined
nucleotide sequence with the nucleotide sequence (D-I) or (D-II)
corresponding to the variable region in the .beta.-tubulin gene;
and identifying the fungi belonging to the genus Hamigera based on
the matching or difference between the both nucleotide
sequences.
[0132] The method of analyzing and determining the nucleotide
sequence is not particularly limited, and usual RNA or DNA
sequencing means may be used.
[0133] Specific examples of the method include an electrophoresis
method such as a Maxam-Gilbert method or a Sanger method, mass
spectrometry, and a hybridization method. Examples of the Sanger
method include a method of labeling a primer or terminator by a
radiation labeling method, a fluorescent labeling method, or the
like.
[0134] In the method of the present invention for
detecting/identifying the heat-resistant fungus by using the
nucleic acid including the nucleotide sequence of the variable
region according to the present invention, an oligonucleotide for
detection can be used. The oligonucleotide is capable of
hybridizing with the nucleotide sequence of the variable region
(i.e., any one of the nucleic acids (A-I) to (D-II)), and has a
function as an oligonucleotide for specifically detecting the
heat-resistant fungus.
[0135] When identifying the fungi belonging to the genus
Byssochlamys, an oligonucleotide which is capable of hybridizing
with the nucleotide sequence of the variable region (i.e., the
nucleic acids (A-I) or (A-II)), and has a function as an
oligonucleotide for specifically detecting the fungi belonging to
the genus Byssochlamys, can be used.
[0136] When identifying the fungi belonging to the genus
Talaromyces, an oligonucleotide which is capable of hybridizing
with the nucleotide sequence of the variable region (i.e., the
nucleic acids (B-I) or (B-II)), and has a function as an
oligonucleotide for specifically detecting the fungi belonging to
the genus Talaromyces, can be used.
[0137] When identifying the fungi belonging to the genus
Neosartorya and/or Aspergillus fumigatus, an oligonucleotide which
is capable of hybridizing with the nucleotide sequence of the
variable region (i.e., the nucleic acids (C-I) or (C-II)), and has
a function as an oligonucleotide for specifically detecting the
fungi belonging to the genus Neosartorya and/or Aspergillus
fumigatus, can be used.
[0138] When identifying the fungi belonging to the genus Hamigera,
an oligonucleotide which is capable of hybridizing with the
nucleotide sequence of the variable region (i.e., the nucleic acids
(D-I) or (D-II)), and has a function as an oligonucleotide for
specifically detecting the fungi belonging to the genus Hamigera,
can be used.
[0139] The oligonucleotide for detection of the present invention
may be one which is capable of detecting the heat-resistant fungus.
That is, the oligonucleotide may be one which can be used as a
nucleic acid primer or a nucleic acid probe for detection of the
heat-resistant fungus, or one which is capable of hybridizing with
the nucleotide sequence of the variable region in the
.beta.-tubulin gene or the ITS region and D1/D2 region of 28S rDNA
of the heat-resistant fungus under stringent conditions. It should
be note that, in this description, the "stringent conditions"
includes, for example, the method described in Molecular Cloning--A
LABORATORY MANUAL THIRD EDITION [Joseph Sambrook, David W. Russell.
Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press], and examples thereof include
conditions where hybridization is performed by incubating a
solution containing 6.times.SSC (composition of 1.times.SSC: 0.15M
sodium chloride, 0.015M sodium citrate, pH7.0), 0.5% SDS,
5.times.Denhardt and 100 mg/mL herring sperm DNA together with a
probe at 65.degree. C. for 8 to 16 hours.
[0140] The oligonucleotide for detection of the present invention
is preferably an oligonucleotide which is capable of hybridizing
with a region selected from the nucleotide sequences of the
variable regions of the .beta.-tubulin gene or the ITS region and
D1/D2 region of 28S rDNA (i.e., a region in the nucleic acid (I) or
(II)), and satisfies the following four conditions:
(1) the oligonucleotide includes a region containing about 10
continuous nucleotides specific to each genus of the heat-resistant
fungi in the nucleic acid (I) or (II); (2) the oligonucleotide has
a GC content of about 30% to 80%; (3) the oligonucleotide has low
possibility to cause self-annealing; and (4) the oligonucleotide
has a Tm value (melting temperature) of about 55.degree. C. to
65.degree. C.
[0141] Specifically, the oligonucleotide for detecting the fungus
belonging to the genus Byssochlamys is preferably an
oligonucleotide which is capable of hybridizing with a region in
the nucleic acid (A-I) or (A-II) and satisfies the following four
conditions:
(1) the oligonucleotide includes a region containing about 10
continuous nucleotides specific to a fungus belonging to the genus
Byssochlamys in the nucleic acid (A-I) or (A-II), (2) the
oligonucleotide has a GC content of about 30% to 80%; (3) the
oligonucleotide has low possibility to cause self-annealing; and
(4) the oligonucleotide has a Tm value (melting temperature) of
about 55.degree. C. to 65.degree. C.
[0142] The oligonucleotide for detecting the fungus belonging to
the genus Talaromyces is preferably an oligonucleotide which is
capable of hybridizing with a region in the nucleic acid (B-I) or
(B-II) and satisfies the following four conditions:
(1) the oligonucleotide includes a region containing about 10
continuous nucleotides specific to a fungus belonging to the genus
Talaromyces in the nucleic acid (B-I) or (B-II), (2) the
oligonucleotide has a GC content of about 30% to 80%; (3) the
oligonucleotide has low possibility to cause self-annealing; and
(4) the oligonucleotide has a Tm value (melting temperature) of
about 55.degree. C. to 65.degree. C.
[0143] The oligonucleotide for detecting the fungus belonging to
the genus Neosartorya and/or Aspergillus fumigatus is preferably an
oligonucleotide which is capable of hybridizing with a region in
the nucleic acid (C-I) or (C-II) and satisfies the following four
conditions:
(1) the oligonucleotide includes a region containing about 10
continuous nucleotides specific to a fungus belonging to the genus
Neosartorya and/or Aspergillus fumigatus in the nucleic acid (C-I)
or (C-II), (2) the oligonucleotide has a GC content of about 30% to
80%; (3) the oligonucleotide has low possibility to cause
self-annealing; and (4) the oligonucleotide has a Tm value (melting
temperature) of about 55.degree. C. to 65.degree. C.
[0144] The oligonucleotide for detecting the fungus belonging to
the genus Hamigera is preferably an oligonucleotide which is
capable of hybridizing with a region in the nucleic acid (D-I) or
(D-II) and satisfies the following four conditions:
(1) the oligonucleotide includes a region containing about 10
continuous nucleotides specific to a fungus belonging to the genus
Hamigera in the nucleic acid (D-I) or (D-II), (2) the
oligonucleotide has a GC content of about 30% to 80%; (3) the
oligonucleotide has low possibility to cause self-annealing; and
(4) the oligonucleotide has a Tm value (melting temperature) of
about 55.degree. C. to 65.degree. C.
[0145] In the (1) above, the "region containing about 10 continuous
nucleotides specific to each genus of heat-resistant fungi in the
nucleic acid (I) or (II)" refers to a region where the nucleotide
sequences between different genera of the heat-resistant fungi are
particularly poorly conserved (that is, the region has particularly
high specificity to each genus of the heat-resistant fungi) in the
nucleotide sequences of the variable regions of the .beta.-tubulin
gene or the ITS region and D1/D2 region of 28S rDNA, and where a
nucleotide sequence including about 10 continuous nucleotides
specific to each genus of the heat-resistant fungi is present.
[0146] Specifically, "the region containing about 10 continuous
nucleotides specific to the fungus belonging to the genus
Byssochlamys in the nucleic acid (A-I) or (A-II)" refers to a
region where the nucleotide sequences of different fungi are
particularly poorly conserved (that is, the region has particularly
high specificity to the genus Byssochlamys) in the variable regions
of the .beta.-tubulin gene or the ITS region and D1/D2 region of
28S rDNA of the present invention and where a nucleotide sequence
including about 10 continuous nucleotides specific to the genus
Byssochlamys is present.
[0147] "The region containing about 10 continuous nucleotides
specific to the fungus belonging to the genus Talaromyces in the
nucleic acid (B-I) or (B-II)" refers to a region where the
nucleotide sequences of different fungi are particularly poorly
conserved (that is, the region has particularly high specificity to
the genus Talaromyces) in the variable regions of the
.beta.-tubulin gene or the ITS region and D1/D2 region of 28S rDNA
of the present invention and where a nucleotide sequence including
about 10 continuous nucleotides specific to the genus Talaromyces
is present.
[0148] "The region containing about 10 continuous nucleotides
specific to the fungus belonging to the genus Neosartorya and/or
Aspergillus fumigatus in the nucleic acid (C-I) or (C-II)" refers
to a region where the nucleotide sequences of different fungi are
particularly poorly conserved (that is, the region has particularly
high specificity to the genus Neosartorya and/or Aspergillus
fumigatus) in the variable regions of the .beta.-tubulin gene of
the present invention and where a nucleotide sequence including
about 10 continuous nucleotides specific to the genus Neosartorya
and/or Aspergillus fumigatus is present.
[0149] "The region containing about 10 continuous nucleotides
specific to the fungus belonging to the genus Hamigera in the
nucleic acid (D-1) or (D-II)" refers to a region where the
nucleotide sequences of different fungi are particularly poorly
conserved (that is, the region has particularly high specificity to
the genus Hamigera) in the variable regions of the .beta.-tubulin
gene of the present invention and where a nucleotide sequence
including about 10 continuous nucleotides specific to the genus
Hamigera is present.
[0150] Moreover, in the (3) above, the "oligonucleotide has low
possibility to cause self-annealing" means that the primers are
expected not to bind to each other from the nucleotide sequences of
the primers.
[0151] The number of nucleotides in the oligonucleotide for
detection of the present invention is not particularly limited, and
is preferably 13 to 30, more preferably 18 to 23. The Tm value of
the oligonucleotide in hybridization is preferably in a range of
55.degree. C. to 65.degree. C., more preferably 59.degree. C. to
62.degree. C. The GC content in the oligonucleotide is preferably
30% to 80%, more preferably 45% to 65%, most preferably about
55%.
[0152] The oligonucleotide for detection of the present invention
is preferably an oligonucleotide including the nucleotide sequence
set forth in any one of SEQ ID NOS: 1 to 23 and 36 to 78, or the
complementary sequence thereof, or an oligonucleotide including a
nucleotide sequence which has 70% or more homology to the
nucleotide sequence set forth in any one of SEQ ID NOS: 1 to 23 and
36 to 78, or the complementary sequence thereof, and is capable of
detecting the heat-resistant fungi (an oligonucleotide which has a
function as an oligonucleotide for detection). The oligonucleotide
which is capable of detecting the heat-resistant fungi may be one
including a nucleotide sequence which has 70% or more homology to
the nucleotide sequence set forth in any one of SEQ ID NOS: 1 to 23
and 36 to 78 and has a function as a nucleic acid primer or nucleic
acid probe for detecting the heat-resistant fungi, or may include a
nucleotide sequence which can hybridize with the .beta.-tubulin
gene or the ITS region and D1/D2 region of 28S rDNA of each of the
heat-resistant fungi under stringent conditions.
[0153] It should be note that, in this description, the "stringent
conditions" includes, for example, the method described in
Molecular Cloning-A LABORATORY MANUAL THIRD EDITION [Joseph
Sambrook, David W. Russell. Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press],
and examples thereof include conditions where hybridization is
performed by incubating a solution containing 6.times.SSC
(composition of 1.times.SSC: 0.15M sodium chloride, 0.015M sodium
citrate, pH7.0), 0.5% SDS, 5.times.Denhardt and 100 mg/mL herring
sperm DNA together with a probe at 65.degree. C. for 8 to 16
hours.
[0154] In such oligonucleotide of the present invention, the
homology is more preferably 75% or more, still more preferably 80%
or more, even more preferably 85% or more, further more preferably
90% or more, especially preferably 95% or more as long as the
oligonucleotide is capable of detecting the above-mentioned
heat-resistant fungi.
[0155] The nucleotide sequence homology is calculated, for example,
by Lipman-Pearson method (Science, 227, 1435, (1985)).
Specifically, it can be calculated by performing analysis using a
homology analysis (Search homology) program of genetic information
processing software Genetyx-Win (Software Development) while the
unit size to compare (ktup) parameter is set to 2. Further, the
oligonucleotide for detection of the present invention includes an
oligonucleotide obtained by performing a mutation or modification
such as a deletion, insertion, or substitution of nucleotide(s) for
the oligonucleotide including the nucleotide sequence set forth in
any one of SEQ ID NOS: 1 to 23 and 36 to 78 as long as the
oligonucleotide is capable of detecting the heat-resistant fungi.
The oligonucleotide of the present invention may be including a
nucleotide sequence one which obtained by performing a mutation or
modification such as a deletion, insertion, or substitution of
nucleotide(s) for the oligonucleotide including the nucleotide
sequence set forth in any one of SEQ ID NOS: 1 to 23 and 36 to 78
and has a function as a nucleic acid primer or nucleic acid probe
for detecting the heat-resistant fungi, or may include a nucleotide
sequence which can hybridize with the .beta.-tubulin gene or the
ITS region and D1/D2 region of 28SrDNA of each of the
heat-resistant fungi under stringent conditions.
[0156] It should be note that, in this description, the "stringent
conditions" includes, for example, the method described in
Molecular Cloning-A LABORATORY MANUAL THIRD EDITION [Joseph
Sambrook, David W. Russell. Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press],
and examples thereof include conditions where hybridization is
performed by incubating a solution containing 6.times.SSC
(composition of 1.times.SSC: 0.15M sodium chloride, 0.015M sodium
citrate, pH7.0), 0.5% SDS, 5.times.Denhardt and 100 mg/mL herring
sperm DNA together with a probe at 65.degree. C. for 8 to 16
hours.
[0157] The oligonucleotide obtained by performing a mutation or
modification such as a deletion, insertion, or substitution of
nucleotide(s) includes an oligonucleotide including a nucleotide
sequence modified by a mutation or modification such as a deletion,
insertion or substitution of one to several, preferably one to
five, more preferably one to four, still more preferably one to
three, even more preferably one to two, particularly preferably one
nucleotide, to the nucleotide sequences set forth in any one of SEQ
ID NOS: 1 to 23 and 36 to 78 or the complementary sequence thereof.
Moreover, an appropriate nucleotide sequence may be added to the
nucleotide sequence set forth in any one of SEQ ID NOS: 1 to 23 and
36 to 78 or the complementary sequence thereof.
[0158] In the present invention, among the above-mentioned
oligonucleotides for detection, it is preferable to use an
oligonucleotide including the nucleotide sequence set forth in any
one of SEQ ID NOS: 1 to 23 and 36 to 78, or an oligonucleotide
including the nucleotide sequence which has 70% or more homology to
the nucleotide sequence and has a function as an oligonucleotide
for detection; and more preferable to use an oligonucleotide
including the nucleotide sequence set forth in any one of SEQ ID
NOS: 1 to 23 and 36 to 78.
[0159] More specifically, when identifying/detecting the fungi
belonging to the genus Byssochlamys of the heat-resistant fungi, it
is preferable to use an oligonucleotide including the nucleotide
sequence set forth in any one of SEQ ID NOS: 1, 2 and 36 to 39, or
the complementary sequence thereof; or an oligonucleotide including
the nucleotide sequence which has 70% or more homology to the
nucleotide sequence set forth in any one of SEQ ID NOS: 1, 2 and 36
to 39 or the complementary sequence thereof, and which has a
function as an oligonucleotide for detection; more preferably an
oligonucleotide including the nucleotide sequence set forth in any
one of SEQ ID NOS: 1, 2 and 36 to 39; or an oligonucleotide
including the nucleotide sequence which has 70% or more homology to
the nucleotide sequence and which has a function as an
oligonucleotide for detection; and still more preferably an
oligonucleotide including the nucleotide sequence set forth in any
one of SEQ ID NOS: 1, 2 and 36 to 39.
[0160] When identifying/detecting the fungi belonging to the genus
Talaromyces, it is preferable to use an oligonucleotide including
the nucleotide sequence set forth in any one of SEQ ID NOS: 3 to 11
and 57 to 78, or the complementary sequence thereof; or an
oligonucleotide including the nucleotide sequence which has 70% or
more homology to the nucleotide sequence set forth in any one of
SEQ ID NOS: 3 to 11 and 57 to 78 or the complementary sequence
thereof, and which has a function as an oligonucleotide for
detection; more preferably an oligonucleotide including the
nucleotide sequence set forth in any one of SEQ ID NOS: 3 to 11 and
57 to 78; or an oligonucleotide including the nucleotide sequence
which has 70% or more homology to the nucleotide sequence and which
has a function as an oligonucleotide for detection; and still more
preferably an oligonucleotide including the nucleotide sequence set
forth in any one of SEQ ID NOS: 3 to 11 and 57 to 78.
[0161] When identifying/detecting the fungi belonging to the genus
Neosartorya and/or Aspergillus fumigatus, it is preferable to use
an oligonucleotide including the nucleotide sequence set forth in
any one of SEQ ID NOS: 12 to 15, 22, 23 and 40 to 50, or the
complementary sequence thereof; or an oligonucleotide including the
nucleotide sequence which has 70% or more homology to the
nucleotide sequence set forth in any one of SEQ ID NOS: 12 to 15,
22, 23 and 40 to 50 or the complementary sequence thereof, and
which has a function as an oligonucleotide for detection; more
preferably an oligonucleotide including the nucleotide sequence set
forth in any one of SEQ ID NOS: 12 to 15, 22, 23 and 40 to 50, or
an oligonucleotide including the nucleotide sequence which has 70%
or more homology to the nucleotide sequence and which has a
function as an oligonucleotide for detection; and still more
preferably an oligonucleotide including the nucleotide sequence set
forth in any one of SEQ ID NOS: 12 to 15, 22, 23 and 40 to 50.
[0162] When identifying/detecting the fungi belonging to the genus
Hamigera, it is preferable to use an oligonucleotide including the
nucleotide sequence set forth in any one of SEQ ID NOS: 16 to 21
and 51 to 56, or the complementary sequence thereof; or an
oligonucleotide including the nucleotide sequence which has 70% or
more homology to the nucleotide sequence set forth in any one of
SEQ ID NOS: 16 to 21 and 51 to 56 or the complementary sequence
thereof, and which has a function as an oligonucleotide for
detection; more preferably an oligonucleotide including the
nucleotide sequence set forth in any one of SEQ ID NOS: 16 to 21
and 51 to 56; or an oligonucleotide including the nucleotide
sequence which has 70% or more homology to the nucleotide sequence
and which has a function as an oligonucleotide for detection; and
still more preferably an oligonucleotide including the nucleotide
sequence set forth in any one of SEQ ID NOS: 16 to 21 and 51 to
56.
[0163] The above oligonucleotide for detection of the present
invention can be preferably used as a nucleic acid primer and a
nucleic acid probe, as described later.
[0164] The bonding pattern of the oligonucleotide for detection
includes not only a phosphodiester bond in a natural nucleic acid,
but also a phosphoroamidate bond, a phosphorothioate bond and the
like.
[0165] The oligonucleotide for use in the present invention can be
synthesized by known methods. For example, the oligonucleotide may
be chemically synthesized based on designed sequences, or purchased
from a manufacturer of reagents. Specifically, the oligonucleotide
may be synthesized using an oligonucleotide synthesizer or the
like. Moreover, after synthesis, the oligonucleotides may be
purified by an adsorption column, high-performance liquid
chromatography, or electrophoresis. Furthermore, an oligonucleotide
having a nucleotide sequence with a substitution, deletion,
insertion, or addition of one to several nucleotides may be
synthesized by known methods.
[0166] In the method of the present invention for identifying the
heat-resistant fungus by using the nucleic acid including the
nucleotide sequence of the variable region according to the present
invention, a preferable embodiment includes labeling an
oligonucleotide for detection which is capable of hybridizing with
any one of the nucleic acids (A-I) to (D-II) under stringent
conditions; hybridizing the resultant oligonucleotide for detection
with nucleic acid extracted from a test object under a stringent
condition; and measuring the label of the hybridized
oligonucleotide for detection.
[0167] In this case, the above-mentioned oligonucleotides for
detection of the present invention can be used as the
oligonucleotide for detection which is capable of hybridizing with
any one of the nucleic acids (A-I) to (D-II) under stringent
conditions, and preferred ranges are the same as above. Among
these, it is preferable to use an oligonucleotide including the
nucleotide sequence set forth in any one of SEQ ID NOS: 1 to 23 and
36 to 78, or the complementary sequence thereof; or an
oligonucleotide including the nucleotide sequence which has 70% or
more homology to the nucleotide sequence set forth in any one of
SEQ ID NOS: 1 to 23 and 36 to 78, or the complementary sequence
thereof, and which has a function as an oligonucleotide for
detection; more preferable to use an oligonucleotide including the
nucleotide sequence set forth in any one of SEQ ID NOS: 1 to 23 and
36 to 78, or an oligonucleotide including the nucleotide sequence
which has 70% or more homology to the nucleotide sequence and which
has a function as an oligonucleotide for detection; and still more
preferable to use an oligonucleotide including the nucleotide
sequence set forth in any one of SEQ ID NOS: 1 to 23 and 36 to
78.
[0168] More specifically, when identifying/detecting the fungi
belonging to the genus Byssochlamys of the heat-resistant fungi, it
is preferable to use an oligonucleotide including the nucleotide
sequence set forth in any one of SEQ ID NOS: 1, 2 and 36 to 39, or
the complementary sequence thereof; or an oligonucleotide including
the nucleotide sequence which has 70% or more homology to the
nucleotide sequence set forth in any one of SEQ ID NOS: 1, 2 and 36
to 39 or the complementary sequence thereof, and which has a
function as an oligonucleotide for detection; more preferably an
oligonucleotide including the nucleotide sequence set forth in any
one of SEQ ID NOS: 1, 2 and 36 to 39, or an oligonucleotide
including the nucleotide sequence which has 70% or more homology to
the nucleotide sequence and which has a function as an
oligonucleotide for detection; and still more preferably an
oligonucleotide including the nucleotide sequence set forth in any
one of SEQ ID NOS: 1, 2 and 36 to 39.
[0169] When identifying/detecting the fungi belonging to the genus
Talaromyces, it is preferable to use an oligonucleotide including
the nucleotide sequence set forth in any one of SEQ ID NOS: 3 to 11
and 57 to 78, or the complementary sequence thereof; or an
oligonucleotide including the nucleotide sequence which has 70% or
more homology to the nucleotide sequence set forth in any one of
SEQ ID NOS: 3 to 11 and 57 to 78 or the complementary sequence
thereof, and which has a function as an oligonucleotide for
detection; more preferably an oligonucleotide including the
nucleotide sequence set forth in any one of SEQ ID NOS: 3 to 11 and
57 to 78, or an oligonucleotide including the nucleotide sequence
which has 70% or more homology to the nucleotide sequence and which
has a function as an oligonucleotide for detection; and still more
preferably an oligonucleotide including the nucleotide sequence set
forth in any one of SEQ ID NOS: 3 to 11 and 57 to 78.
[0170] When identifying/detecting the fungi belonging to the genus
Neosartorya and/or Aspergillus fumigatus, it is preferable to use
an oligonucleotide including the nucleotide sequence set forth in
any one of SEQ ID NOS: 12 to 15, 22, 23 and 40 to 50, or the
complementary sequence thereof; or an oligonucleotide including the
nucleotide sequence which has 70% or more homology to the
nucleotide sequence set forth in any one of SEQ ID NOS: 12 to 15,
22, 23 and 40 to 50 or the complementary sequence thereof, and
which has a function as an oligonucleotide for detection; more
preferably an oligonucleotide including the nucleotide sequence set
forth in any one of SEQ ID NOS: 12 to 15, 22, 23 and 40 to 50, or
an oligonucleotide including the nucleotide sequence which has 70%
or more homology to the nucleotide sequence and which has a
function as an oligonucleotide for detection; and still more
preferably an oligonucleotide including the nucleotide sequence set
forth in any one of SEQ ID NOS: 12 to 15, 22, 23 and 40 to 50.
[0171] When identifying/detecting the fungi belonging to the genus
Hamigera, it is preferable to use an oligonucleotide including the
nucleotide sequence set forth in any one of SEQ ID NOS: 16 to 21
and 51 to 56, or the complementary sequence thereof; or an
oligonucleotide including the nucleotide sequence which has 70% or
more homology to the nucleotide sequence set forth in any one of
SEQ ID NOS: 16 to 21 and 51 to 56 or the complementary sequence
thereof, and which has a function as an oligonucleotide for
detection; more preferably an oligonucleotide including the
nucleotide sequence set forth in any one of SEQ ID NOS: 16 to 21
and 51 to 56; or an oligonucleotide including the nucleotide
sequence which has 70% or more homology to the nucleotide sequence
and which has a function as an oligonucleotide for detection; and
still more preferably an oligonucleotide including the nucleotide
sequence set forth in any one of SEQ ID NOS: 16 to 21 and 51 to
56.
[0172] The oligonucleotide for detection of the present invention
can be used as a nucleic acid probe. The nucleic acid probe can be
prepared by labeling the above-mentioned oligonucleotide with a
labeling substance. The labeling substance is not particularly
limited and may include a usual labeling substance such as a
radioactive substance, an enzyme, a fluorescent substance, a
luminescent substance, an antigen, a hapten, an enzyme substrate,
or an insoluble carrier. The oligonucleotide may be labeled at its
terminal or at the sequence other than the terminals, or at the
sugar, phosphate group, or base moiety. Since the nucleic acid
probe can be hybridized specifically with part of the variable
region in the .beta.-tubulin gene or the ITS region and D1/D2
region of 28S rDNA of the heat-resistant fungi, it is possible to
rapidly and easily detect the heat-resistant fungi in a sample.
Examples of means for detecting the label include: autoradiography
in the case of a nucleic acid probe labeled with a radioisotope; a
fluorescent microscope in the case of a nucleic acid probe labeled
with a fluorescent substance; and an analysis using a sensitive
film or a digital analysis using a CCD camera in the case of a
nucleic acid probe labeled with a chemiluminescent substance.
[0173] The heat-resistant fungi can be detected by hybridizing the
thus-labeled oligonucleotide for detection of the present invention
with a nucleic acid extracted from a test object by a usual method
under stringent conditions; and measuring the label of the
hybridized oligonucleotide for detection. It this case, the
stringent conditions may be the same conditions as described above.
As a method of measuring the label of the nucleic acid probe
hybridized with nucleic acid, a usual method (such as a FISH
method, a dot-blot method, a Southern-blot method, or a
Northern-blot method) may be used.
[0174] Further, the oligonucleotide for use in the present
invention may be bound to a solid-phase carrier and used as a
capture probe. In this case, the capture probe and labeled nucleic
acid probe may be combined and used in a sandwich assay, or a
target nucleic acid may be labeled and captured.
[0175] An example of the detection method using the oligonucleotide
of the present invention as nucleic acid probe is shown below.
[0176] In the case of detection of the fungus belonging to the
genus Neosartorya and/or Aspergillus fumigatus, the following
oligonucleotides (I) to (w) may be labeled to prepare nucleic acid
probes. As mentioned later, the nucleic acid probes consisting of
the following oligonucleotides (I) to (o) hybridize specifically
with parts of the variable regions of the .beta.-tubulin genes of
the fungus belonging to the genus Neosartorya and Aspergillus
fumigatus, and hence can rapidly and easily detect the fungi
belonging to the genus Neosartorya and Aspergillus fumigatus in
samples. The nucleic acid probe consisting of the following
oligonucleotides (v) and/or (w) hybridizes specifically with part
of the variable region in the .beta.-tubulin gene of Aspergillus
fumigatus but cannot hybridize with DNA and RNA of the fungus
belonging to the genus Neosartorya. Therefore, it is possible to
rapidly and easily discriminate the fungus in the sample as one
belonging to the genus Neosartorya or Aspergillus fumigatus by
confirming whether the oligonucleotides hybridize with the region
or not.
[0177] In the method of the present invention for identifying the
heat-resistant fungus by using the nucleic acid including the
nucleotide sequence of the variable region according to the present
invention, a preferable embodiment includes performing gene
amplification of a nucleic acid consisting of the whole or part of
the region of any one of the above nucleic acids (A-I) to (D-II),
and confirming whether the amplification product is present or not.
In this case, the above-mentioned oligonucleotides for detection of
the present invention can be used as nucleic acid primers and a
pair of nucleic acid primers, and preferred ranges are the same as
above. Among these oligonucleotides, as the nucleic acid primers,
it is preferable to use an oligonucleotide which is capable of
hybridizing with a region in the above nucleic acid (I) or (II),
and satisfies the following four conditions:
(1) the oligonucleotide includes a region containing about 10
continuous nucleotides specific to each genus of the heat-resistant
fungi in the nucleic acid (I) or (II); (2) the oligonucleotide has
a GC content of about 30% to 80%; (3) the oligonucleotide has low
possibility to cause self-annealing; and (4) the oligonucleotide
has a Tm value (melting temperature) of about 55.degree. C. to
65.degree. C.
[0178] Further, as the nucleic acid primers, it is preferable to
use an oligonucleotide including the nucleotide sequence set forth
in any one of SEQ ID NOS: 1 to 23 and 36 to 78, or the
complementary sequence thereof; or an oligonucleotide including the
nucleotide sequence which has 70% or more homology to the
nucleotide sequence set forth in any one of SEQ ID NOS: 1 to 23 and
36 to 78 or the complementary sequence thereof, and which is
capable of detecting the heat-resistant fungus; more preferably an
oligonucleotide including the nucleotide sequence set forth in any
one of SEQ ID NOS: 1 to 23 and 36 to 78; or an oligonucleotide
including the nucleotide sequence which has 70% or more homology to
the nucleotide sequence and which has a function as an
oligonucleotide for detection; and still more preferably an
oligonucleotide including the nucleotide sequence set forth in any
one of SEQ ID NOS: 1 to 23 and 36 to 78.
[0179] Specifically, when identifying/detecting the fungi belonging
to the genus Byssochlamys of the heat-resistant fungi, it is
preferable to perform gene amplification of a nucleic acid
consisting of the whole or part of the region of the above nucleic
acid (A-I) or (A-II), and then to confirm whether the amplification
product is present or not. In this case, as the nucleic acid
primers, it is preferable to use an oligonucleotide which is
capable of hybridizing with a region in the nucleic acid (A-I) or
(A-II) and satisfies the following four conditions:
(1) the oligonucleotide includes a region containing about 10
continuous nucleotides specific to a fungus belonging to the genus
Byssochlamys in the nucleic acid (A-I) or (A-II), (2) the
oligonucleotide has a GC content of about 30% to 80%; (3) the
oligonucleotide has low possibility to cause self-annealing; and
(4) the oligonucleotide has a Tm value of about 55.degree. C. to
65.degree. C.
[0180] Further, it is preferable to use an oligonucleotide
including the nucleotide sequence set forth in any one of SEQ ID
NOS: 1, 2 and 36 to 39, or the complementary sequence thereof; or
an oligonucleotide including the nucleotide sequence which has 70%
or more homology to the nucleotide sequence set forth in any one of
SEQ ID NOS: 1, 2 and 36 to 39 or the complementary sequence
thereof, and which has a function as an oligonucleotide for
detection; more preferably an oligonucleotide including the
nucleotide sequence set forth in any one of SEQ ID NOS: 1, 2 and 36
to 39; or an oligonucleotide including the nucleotide sequence
which has 70% or more homology to the nucleotide sequence and which
has a function as an oligonucleotide for detection; and still more
preferably an oligonucleotide including the nucleotide sequence set
forth in any one of SEQ ID NOS: 1, 2 and 36 to 39.
[0181] When identifying/detecting the fungi belonging to the genus
Talaromyces of the heat-resistant fungi, it is preferable to
perform gene amplification of a nucleic acid consisting of the
whole or part of the region of the above nucleic acid (B-I) or
(B-II), and then to confirm whether the amplification product is
present or not. In this case, as the nucleic acid primers, it is
preferable to use an oligonucleotide which is capable of
hybridizing with a region in the nucleic acid (B-I) or (B-II) and
satisfies the following four conditions:
(1) the oligonucleotide includes a region containing about 10
continuous nucleotides specific to a fungus belonging to the genus
Talaromyces in the nucleic acid (B-I) or (B-II), (2) the
oligonucleotide has a GC content of about 30% to 80%; (3) the
oligonucleotide has low possibility to cause self-annealing; and
(4) the oligonucleotide has a Tm value of about 55.degree. C. to
65.degree. C.
[0182] Further, it is preferable to use an oligonucleotide
including the nucleotide sequence set forth in any one of SEQ ID
NOS: 3 to 11 and 57 to 78, or the complementary sequence thereof;
or an oligonucleotide including the nucleotide sequence which has
70% or more homology to the nucleotide sequence set forth in any
one of SEQ ID NOS: 3 to 11 and 57 to 78 or the complementary
sequence thereof, and which has a function as an oligonucleotide
for detection; more preferably an oligonucleotide including the
nucleotide sequence set forth in any one of SEQ ID NOS: 3 to 11 and
57 to 78; or an oligonucleotide including the nucleotide sequence
which has 70% or more homology to the nucleotide sequence and which
has a function as an oligonucleotide for detection; and still more
preferably an oligonucleotide including the nucleotide sequence set
forth in any one of SEQ ID NOS: 3 to 11 and 57 to 78.
[0183] When identifying/detecting the fungi belonging to the genus
Neosartorya and/or Aspergillus fumigatus of the heat-resistant
fungi, it is preferable to perform gene amplification of a nucleic
acid consisting of the whole or part of the region of the above
nucleic acid (C-I) or (C-II), and then to confirm whether the
amplification product is present or not. In this case, as the
nucleic acid primers, it is preferable to use an oligonucleotide
which is capable of hybridizing with a region in the nucleic acid
(C-I) or (C-II) and satisfies the following four conditions:
(1) the oligonucleotide includes a region containing about 10
continuous nucleotides specific to a fungus belonging to the genus
Neosartorya and/or Aspergillus fumigatus in the nucleic acid (C-I)
or (C-II), (2) the oligonucleotide has a GC content of about 30% to
80%; (3) the oligonucleotide has low possibility to cause
self-annealing; and (4) the oligonucleotide has a Tm value of about
55.degree. C. to 65.degree. C.
[0184] Further, it is preferable to use an oligonucleotide
including the nucleotide sequence set forth in any one of SEQ ID
NOS: 12 to 15, 22, 23 and 40 to 50, or the complementary sequence
thereof; or an oligonucleotide including the nucleotide sequence
which has 70% or more homology to the nucleotide sequence set forth
in any one of SEQ ID NOS: 12 to 15, 22, 23 and 40 to 50 or the
complementary sequence thereof, and which has a function as an
oligonucleotide for detection; more preferably an oligonucleotide
including the nucleotide sequence set forth in any one of SEQ ID
NOS: 12 to 15, 22, 23 and 40 to 50, or an oligonucleotide including
the nucleotide sequence which has 70% or more homology to the
nucleotide sequence and which has a function as an oligonucleotide
for detection; and still more preferably an oligonucleotide
including the nucleotide sequence set forth in any one of SEQ ID
NOS: 12 to 15, 22, 23 and 40 to 50.
[0185] When identifying/detecting the fungi belonging to the genus
Hamigera of the heat-resistant fungi, it is preferable to perform
gene amplification of a nucleic acid consisting of the whole or
part of the region of the above nucleic acid (D-I) or (D-II), and
then to confirm whether the amplification product is present or
not. In this case, as the nucleic acid primers, it is preferable to
use an oligonucleotide which is capable of hybridizing with a
region in the nucleic acid (D-I) or (D-II) and satisfies the
following four conditions:
(1) the oligonucleotide includes a region containing about 10
continuous nucleotides specific to a fungus belonging to the genus
Hamigera in the nucleic acid (D-I) or (D-II); (2) the
oligonucleotide has a GC content of about 30% to 80%; (3) the
oligonucleotide has low possibility to cause self-annealing; and
(4) the oligonucleotide has a Tm value of about 55.degree. C. to
65.degree. C.
[0186] Further, it is preferable to use an oligonucleotide
including the nucleotide sequence set forth in any one of SEQ ID
NOS: 16 to 21 and 51 to 56, or the complementary sequence thereof;
or an oligonucleotide including the nucleotide sequence which has
70% or more homology to the nucleotide sequence set forth in any
one of SEQ ID NOS: 16 to 21 and 51 to 56 or the complementary
sequence thereof, and which has a function as an oligonucleotide
for detection; more preferably an oligonucleotide including the
nucleotide sequence set forth in any one of SEQ ID NOS: 16 to 21
and 51 to 56; or an oligonucleotide including the nucleotide
sequence which has 70% or more homology to the nucleotide sequence
and which has a function as an oligonucleotide for detection; and
still more preferably an oligonucleotide including the nucleotide
sequence set forth in any one of SEQ ID NOS: 16 to 21 and 51 to
56.
[0187] The method of amplifying the nucleic acid including the
nucleotide sequence of the variable region is not particularly
limited, and a usual method such as PCR (polymerase chain reaction)
method, LCR (ligase chain reaction) method, SDA (strand
displacement amplification) method, NASBA (nucleic acid
sequence-based amplification) method, RCA (rolling-circle
amplification) method, or LAMP (loop mediated isothermal
amplification) method may be used. In the present invention, the
PCR method or the LAMP method is preferably used in view of
rapidness and ease as mentioned below.
[0188] As the nucleic acid primers for use in the present
invention, the above-mentioned oligonucleotides for detection of
the present invention may be used without further treatment, or the
oligonucleotides may be labeled with a labeling substance and used
as nucleic acid primers. Examples of the labeling substance and
labeling method include those in the above case of the nucleic acid
probes.
[0189] In the detection method of the present invention,
amplification reactions of any one of the nucleic acids (A-I) to
(D-II) are preferably performed by a polymerase chain reaction
(PCR) method.
[0190] Hereinafter, a detection method by the PCR method according
the present invention is described in detail.
[0191] In the case where the fungi belonging to the genus
Byssochlamys are identified/detected by the PCR method, the
following oligonucleotides (a) to (b) are preferably used as a
nucleic acid primer, the following oligonucleotides (a1) to (b1)
are more preferably used as a nucleic acid primer, and the
oligonucleotides including the nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ
ID NO: 1 or 2 are still more preferably used as a nucleic acid
primer.
[0192] Moreover, the following oligonucleotides (a) and (b) are
preferably used as a nucleic acid primer pair, the following
oligonucleotides (a1) and (b1) are more preferably used as a
nucleic acid primer pair, and the oligonucleotides including the
nucleotide sequences set forth in SEQ ID NOS: 1 and 2 are still
more preferably used as a nucleic acid primer pair.
[0193] (a) An oligonucleotide including a nucleotide sequence set
forth in SEQ ID NO: 1 or a complementary sequence thereof; or a
nucleotide sequence which has 70% or more homology to the
nucleotide sequence or the complementary sequence thereof, and
which has a function as an oligonucleotide for detection.
[0194] (b) An oligonucleotide including a nucleotide sequence set
forth in SEQ ID NO: 2 or a complementary sequence thereof; or a
nucleotide sequence which has 70% or more homology to the
nucleotide sequence or the complementary sequence thereof, and
which has a function as an oligonucleotide for detection.
[0195] (a1) An oligonucleotide including a nucleotide sequence set
forth in SEQ ID NO: 1, or a nucleotide sequence which has 70% or
more homology to the nucleotide sequence and which has a function
as an oligonucleotide for detection.
[0196] (b1) An oligonucleotide including a nucleotide sequence set
forth in SEQ ID NO: 2, or a nucleotide sequence which has 70% or
more homology to the nucleotide sequence and which has a function
as an oligonucleotide for detection.
[0197] The oligonucleotides (a) and (b) can hybridize specifically
with the variable region of the .beta.-tubulin gene of the fungi
belonging to the genus Byssochlamys. Therefore, it is possible to
specifically, rapidly, and easily detect the fungi belonging to the
genus Byssochlamys by using the oligonucleotides.
[0198] The oligonucleotide represented by the nucleotide sequence
set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1 or 2 is an oligonucleotide complementary
to a nucleotide sequence which is in the .beta.-tubulin gene region
and is specific to the fungi belonging to the genus Byssochlamys
(i.e., oligonucleotides complementary to a part of the variable
region). The oligonucleotides including the nucleotide sequence set
forth in SEQ ID NO: 1 or 2 can hybridize specifically with a part
of DNA or RNA of the fungi belonging to the genus Byssochlamys.
[0199] The variable region in the .beta.-tubulin gene of the fungus
belonging to the genus Byssochlamys is described in detail based on
the variable region of Byssochlamys nivea as an example. As
mentioned above, the partial nucleotide sequence of the
.beta.-tubulin gene of Byssochlamys nivea is represented by SEQ ID
NO: 24. The inventors of the present invention have found out that
a nucleotide sequence of the region of position 20 to 175 in the
partial nucleotide sequence of the .beta.-tubulin gene of the fungi
belonging to the genus Byssochlamys is particularly poorly
conserved among fungi genera, and each of the genera has a specific
nucleotide sequence in this region.
[0200] The oligonucleotides (a) and (b) correspond to the region of
position 33 to 52 and the region of position 159 to 178 in the
nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 24, respectively.
Therefore, it is possible to specifically detect the fungi
belonging to the genus Byssochlamys by hybridizing the
oligonucleotides with the .beta.-tubulin gene of the fungi
belonging to the genus Byssochlamys.
[0201] In the case where the fungi belonging to the genus
Talaromyces are identified/detected by the PCR method, the
following oligonucleotides (c) to (k) are preferably used as a
nucleic acid primer, the following oligonucleotides (c1) to (k1)
are more preferably used as a nucleic acid primer, and the
oligonucleotides including the nucleotide sequence set forth in any
one of SEQ ID NOS: 3 to 11 are still more preferably used as a
nucleic acid primer.
[0202] Moreover, the oligonucleotide pair (c) and (d), the
oligonucleotide pair (e) and (f), the oligonucleotide pair (g) and
(h), the oligonucleotide pair (i) and (h), and the oligonucleotide
pair (j) and (k) are preferably used as a nucleic acid primer pair;
the oligonucleotide pair (c1) and (d1), the oligonucleotide pair
(e1) and (f1), the oligonucleotide pair (g1) and (h1), the
oligonucleotide pair (i1) and (h1), and the oligonucleotide pair
(j1) and (k1) are more preferably used as a nucleic acid primer
pair; and the oligonucleotide pair including the nucleotide
sequences set forth in SEQ ID NOS: 3 and 4, the oligonucleotide
pair including the nucleotide sequences set forth in SEQ ID NOS: 5
and 6, the oligonucleotide pair including the nucleotide sequences
set forth in SEQ ID NOS: 7 and 8, the oligonucleotide pair
including the nucleotide sequences set forth in SEQ ID NOS: 9 and
8, and the oligonucleotide pair including the nucleotide sequences
set forth in SEQ ID NOS: 10 and 11 are still more preferably used
as a nucleic acid primer pair.
[0203] In view of detection specificity and detection sensitivity,
the oligonucleotide pair (i) and (h), and the oligonucleotide pair
(j) and (k) are preferably used as a nucleic acid primer pair; the
oligonucleotide pair (i1) and (h1), and the oligonucleotide pair
(j1) and (k1) are more preferably used as a nucleic acid primer
pair; and the oligonucleotide pair including the nucleotide
sequences set forth in SEQ ID NOS: 9 and 8, and the oligonucleotide
pair including the nucleotide sequences set forth in SEQ ID NOS: 10
and 11 are still more preferably used as a nucleic acid primer
pair.
[0204] (c) An oligonucleotide including a nucleotide sequence set
forth in SEQ ID NO: 3 or a complementary sequence thereof; or a
nucleotide sequence which has 70% or more homology to the
nucleotide sequence or the complementary sequence thereof, and
which has a function as an oligonucleotide for detection.
[0205] (d) An oligonucleotide including a nucleotide sequence set
forth in SEQ ID NO: 4 or a complementary sequence thereof; or a
nucleotide sequence which has 70% or more homology to the
nucleotide sequence or the complementary sequence thereof, and
which has a function as an oligonucleotide for detection.
[0206] (e) An oligonucleotide including a nucleotide sequence set
forth in SEQ ID NO: 5 or a complementary sequence thereof; or a
nucleotide sequence which has 70% or more homology to the
nucleotide sequence or the complementary sequence thereof, and
which has a function as an oligonucleotide for detection.
[0207] (f) An oligonucleotide including a nucleotide sequence set
forth in SEQ ID NO: 6 or a complementary sequence thereof; or a
nucleotide sequence which has 70% or more homology to the
nucleotide sequence or the complementary sequence thereof, and
which has a function as an oligonucleotide for detection.
[0208] (g) An oligonucleotide including a nucleotide sequence set
forth in SEQ ID NO: 7 or a complementary sequence thereof; or a
nucleotide sequence which has 70% or more homology to the
nucleotide sequence or the complementary sequence thereof, and
which has a function as an oligonucleotide for detection.
[0209] (h) An oligonucleotide including a nucleotide sequence set
forth in SEQ ID NO: 8 or a complementary sequence thereof; or a
nucleotide sequence which has 70% or more homology to the
nucleotide sequence or the complementary sequence thereof, and
which has a function as an oligonucleotide for detection.
[0210] (i) An oligonucleotide including a nucleotide sequence set
forth in SEQ ID NO: 9 or a complementary sequence thereof; or a
nucleotide sequence which has 70% or more homology to the
nucleotide sequence or the complementary sequence thereof, and
which has a function as an oligonucleotide for detection.
[0211] (j) An oligonucleotide including a nucleotide sequence set
forth in SEQ ID NO: 10 or a complementary sequence thereof; or a
nucleotide sequence which has 70% or more homology to the
nucleotide sequence or the complementary sequence thereof, and
which has a function as an oligonucleotide for detection.
[0212] (k) An oligonucleotide including a nucleotide sequence set
forth in SEQ ID NO: 11 or a complementary sequence thereof; or a
nucleotide sequence which has 70% or more homology to the
nucleotide sequence or the complementary sequence thereof, and
which has a function as an oligonucleotide for detection.
[0213] (c1) An oligonucleotide including a nucleotide sequence set
forth in SEQ ID NO: 3, or a nucleotide sequence which has 70% or
more homology to the nucleotide sequence and which has a function
as an oligonucleotide for detection.
[0214] (d1) An oligonucleotide including a nucleotide sequence set
forth in SEQ ID NO: 4, or a nucleotide sequence which has 70% or
more homology to the nucleotide sequence and which has a function
as an oligonucleotide for detection.
[0215] (e1) An oligonucleotide including a nucleotide sequence set
forth in SEQ ID NO: 5, or a nucleotide sequence which has 70% or
more homology to the nucleotide sequence and which has a function
as an oligonucleotide for detection.
[0216] (f1) An oligonucleotide including a nucleotide sequence set
forth in SEQ ID NO: 6, or a nucleotide sequence which has 70% or
more homology to the nucleotide sequence and which has a function
as an oligonucleotide for detection.
[0217] (g1) An oligonucleotide including a nucleotide sequence set
forth in SEQ ID NO: 7, or a nucleotide sequence which has 70% or
more homology to the nucleotide sequence and which has a function
as an oligonucleotide for detection.
[0218] (h1) An oligonucleotide including a nucleotide sequence set
forth in SEQ ID NO: 8, or a nucleotide sequence which has 70% or
more homology to the nucleotide sequence and which has a function
as an oligonucleotide for detection.
[0219] (i1) An oligonucleotide including a nucleotide sequence set
forth in SEQ ID NO: 9, or a nucleotide sequence which has 70% or
more homology to the nucleotide sequence and which has a function
as an oligonucleotide for detection.
[0220] (j1) An oligonucleotide including a nucleotide sequence set
forth in SEQ ID NO: 10, or a nucleotide sequence which has 70% or
more homology to the nucleotide sequence and which has a function
as an oligonucleotide for detection.
[0221] (k1) An oligonucleotide including a nucleotide sequence set
forth in SEQ ID NO: 11, or a nucleotide sequence which has 70% or
more homology to the nucleotide sequence and which has a function
as an oligonucleotide for detection.
[0222] When the pair of the oligonucleotides (c) and (d) is used,
Talaromyces flavus and Talaromyces trachyspermus can be
specifically detected. When the pair of the oligonucleotides (e)
and (f) or the pair of the oligonucleotides (j) and (k) is used,
Talaromyces luteus, Talaromyces wortmannii and Talaromyces
bacillisporus can be specifically detected. When the pair of the
oligonucleotides (g) and (h) is used, Talaromyces flavus,
Talaromyces wortmannii, Talaromyces trachyspermus and Talaromyces
macrosporus can be specifically detected. When the pair of the
oligonucleotides (i) and (h) is used, Talaromyces flavus,
Talaromyces trachyspermus, and Talaromyces macrosporus can be
specifically detected.
[0223] The oligonucleotides (c) to (k) can hybridize specifically
with the variable region in the .beta.-tubulin gene or the ITS
region and D1/D2 region of 28S rDNA of the fungi belonging to the
genus Talaromyces. Therefore, it is possible to specifically,
rapidly, and easily detect the fungi belonging to the genus
Talaromyces by using the oligonucleotides.
[0224] The oligonucleotide represented by the nucleotide sequence
set forth in SEQ ID NO: 3 or 4 is an oligonucleotide complementary
to a nucleotide sequence which is in the .beta.-tubulin gene region
and is specific to Talaromyces flavus and Talaromyces trachyspermus
belonging to the genus Talaromyces (i.e., oligonucleotides
complementary to a part of the variable region). The
oligonucleotide represented by the nucleotide sequence set forth in
any one of SEQ ID NOS: 5 to 6 and 10 to 11 is an oligonucleotide
complementary to a nucleotide sequence which is in the
.beta.-tubulin gene region and is specific to Talaromyces luteus,
Talaromyces wortmannii and Talaromyces bacillisporus belonging to
the genus Talaromyces (i.e., oligonucleotides complementary to a
part of the variable region). The oligonucleotide represented by
the nucleotide sequence set forth in any one of SEQ ID NOS: 7 to 8
and 9 is an oligonucleotide complementary to a nucleotide sequence
which is in the ITS region and D1/D2 region of 28S rDNA and is
specific to Talaromyces flavus, Talaromyces wortmannii, Talaromyces
trachyspermus and Talaromyces macrosporus belonging to the genus
Talaromyces (i.e., oligonucleotides complementary to a part of the
variable region). That is, the oligonucleotides including the
nucleotide sequence set forth in any one of SEQ ID NOS: 3 to 11 can
hybridize specifically with a part of DNA or RNA of the fungi
belonging to the genus Talaromyces.
[0225] The variable region in the .beta.-tubulin gene of the fungus
belonging to the genus Talaromyces is described in detail based on
the variable region of Talaromyces flavus and Talaromyces luteus as
examples. As mentioned above, the partial nucleotide sequence of
the .beta.-tubulin gene of Talaromyces flavus is represented by SEQ
ID NO: 26. The partial nucleotide sequence of the .beta.-tubulin
gene of Talaromyces luteus is represented by SEQ ID NO: 27. The
inventors of the present invention have found out that nucleotide
sequences of the region of position 10 to 40 and the region of
position 70 to 100 in the partial nucleotide sequence of the
.beta.-tubulin gene (the variable region) of Talaromyces flavus are
particularly highly conserved in Talaromyces flavus and Talaromyces
trachyspermus, and are not similar to any sequences of other fungi.
The inventors of the present invention also have found out that the
region of position 120 to 160 and the region of position 295 to 325
in the partial nucleotide sequence of the .beta.-tubulin gene (the
variable region) of Talaromyces luteus are regions having sequences
highly conserved in genetically related Talaromyces luteus,
Talaromyces wortmannii, and Talaromyces bacillisporus, and are not
similar to any sequences of other fungi.
[0226] The oligonucleotides (c) and (d) correspond to the region of
position 15 to 34 and the region of position 76 to 98 in the
nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 26, respectively. The
oligonucleotides (e) and (f), and (j) and (k) correspond to the
region of position 133 to 153 and the region of position 304 to 325
in the nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 27,
respectively. Therefore, it is possible to specifically detect the
fungi belonging to the genus Talaromyces by hybridizing the
oligonucleotides with the .beta.-tubulin gene of the fungi
belonging to the genus Talaromyces.
[0227] The variable region in the ITS region and D1/D2 region of
28S rDNA of the fungus belonging to the genus Talaromyces is
described in detail based on the variable region of Talaromyces
wortmannii as an example. As mentioned above, the partial
nucleotide sequence of the ITS region and D1/D2 region of 28S rDNA
of Talaromyces wortmannii is represented by SEQ ID NO: 28. The
inventors of the present invention have found out that nucleotide
sequences of the region of position 300 to 350 and the region of
position 450 to 510 in the partial nucleotide sequence of the ITS
region and D1/D2 region of 28S rDNA of the fungi belonging to the
genus Talaromyces are particularly highly conserved in Talaromyces
wortmannii, Talaromyces trachyspermus, Talaromyces flavus and
Talaromyces macrosporus, and are not similar to any sequences of
other fungi.
[0228] The oligonucleotides (g), (h) and (i) correspond to the
region of position 326 to 345 and the region of position 460 to 478
in the nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 28,
respectively. Therefore, it is possible to specifically detect the
fungi belonging to the genus Talaromyces by hybridizing the
oligonucleotides with the ITS region and D1/D2 region of 28S rDNA
of the fungi belonging to the genus Talaromyces.
[0229] In the case where the fungi belonging to the genus
Neosartorya and/or Aspergillus fumigatus are identified/detected by
the PCR method, the following oligonucleotides (l) to (o) and (v)
to (w) are preferably used as a nucleic acid primer, the following
oligonucleotides (l1) to (o1) and (v1) to (w1) are more preferably
used as a nucleic acid primer, and the oligonucleotides including
the nucleotide sequence set forth in any one of SEQ ID NOS: 12 to
15 and 22 to 23 are still more preferably used as a nucleic acid
primer.
[0230] Moreover, the oligonucleotide pair (l) and (m), the
oligonucleotide pair (n) and (o), and the oligonucleotide pair (v)
and (w) are preferably used as a nucleic acid primer pair; the
oligonucleotide pair (l1) and (m1), the oligonucleotide pair (n1)
and (o1), and the oligonucleotide pair (v1) and (w1) are more
preferably used as a nucleic acid primer pair; and the
oligonucleotide pair including the nucleotide sequences set forth
in SEQ ID NOS: 12 and 13, the oligonucleotide pair including the
nucleotide sequences set forth in SEQ ID NOS: 14 and 15, and the
oligonucleotide pair including the nucleotide sequences set forth
in SEQ ID NOS: 22 and 23 are still more preferably used as a
nucleic acid primer pair.
[0231] For detecting the fungi belonging to the genus Neosartorya
and Aspergillus fumigatus, the oligonucleotide pair (l) and (m),
and the oligonucleotide pair (n) and (o) are preferably used as a
nucleic acid primer pair; the oligonucleotide pair (l1) and (m1),
and the oligonucleotide pair (n1) and (o1) are more preferably used
as a nucleic acid primer pair; and the oligonucleotide pair
including the nucleotide sequences set forth in SEQ ID NOS: 12 and
13, and the oligonucleotide pair including the nucleotide sequences
set forth in SEQ ID NOS: 14 and 15 are still more preferably used
as a nucleic acid primer pair. Further, in view of detection
specificity and detection sensitivity, the oligonucleotide pair (n)
and (o) are preferably used as a nucleic acid primer pair; the
oligonucleotide pair (n1) and (o1) are more preferably used as a
nucleic acid primer pair; and the oligonucleotide pair including
the nucleotide sequences set forth in SEQ ID NOS: 14 and 15 are
still more preferably used as a nucleic acid primer pair.
[0232] For detecting Aspergillus fumigatus, the oligonucleotide
pair (v) and (w) are preferably used as a nucleic acid primer pair;
the oligonucleotide pair (v1) and (w1) are more preferably used as
a nucleic acid primer pair; and the oligonucleotide pair including
the nucleotide sequences set forth in SEQ ID NOS: 22 and 23 are
still more preferably used as a nucleic acid primer pair.
[0233] (l) An oligonucleotide including a nucleotide sequence set
forth in SEQ ID NO: 12 or a complementary sequence thereof; or a
nucleotide sequence which has 70% or more homology to the
nucleotide sequence or the complementary sequence thereof, and
which has a function as an oligonucleotide for detection.
[0234] (m) An oligonucleotide including a nucleotide sequence set
forth in SEQ ID NO: 13 or a complementary sequence thereof; or a
nucleotide sequence which has 70% or more homology to the
nucleotide sequence or the complementary sequence thereof, and
which has a function as an oligonucleotide for detection.
[0235] (n) An oligonucleotide including a nucleotide sequence set
forth in SEQ ID NO: 14 or a complementary sequence thereof; or a
nucleotide sequence which has 70% or more homology to the
nucleotide sequence or the complementary sequence thereof, and
which has a function as an oligonucleotide for detection.
[0236] (o) An oligonucleotide including a nucleotide sequence set
forth in SEQ ID NO: 15 or a complementary sequence thereof; or a
nucleotide sequence which has 70% or more homology to the
nucleotide sequence or the complementary sequence thereof, and
which has a function as an oligonucleotide for detection.
[0237] (v) An oligonucleotide including a nucleotide sequence set
forth in SEQ ID NO: 22 or a complementary sequence thereof; or a
nucleotide sequence which has 70% or more homology to the
nucleotide sequence or the complementary sequence thereof, and
which has a function as an oligonucleotide for detection.
[0238] (w) An oligonucleotide including a nucleotide sequence set
forth in SEQ ID NO: 23 or a complementary sequence thereof; or a
nucleotide sequence which has 70% or more homology to the
nucleotide sequence or the complementary sequence thereof, and
which has a function as an oligonucleotide for detection.
[0239] (l1) An oligonucleotide including a nucleotide sequence set
forth in SEQ ID NO: 12, or a nucleotide sequence which has 70% or
more homology to the nucleotide sequence and which has a function
as an oligonucleotide for detection.
[0240] (m1) An oligonucleotide including a nucleotide sequence set
forth in SEQ ID NO: 13, or a nucleotide sequence which has 70% or
more homology to the nucleotide sequence and which has a function
as an oligonucleotide for detection.
[0241] (n1) An oligonucleotide including a nucleotide sequence set
forth in SEQ ID NO: 14, or a nucleotide sequence which has 70% or
more homology to the nucleotide sequence and which has a function
as an oligonucleotide for detection.
[0242] (o1) An oligonucleotide including a nucleotide sequence set
forth in SEQ ID NO: 15, or a nucleotide sequence which has 70% or
more homology to the nucleotide sequence and which has a function
as an oligonucleotide for detection.
[0243] (v1) An oligonucleotide including a nucleotide sequence set
forth in SEQ ID NO: 22, or a nucleotide sequence which has 70% or
more homology to the nucleotide sequence and which has a function
as an oligonucleotide for detection.
[0244] (w1) An oligonucleotide including a nucleotide sequence set
forth in SEQ ID NO: 23, or a nucleotide sequence which has 70% or
more homology to the nucleotide sequence and which has a function
as an oligonucleotide for detection.
[0245] When the pair of the oligonucleotides (l) and (m) and the
pair of the oligonucleotides (n) and (o) are used, the fungus
belonging to the genus Neosartorya such as Neosartorya fischeri,
Neosartorya spinosa, Neosartorya glabra, Neosartorya hiratsukae,
Neosartorya paulistensis, Neosartorya pseudofischeri, and
Aspergillus fumigatus can be specifically detected. When the pair
of the oligonucleotides (v) and (w) is used, Aspergillus fumigatus
can be specifically detected.
[0246] The oligonucleotides (I) to (o) can hybridize specifically
with the variable region in the .beta.-tubulin gene of the fungi
belonging to the genus Neosartorya and Aspergillus fumigatus.
Therefore, it is possible to specifically, rapidly, and easily
detect the fungi belonging to the genus Neosartorya and Aspergillus
fumigatus by using the oligonucleotides (I) to (o).
[0247] The oligonucleotide represented by the nucleotide sequence
set forth in any one of SEQ ID NOS: 12 to 15 is an oligonucleotide
complementary to a nucleotide sequence which is in the
.beta.-tubulin gene region and is specific to Neosartorya fischeri,
Neosartorya spinosa, Neosartorya glabra, Neosartorya hiratsukae,
Neosartorya paulistensis, Neosartorya pseudofischeri and the like
which belong to the genus Neosartorya, and Aspergillus fumigatus
(i.e., oligonucleotides complementary to a part of the variable
region). The oligonucleotides can hybridize specifically with a
part of DNA or RNA of the fungi belonging to the genus Neosartorya
and Aspergillus fumigatus.
[0248] The variable region in the .beta.-tubulin gene of the fungus
belonging to the genus Neosartorya is described in detail based on
the variable region of Neosartorya glabra as an example. As
mentioned above, the partial nucleotide sequence of the
.beta.-tubulin gene of Neosartorya glabra is represented by SEQ ID
NO: 32. The inventors of the present invention have found out that
nucleotide sequences of the region of position 1 to 110, the region
of position 140 to 210 and the region of position 350 to 380 in the
partial nucleotide sequence of the .beta.-tubulin gene of the fungi
belonging to the genus Neosartorya are particularly poorly
conserved among fungi, and each of fungi genera has a specific
nucleotide sequence in this region. The partial nucleotide sequence
of the .beta.-tubulin gene of Aspergillus fumigatus is represented
by SEQ ID NO: 33. The inventors of the present invention have found
out that nucleotide sequences of the region of position 1 to 110,
the region of position 140 to 210 and the region of position 350 to
380 in the partial nucleotide sequence of the .beta.-tubulin gene
of Aspergillus fumigatus are particularly poorly conserved among
fungi, and each of fungi species has a specific nucleotide sequence
in this region.
[0249] The oligonucleotides (I) and (m) correspond to the region of
position 84 to 103 and the region of position 169 to 188 in the
nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 32, and the region of
position 83 to 102 and the region of position 166 to 186 in the
nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 33, respectively. The
oligonucleotides (n) and (o) correspond to the region of position
144 to 163 and the region of position 358 to 377 in the nucleotide
sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 32, and the region of position 141
to 160 and the region of position 356 to 376 in the nucleotide
sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 33, respectively. Therefore, it is
possible to specifically detect the fungi belonging to the genus
Neosartorya and Aspergillus fumigatus by hybridizing the
oligonucleotides with the .beta.-tubulin gene of the fungi
belonging to the genus Neosartorya and/or Aspergillus
fumigatus.
[0250] The oligonucleotides (v) and (w) can hybridize specifically
with the variable region in the .beta.-tubulin gene of Aspergillus
fumigatus.
[0251] The oligonucleotide represented by the nucleotide sequence
set forth in SEQ ID NO: 22 or 23 is an oligonucleotide
complementary to a nucleotide sequence which is in the
.beta.-tubulin gene region and is specific to Aspergillus fumigatus
(i.e., oligonucleotides complementary to a part of the variable
region). Therefore, the oligonucleotides including the nucleotide
sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 22 or 23 can hybridize
specifically with a part of DNA or RNA of Aspergillus fumigatus,
but cannot hybridize with DNA and RNA of the fungi belonging to the
genus Neosartorya.
[0252] Other variable region in the .beta.-tubulin gene of
Aspergillus fumigatus is described. The partial nucleotide sequence
of the .beta.-tubulin gene of Aspergillus fumigatus is represented
by SEQ ID NO: 33. The inventors of the present invention have found
out that the region of position 20 to 50 and the region of position
200 to 230 in the partial nucleotide sequence of the .beta.-tubulin
gene of Aspergillus fumigatus are poorly conserved among fungi, in
particular, the fungi belonging to the genus Neosartorya.
[0253] The oligonucleotides (v) and (w) correspond to the region of
position 23 to 44 and the region of position 200 to 222 in the
nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 33, respectively. The
oligonucleotides can hybridize with the .beta.-tubulin gene of
Aspergillus fumigatus but cannot hybridize with DNA and RNA of the
fungi belonging to the genus Neosartorya. The fact is described in
detail based on FIG. 1. FIG. 1 is a diagram for comparing partial
nucleotide sequences of the .beta.-tubulin genes of Aspergillus
fumigatus, Neosartorya fischeri, and Neosartorya spinosa set forth
in SEQ ID NOS: 33 and 83 to 86. As shown in FIG. 1, a comparison
between the region which is in the .beta.-tubulin gene of
Aspergillus fumigatus and is recognized by the oligonucleotides of
SEQ ID NOS: 22 and 23 and the region which corresponds to the
above-mentioned region and is in the .beta.-tubulin gene of the
fungi belonging to the genus Neosartorya reveals that the homology
of the nucleotide sequences are very low compared with other
regions. Therefore, when the oligonucleotides (v) and (w) are used,
it is possible to discriminate Aspergillus fumigatus from the
fungus belonging to the genus Neosartorya in a sample.
[0254] An example of detecting the fungi belonging to the genus
Neosartorya which particularly cause problems in food accidents is
described below. The fungus belonging to the genus Neosartorya and
Aspergillus fumigatus in samples can be detected by performing a
nucleic acid amplification treatment using the pair of the
oligonucleotides (I) and (m) or the pair of the oligonucleotides
(n) and (o) as nucleic acid primers, and then confirming gene
amplification. The samples from which the fungi belonging to the
genus Neosartorya and Aspergillus fumigatus have been detected by
the above process are further subjected to a nucleic acid
amplification treatment using the pair of the oligonucleotides (v)
and (w) as nucleic acid primers, followed by confirmation of gene
amplification. As a result, it is possible to discriminate
Aspergillus fumigatus from the fungus belonging to the genus
Neosartorya in the sample.
[0255] Further, it is also possible to discriminate/detect the
species of fungi in samples which show positive results by the
above detection method using the oligonucleotides (I) to (o), based
on a difference in growth temperature zones of the fungi belonging
to the genus Neosartorya and Aspergillus fumigatus or by using the
oligonucleotides (v) and/or (w).
[0256] The upper limit of the growth temperature of the fungi
belonging to the genus Neosartorya is about 45.degree. C. On the
other hand, Aspergillus fumigatus can grow at 50.degree. C. or
higher. Based on the difference in the growth temperature zones,
for example, the following procedure may be performed to
discriminate between the species of fungi. However, the present
invention is not limited thereto.
[0257] For samples which show positive results by the detection
method using the oligonucleotides (I) to (o), hyphae from single
colonies are inoculated into a PDA medium, PDB medium (potato
dextrose liquid medium) or the like. Culture is performed at 48 to
52.degree. C. for one or two days, and elongation of the hyphae is
confirmed. Then, based on the difference in the growth temperature
zones, the fungus can be discriminated as Aspergillus fumigatus in
the case where proliferation is confirmed, or the fungus can be
discriminated as a fungus belonging to the genus Neosartorya in the
case where proliferation is not confirmed. It should be noted that
examples of a method of confirming proliferation include, but not
limited to, by confirming elongation of hyphae by a
stereomicroscope, elongation of hyphae in a liquid medium,
formation of fungal granules, and formation of conidia.
[0258] In the case where the fungi belonging to the genus Hamigera
are identified/detected by the PCR method, the following
oligonucleotides (p) to (u) are preferably used as a nucleic acid
primer, the following oligonucleotides (p1) to (u1) are more
preferably used as a nucleic acid primer, and the oligonucleotides
including the nucleotide sequence set forth in any one of SEQ ID
NOS: 16 to 21 are still more preferably used as a nucleic acid
primer.
[0259] Moreover, the oligonucleotide pair (p) and (q), the
oligonucleotide pair (r) and (s), and the oligonucleotide pair (t)
and (u) are preferably used as a nucleic acid primer pair; the
oligonucleotide pair (p1) and (q1), the oligonucleotide pair (r1)
and (s1), and the oligonucleotide pair (t1) and (u1) are more
preferably used as a nucleic acid primer pair; and the
oligonucleotide pair including the nucleotide sequences set forth
in SEQ ID NOS: 16 and 17, the oligonucleotide pair including the
nucleotide sequences set forth in SEQ ID NOS: 18 and 19, and the
oligonucleotide pair including the nucleotide sequences set forth
in SEQ ID NOS: 20 and 21 are still more preferably used as a
nucleic acid primer pair.
[0260] In view of detection specificity, the oligonucleotide pair
(r) and (s), and the oligonucleotide pair (t) and (u) are
preferably used as a nucleic acid primer pair; the oligonucleotide
pair (r1) and (s1), and the oligonucleotide pair (t1) and (u1) are
more preferably used as a nucleic acid primer pair; and the
oligonucleotide pair including the nucleotide sequences set forth
in SEQ ID NOS: 18 and 19, and the oligonucleotide pair including
the nucleotide sequences set forth in SEQ ID NOS: 20 and 21 are
still more preferably used as a nucleic acid primer pair. In view
of detection sensitivity, the oligonucleotide pair (t) and (u) are
preferably used as a nucleic acid primer pair; the oligonucleotide
pair (t1) and (u1) are more preferably used as a nucleic acid
primer pair; and the oligonucleotide pair including the nucleotide
sequences set forth in SEQ ID NOS: 20 and 21 are still more
preferably used as a nucleic acid primer pair.
[0261] (p) An oligonucleotide including a nucleotide sequence set
forth in SEQ ID NO: 16 or a complementary sequence thereof; or a
nucleotide sequence which has 70% or more homology to the
nucleotide sequence or the complementary sequence thereof, and
which has a function as an oligonucleotide for detection.
[0262] (q) An oligonucleotide including a nucleotide sequence set
forth in SEQ ID NO: 17 or a complementary sequence thereof; or a
nucleotide sequence which has 70% or more homology to the
nucleotide sequence or the complementary sequence thereof, and
which has a function as an oligonucleotide for detection.
[0263] (r) An oligonucleotide including a nucleotide sequence set
forth in SEQ ID NO: 18 or a complementary sequence thereof; or a
nucleotide sequence which has 70% or more homology to the
nucleotide sequence or the complementary sequence thereof, and
which has a function as an oligonucleotide for detection.
[0264] (s) An oligonucleotide including a nucleotide sequence set
forth in SEQ ID NO: 19 or a complementary sequence thereof; or a
nucleotide sequence which has 70% or more homology to the
nucleotide sequence or the complementary sequence thereof, and
which has a function as an oligonucleotide for detection.
[0265] (t) An oligonucleotide including a nucleotide sequence set
forth in SEQ ID NO: 20 or a complementary sequence thereof; or a
nucleotide sequence which has 70% or more homology to the
nucleotide sequence or the complementary sequence thereof, and
which has a function as an oligonucleotide for detection.
[0266] (u) An oligonucleotide including a nucleotide sequence set
forth in SEQ ID NO: 21 or a complementary sequence thereof; or a
nucleotide sequence which has 70% or more homology to the
nucleotide sequence or the complementary sequence thereof, and
which has a function as an oligonucleotide for detection.
[0267] (p1) An oligonucleotide including a nucleotide sequence set
forth in SEQ ID NO: 16, or a nucleotide sequence which has 70% or
more homology to the nucleotide sequence and which has a function
as an oligonucleotide for detection.
[0268] (q1) An oligonucleotide including a nucleotide sequence set
forth in SEQ ID NO: 17, or a nucleotide sequence which has 70% or
more homology to the nucleotide sequence and which has a function
as an oligonucleotide for detection.
[0269] (r1) An oligonucleotide including a nucleotide sequence set
forth in SEQ ID NO: 18, or a nucleotide sequence which has 70% or
more homology to the nucleotide sequence and which has a function
as an oligonucleotide for detection.
[0270] (s1) An oligonucleotide including a nucleotide sequence set
forth in SEQ ID NO: 19, or a nucleotide sequence which has 70% or
more homology to the nucleotide sequence and which has a function
as an oligonucleotide for detection.
[0271] (t1) An oligonucleotide including a nucleotide sequence set
forth in SEQ ID NO: 20, or a nucleotide sequence which has 70% or
more homology to the nucleotide sequence and which has a function
as an oligonucleotide for detection.
[0272] (u1) An oligonucleotide including a nucleotide sequence set
forth in SEQ ID NO: 21, or a nucleotide sequence which has 70% or
more homology to the nucleotide sequence and which has a function
as an oligonucleotide for detection.
[0273] When the pair of the oligonucleotides (p) and (q), the pair
of the oligonucleotides (r) and (s), and the pair of the
oligonucleotides (t) and (u) are used, Hamigera avellanea and
Hamigera striata can be specifically detected.
[0274] The oligonucleotides (p) to (u) can hybridize specifically
with the variable region in the .beta.-tubulin gene of the fungi
belonging to the genus Hamigera. Therefore, it is possible to
specifically, rapidly, and easily detect the fungi belonging to the
genus Hamigera by using the oligonucleotides.
[0275] The oligonucleotide represented by the nucleotide sequence
set forth in any one of SEQ ID NOS: 16 to 21 is an oligonucleotide
complementary to a nucleotide sequence which is in the
.beta.-tubulin gene region and is specific to the fungi belonging
to the genus Hamigera (i.e., oligonucleotides complementary to a
part of the variable region). The oligonucleotides including the
nucleotide sequence set forth in any one of SEQ ID NOS: 16 to 21
can hybridize specifically with a part of DNA or RNA of the fungi
belonging to the genus Hamigera.
[0276] The variable region in the .beta.-tubulin gene of the fungus
belonging to the genus Hamigera is described in detail based on the
variable region of Hamigera avellanea as an example. As mentioned
above, the partial nucleotide sequence of the .beta.-tubulin gene
of Hamigera avellanea is represented by SEQ ID NO: 35. The
inventors of the present invention have found out that nucleotide
sequences of the region of position 350 to 480, the region of
position 1 to 25, and the region of position 180 to 2080 in the
partial nucleotide sequence of the .beta.-tubulin gene of the fungi
belonging to the genus Hamigera are particularly poorly conserved
among fungi genera, and each of the genera has a specific
nucleotide sequence in this region.
[0277] The oligonucleotides (p) and (q) correspond to the region of
position 358 to 377 and the region of position 440 to 459 in the
nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 35, respectively. The
oligonucleotides (r) and (s) correspond to the region of position 2
to 22 and the region of position 181 to 200 in the nucleotide
sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 35, respectively. The
oligonucleotides (t) and (u) correspond to the region of position
172 to 191 and the region of position 397 to 416 in the nucleotide
sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 35, respectively. Therefore, it is
possible to specifically detect the fungi belonging to the genus
Hamigera by hybridizing the oligonucleotides with the
.beta.-tubulin gene of the fungi belonging to the genus
Hamigera.
[0278] It should be noted that, as shown in FIG. 2, regions having
high homology to the regions of position 358 to 377 and position
440 to 459 of the .beta.-tubulin gene of Hamigera avellanea are
present in the .beta.-tubulin gene of a fungus belonging to the
genus Cladosporium such as Cladosporium cladosporoides. However, a
region having high homology to the region of position 181 to 200 of
the .beta.-tubulin gene of Hamigera avellanea is not present in the
.beta.-tubulin gene of the fungus belonging to the genus
Cladosporium. Therefore, when the above-mentioned oligonucleotides
(p) to (u) are used in combination, it is possible to detect fungi
belonging to the genus Hamigera and fungi belonging to the genus
Cladosporium.
[0279] That is, the oligonucleotides (s), (t), and (u) can
hybridize with the variable region in the .beta.-tubulin gene of
the fungi belonging to the genus Hamigera but cannot hybridize with
the variable region in the .beta.-tubulin gene of the fungi
belonging to the genus Cladosporium. For example, for samples which
show positive results by the detection method using the
oligonucleotides (p) and (q), the species of the fungi in the
samples can be discriminated as the genus Hamigera or the genus
Cladosporium by using the oligonucleotides (r) and (s) and/or the
oligonucleotides (t) and (u).
[0280] The "fungi belonging to the genus Cladosporium" are
filamentous deuteromycetes and do not form highly heat-resistant
ascospores. In addition, the fungi are widely distributed in places
to live or food factories and synthesize melanin pigment, and are
fungi causing black stains. Examples of the fungi belonging to the
genus Cladosporium include Cladosporium cladosporoides and
Cladosporium sphaerospermum.
[0281] Conditions of the PCR reaction are not particularly limited
as long as a DNA fragment of interest can be amplified to a
detectable degree. A preferred example of the conditions of PCR
reaction is as follows. When detecting the fungus belonging to the
genus Byssochlamys, a cycle including: a thermal denaturation
reaction for denaturation of double-stranded DNA into single
strands at 95 to 98.degree. C. for 10 to 60 seconds; an annealing
reaction for hybridization of a primer pair with the
single-stranded DNA at about 59 to 61.degree. C. for about 60
seconds; and an elongation reaction for a reaction of a DNA
polymerase at about 72.degree. C. for about 60 seconds; is repeated
about 30 to 35 times. When detecting the fungus belonging to the
genus Talaromyces, a cycle including: a thermal denaturation
reaction for denaturation of double-stranded DNA into single
strands at 95 to 97.degree. C. for 10 to 60 seconds; an annealing
reaction for hybridization of a primer pair with the
single-stranded DNA at about 55 to 61.degree. C. for about 60
seconds; and an elongation reaction for a reaction of a DNA
polymerase at about 72.degree. C. for about 60 seconds; is repeated
about 30 to 35 times. In the case where the oligonucleotides (l)
and (m), or (n) and (o) are used to detect the fungus belonging to
the genus Neosartorya and Aspergillus fumigatus, a cycle including:
a thermal denaturation reaction for denaturation of double-stranded
DNA into single strands at 95 to 98.degree. C. for 10 to 60
seconds; an annealing reaction for hybridization of a primer pair
with the single-stranded DNA at about 59 to 61.degree. C. for about
60 seconds; and an elongation reaction for a reaction of a DNA
polymerase at about 72.degree. C. for about 60 seconds; is repeated
about 30 to 35 times. In the case where the oligonucleotides (v)
and (w) are used to detect whether a fungus is the fungus belonging
to the genus Neosartorya or Aspergillus fumigatus, a cycle
including: a thermal denaturation reaction for denaturation of
double-stranded DNA into single strands at 95 to 98.degree. C. for
10 to 60 seconds; an annealing reaction for hybridization of a
primer pair with the single-stranded DNA at about 59 to 61.degree.
C. for about 60 seconds; and an elongation reaction for a reaction
of a DNA polymerase at about 72.degree. C. for about 60 seconds; is
repeated about 30 to 35 times. In the case where the
oligonucleotides (p) and (q) are used to detect the fungus
belonging to the genus Hamigera, a cycle including: a thermal
denaturation reaction for denaturation of double-stranded DNA into
single strands at 95 to 98.degree. C. for 10 to 60 seconds; an
annealing reaction for hybridization of a primer pair with the
single-stranded DNA at about 59 to 63.degree. C. for about 60
seconds; and an elongation reaction for a reaction of a DNA
polymerase at about 72.degree. C. for about 60 seconds; is repeated
about 30 to 35 times. In the case where the oligonucleotides (r)
and (s), or (t) and (u) are used to detect the fungus belonging to
the genus Hamigera, a cycle including: a thermal denaturation
reaction for denaturation of double-stranded DNA into single
strands at 95 to 98.degree. C. for 10 to 60 seconds; an annealing
reaction for hybridization of a primer pair with the
single-stranded DNA at about 59 to 63.degree. C. for about 60
seconds; and an elongation reaction for a reaction of a DNA
polymerase at about 72.degree. C. for about 60 seconds; is repeated
about 30 to 35 times.
[0282] In the present invention, amplification of gene fragments
may be confirmed by a usual method. Examples of the method include,
but not limited to, a method of integrating nucleotides labeled
with a radioactive substance or the like into reaction products
during an amplification reaction, a method including performing
electrophoresis for PCR reaction products and confirming the
existence of a band corresponding to the size of the amplified
gene, a method of determining nucleotide sequences of PCR reaction
products, and a method of integrating fluorescent substances into
between the double strands of amplified DNA. In the present
invention, the method including performing electrophoresis after a
gene amplification treatment and confirming the existence of a band
corresponding to the size of the amplified gene is preferred.
[0283] At position 33 to 178 in the nucleotide sequence set forth
in SEQ ID NO: 24, the number of nucleotides is 146. Therefore, in
the case where a sample contains the fungus belonging to the genus
Byssochlamys, DNA fragments of about 150 bp which are specific to
the fungi belonging to the genus Byssochlamys can be detected by
performing PCR reactions using the pair of the oligonucleotides (a)
and (b) as a primer set and electrophoresing the resultant PCR
reaction products. By doing the above procedure, the fungi
belonging to the genus Byssochlamys can be detected or
discriminated.
[0284] At position 15 to 98 in the nucleotide sequence set forth in
SEQ ID NO: 26, the number of nucleotides is 83. At position 133 to
325 in the nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 27, the
number of nucleotides is 192. Meanwhile, at position 326 to 478 in
the nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 28, the number of
nucleotides is 152. Therefore, in the case where a sample contains
Talaromyces flavus and/or Talaromyces trachyspermus, DNA fragments
of about 80 bp which are specific to the fungi can be detected by
performing PCR reactions using the pair of the oligonucleotides (c)
and (d) as a primer set and electrophoresing the resultant PCR
reaction products. In the case where a sample contains Talaromyces
luteus, Talaromyces wortmannii and/or Talaromyces bacillisporus,
DNA fragments of about 200 bp which are specific to the fungi can
be detected by performing PCR reactions using the pair of the
oligonucleotides (e) and (f) or the pair of the oligonucleotides
(j) and (k) as a primer set and electrophoresing the resultant PCR
reaction products. In the case where a sample contains Talaromyces
macrosporus, Talaromyces wortmannii, Talaromyces flavus and/or
Talaromyces trachyspermus, DNA fragments of about 150 bp which are
specific to the fungi can be detected by performing PCR reactions
using the pair of the oligonucleotides (g) and (h) as a primer set
and electrophoresing the resultant PCR reaction products. In the
case where a sample contains Talaromyces macrosporus, Talaromyces
flavus and/or Talaromyces trachyspermus, DNA fragments of about 150
bp which are specific to the fungi can be detected by performing
PCR reactions using the pair of the oligonucleotides (i) and (h) as
a primer set and electrophoresing the resultant PCR reaction
products. By doing the above-mentioned procedure, the fungi
belonging to the genus Talaromyces can be detected or
discriminated. It should be noted that, in the case where a sample
contains Talaromyces wortmannii, two bands corresponding to about
200 bp and about 150 bp are confirmed by simultaneously using the
pair of the oligonucleotides (e) and (f) or the oligonucleotides
(j) and (k), and the pair of the oligonucleotides (g) and (h).
[0285] In the case where a sample contains the fungus belonging to
the genus Neosartorya and/or Aspergillus fumigatus, DNA fragments
of about 100 bp which are specific to the fungi can be detected by
performing PCR reactions using the pair of the oligonucleotides (I)
and (m) as a primer set and electrophoresing the resultant PCR
reaction products. Also, DNA fragments of about 200 bp which are
specific to the fungi can be detected by performing PCR reactions
using the pair of the oligonucleotides (n) and (o) as a primer set
and electrophoresing the resultant PCR reaction products. By doing
the above-mentioned procedure, the fungi belonging to the genus
Neosartorya and Aspergillus fumigatus can be detected or
discriminated.
[0286] Further, in the case where a sample contains Aspergillus
fumigatus, DNA fragments of about 200 bp which are specific to
Aspergillus fumigatus can be detected by performing PCR reactions
using the pair of the oligonucleotides (v) and (w) as a primer set
and electrophoresing the resultant PCR reaction products. On the
other hand, in the case where a sample contains the fungi belonging
to the genus Neosartorya, even if PCR reactions are performed using
the pair of the oligonucleotides (v) and (w), amplification of DNA
fragments cannot be observed. Therefore, when PCR reactions are
performed using the pair of the oligonucleotides (v) and (w) as a
primer set, only Aspergillus fumigatus can be detected.
[0287] In the case where the pair of the oligonucleotides (p) and
(q) are used to confirm gene amplification, the number of
nucleotides at position 358 to 459 in the nucleotide sequence set
forth in SEQ ID NO: 35 is about 100. Therefore, in the case where a
sample contains the fungus belonging to the genus Hamigera, DNA
fragments of about 100 bp which are specific to the fungi can be
detected by performing PCR reactions using the pair of the
oligonucleotides (p) and (q) as a primer set and electrophoresing
the resultant PCR reaction products.
[0288] The number of nucleotides at position 2 to 200 in the
nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 35 is about 200. In the
case where the pair of the oligonucleotides (t) and (u) are used,
the number of nucleotides at position 172 to 416 in the nucleotide
sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 35 is about 245. Therefore, in the
case where a sample contains the fungus belonging to the genus
Hamigera, DNA fragments of about 200 bp or about 240 bp which are
specific to the fungi can be detected by performing PCR reactions
using the pair of the oligonucleotides (r) and (s) or the pair of
the oligonucleotides (t) and (u) as a primer set and
electrophoresing the resultant PCR reaction products. By doing the
above-mentioned procedure, the fungi belonging to the genus
Hamigera can be detected or discriminated.
[0289] In the detection method of the present invention it is
preferable to simultaneously use a detection method using the pair
of the oligonucleotides (c) and (d), the pair of the
oligonucleotides (g) and (h), or the pair of the oligonucleotides
and (i) and (h) and a detection method using the pair of the
oligonucleotides (e) and (f) or the pair of the oligonucleotides
(j) and (k), for detecting the fungi belonging to the genus
Talaromyces. When a plurality of pairs of the oligonucleotides is
used in combination, the fungi belonging to the genus Talaromyces
can be exhaustively detected. In particular, it is more preferable
to use a detection method using the pair of the oligonucleotides
(c1) and (d1), the pair of the oligonucleotides (g1) and (h1), or
the pair of the oligonucleotides (i1) and (h1) and a detection
method using the pair of the oligonucleotides (e1) and (f1) or the
pair of the oligonucleotides (j1) and (k1) in combination, and it
is still more preferable to use a detection method using the pair
of the oligonucleotides represented by the nucleotide sequences set
forth in SEQ ID NOS: 3 and 4, the pair of the oligonucleotides
represented by the nucleotide sequences set forth in SEQ ID NOS: 7
and 8, or the pair of the oligonucleotides represented by the
nucleotide sequences set forth in SEQ ID NOS: 9 and 8 and a
detection method using the pair of the oligonucleotides represented
by the nucleotide sequences set forth in SEQ ID NOS: 5 and 6 or the
pair of the oligonucleotides represented by the nucleotide
sequences set forth in SEQ ID NOS: 10 and 11 in combination.
[0290] When the pair of the oligonucleotides (c) and (d) is used,
Talaromyces flavus and Talaromyces trachyspermus can be
specifically detected. When the pair of the oligonucleotides (e)
and (f) or the pair of the oligonucleotides (j) and (k) is used,
Talaromyces luteus, Talaromyces wortmannii and Talaromyces
bacillisporus can be specifically detected. When the pair of the
oligonucleotides (g) and (h) is used, Talaromyces flavus,
Talaromyces wortmannii, Talaromyces trachyspermus and Talaromyces
macrosporus can be specifically detected. When the pair of the
oligonucleotides (i) and (h) is used, Talaromyces flavus,
Talaromyces trachyspermus, and Talaromyces macrosporus can be
specifically detected. Therefore, when the pair of the
oligonucleotides (c) and (d), the pair of the oligonucleotides (g)
and (h), or the pair of the oligonucleotides (i) and (h) is used in
combination with the pair of the oligonucleotides (e) and (f) or
the pair of the oligonucleotides (j) and (k), the fungi belonging
to the genus Talaromyces which particularly cause problems in food
accidents can be exhaustively detected.
[0291] In particular, in view of detection sensitivity, it is
preferred to use a detection method using the pair of
oligonucleotides (i) and (h) and a detection method using the pair
of oligonucleotides (j) and (k) in combination, it is more
preferred to use a detection method using the pair of
oligonucleotides (i1) and (h1) and a detection method using the
pair of oligonucleotides (j1) and (k1) in combination, and it is
still more preferred to use a detection method using the pair of
the oligonucleotides represented by the nucleotide sequences set
forth in SEQ ID NOS: 9 and 8 and a detection method using the pair
of the oligonucleotides represented by the nucleotide sequences set
forth in SEQ ID NOS: 10 and 11 in combination.
[0292] In the present invention, it should be note that the phrase
"performing a gene amplification treatment by simultaneously using
oligonucleotides" means that, for example, a gene amplification
treatment step as mentioned above is performed by mixing two or
more pairs of oligonucleotides and adding the obtained mixture to
one reaction system as primers. When two pairs of oligonucleotides
are simultaneously used, the fungi belonging to the genus
Talaromyces can be rapidly and exhaustively detected. The mixing
ratio of the two pairs of oligonucleotides is not particularly
limited but is preferably 1:1 to 1:2.
[0293] In the detection method of the present invention, it is
preferred to simultaneously use a detection method using the pair
of the oligonucleotides (I) and (m) and/or the pair of the
oligonucleotides and (n) and (o) and a detection method using the
pair of the oligonucleotides (v) and (w). As mentioned above, the
detection method using the pair of the oligonucleotides (I) and (m)
or the pair of the oligonucleotides (n) and (o) can detect the
fungi belonging to the genus Neosartorya and Aspergillus fumigatus,
and the detection method using the pair of the oligonucleotides (v)
and (w) can detect Aspergillus fumigatus. Therefore, when the
methods are used in combination, the fungus detected from a sample
can be discriminated as a fungus belonging to the genus Neosartorya
or Aspergillus fumigatus. In particular, it is more preferred to
use a detection method using the pair of the oligonucleotides (l1)
and (m1) and/or the pair of the oligonucleotides (n1) and (o1) and
a detection method using the pair of the oligonucleotides (v1) and
(w1) in combination, and it is still more preferred to use a
detection method using the pair of the oligonucleotides represented
by the nucleotide sequences set forth in SEQ ID NOS: 12 and 13
and/or the pair of the oligonucleotides represented by the
nucleotide sequences set forth in SEQ ID NOS: 14 and 15 and a
detection method using the pair of the oligonucleotides represented
by the nucleotide sequences set forth in SEQ ID NOS: 22 and 23 in
combination.
[0294] In view of detection sensitivity, it is preferred to use a
detection method using the pair of oligonucleotides (n) and (o) and
a detection method using the pair of oligonucleotides (v) and (w)
in combination, it is more preferred to use a detection method
using the pair of oligonucleotides (n1) and (o1) and a detection
method using the pair of oligonucleotides (v1) and (w1) in
combination, and it is still more preferred to use a detection
method using the pair of the oligonucleotides represented by the
nucleotide sequences set forth in SEQ ID NOS: 14 and 15 and a
detection method using the pair of the oligonucleotides represented
by the nucleotide sequences set forth in SEQ ID NOS: 22 and 23 in
combination.
[0295] In the detection method of the present invention, it is
preferred to simultaneously use a detection method using the pair
of the oligonucleotides (p) and (q) and a detection method using
the pair of the oligonucleotides (r) and (s) or the pair of the
oligonucleotides (t) and (u). By using the methods in combination,
it is possible to specifically detect only a fungus belonging to
the genus Hamigera from a sample. In other words, by using the
methods in combination, it is possible to discriminate the fungus
belonging to the genus Hamigera from the fungus belonging to the
genus Cladosporium in a sample. Discrimination between the both
genera enables to predict the risk of mycotoxin, because the fungi
belonging to the genus Hamigera produce no mycotoxin. In addition,
it is also possible to predict whether fungal contamination has
been caused before heating or not by discriminating between the
both genera, because the both genera have different heat
resistances. Therefore, the above detection method can be used for
finding a cause, such as revising a sterilization step or
confirming airtightness of a container.
[0296] In particular, it is more preferred to use a detection
method using the pair of the oligonucleotides (p1) and (q1) and a
detection method using the pair of the oligonucleotides (r1) and
(s1) or the pair of the oligonucleotides (t1) and (u1) in
combination, and it is still more preferred to use a detection
method using the pair of the oligonucleotides represented by the
nucleotide sequences set forth in SEQ ID NOS: 16 and 17 and a
detection method using the pair of the oligonucleotides represented
by the nucleotide sequences set forth in SEQ ID NOS: 18 and 19 or
the pair of the oligonucleotides represented by the nucleotide
sequences set forth in SEQ ID NOS: 20 and 21 in combination.
[0297] In view of detection sensitivity, it is preferred to use a
detection method using the pair of oligonucleotides (p) and (q) and
a detection method using the pair of oligonucleotides (t) and (u)
in combination, it is more preferred to use a detection method
using the pair of oligonucleotides (p1) and (q1) and a detection
method using the pair of oligonucleotides (t1) and (u1) in
combination, and it is still more preferred to use a detection
method using the pair of the oligonucleotides represented by the
nucleotide sequences set forth in SEQ ID NOS: 16 and 17 and a
detection method using the pair of the oligonucleotides represented
by the nucleotide sequences set forth in SEQ ID NOS: 20 and 21 in
combination.
[0298] In the detection method of the present invention, a
preferred embodiment includes amplifying the whole or part of any
one of the nucleic acids (A-I) to (D-II) by a loop mediated
isothermal amplification method (LAMP method).
[0299] In the LAMP method, synthesis of a complementary strand can
be performed under isothermal condition because periodic
temperature control is not required. Therefore, a specific fungus
in a sample can be detected easily and rapidly by the LAMP
method.
[0300] Hereinafter, the detection method of the present invention
by the LAMP method is described in detail.
[0301] The LAMP method is a loop-mediated isothermal amplification
method which does not require the periodic temperature control
method (WO 00/28082 A1), which allows isothermal complementary
strand synthesis by annealing the 3'-end side of a primer to a
nucleotide serving as a template to prepare a starting point of
complementary strand synthesis, and combining a primer that anneals
to a loop formed from the above annealing step. In the LAMP method,
at least four primers which recognize six nucleotide sequence
regions in the nucleic acid as a template are required, and these
primers are designed so that the 3'-end side thereof is certainly
annealed to the nucleotide as a template. By using the primers, it
is possible to act a checking mechanism based on complementary
binding of the nucleotide sequences, repeatedly, and then to
perform a sensitive and specific nucleic acid amplification
reaction.
[0302] The six nucleotide sequence regions recognized by the
primers are referred to as F3, F2 and F1 in this order from the
5'-end side of the nucleotide as a template, and B3c, B2c and B1c
in this order from the 3'-end side thereof. Complementary sequences
of F1, F2 and F3 are called F1c, F2c and F3c, respectively.
Complementary sequences of B1c, B2c and B3c are called B1, B2 and
B3, respectively.
[0303] The six nucleotide sequence regions may be selected by the
following procedure, but the present invention is not limited
thereto.
[0304] First, alignment of a nucleotide sequence of a fungus of
interest is performed. The alignment may be performed by using
software such as Clustal X. Subsequently, based on the resultant
alignment information, the above-mentioned six nucleotide sequence
regions are selected using software such as Primer Explorer V4 (HP
of Eiken Chemical Co., Ltd.) to design primers for the LAMP
method.
[0305] Primers to be used in the LAMP method are designed by
determining the above-mentioned six nucleotide sequence regions
from a nucleotide sequence of a region for amplification (a target
region), and then designing inner primers F and B and outer primers
F and B as described below.
[0306] The inner primer used in the LAMP method is an
oligonucleotide having, at the 3' end, a nucleotide sequence that
recognizes a certain nucleotide sequence region in a target
nucleotide sequence and provides a synthesis origin; and having, at
the 5' end, a nucleotide sequence complementary to an arbitrary
region of a nucleic acid synthesis reaction product obtained with
this primer at the origin. In the inner primers, a primer having a
"nucleotide sequence selected from F2" at the 3' end and a
"nucleotide sequence selected from F1c" at the 5' end is called an
inner primer F (hereinafter, abbreviated to FIP), and a primer
having a "nucleotide sequence selected from B2" at the 3' end and a
"nucleotide sequence selected from B1c" at the 5' end is called an
inner primer B (hereinafter, abbreviated to BIP). The inner primers
may have arbitrary nucleotide sequences including 0 to 50
nucleotides at a position between the F2 region and the F1c region
or between the B2 region and the B1c region.
[0307] The outer primer used in the LAMP method is an
oligonucleotide having a nucleotide sequence that recognizes "a
certain nucleotide sequence region which presents on the 5'-end
side of a certain nucleotide sequence region such as the
above-mentioned F2 region or B2 region" in the target nucleotide
sequence and provides a synthesis origin. Examples thereof include
a primer including a nucleotide sequence selected from the F3
region and a primer including a nucleotide sequence selected from
the B3 region. In the outer primers, a primer containing a
"nucleotide sequence selected from F3" is called an outer primer F
(hereinafter, abbreviated to F3), and a primer containing a
"nucleotide sequence selected from B3" is called an outer primer B
(hereinafter, abbreviated to B3).
[0308] "F" in each primer means that a primer complementarily binds
to the anti-sense strand of the target nucleotide sequence and
provides a synthesis origin. "B" in each primer i means that a
primer complementarily binds to the sense strand of the target
nucleotide sequence and provides a synthesis origin.
[0309] In the amplification of the nucleic acid by the LAMP method,
a loop primer(s) (hereinafter, abbreviated to LF and LB) can be
preferably used in addition to the inner and outer primers. The
loop primers refer to 2 primers (one for each of strands composing
a double-strand) containing, at the 3' end, a nucleotide sequence
complementary to a sequence in a loop formed by the annealing of
complementary sequences present at the same strand of an
amplification product obtained by the LAMP method. That is, the
loop primer is a primer having a nucleotide sequence complementary
to a nucleotide sequence of a single strand moiety of the loop
structure on the 5'-end side in the dumbbell-like structure. The
use of the loop primers increases nucleic acid synthesis origins in
number and achieves reduction in reaction time and enhancement in
detection sensitivity (WO 02/24902 Pamphlet).
[0310] The nucleotide sequence of the loop primer may be selected
from nucleotide sequences in the target region or complementary
strands thereof or may be another nucleotide sequence, as long as
the sequence is complementary to the nucleotide sequence of the
single strand moiety of the loop structure on the 5'-end side in
the dumbbell-like structure. Further, one type or two types of loop
primers may be used.
[0311] When a DNA fragment of the target region is amplified using
at least four or more types of the above-mentioned primers, the DNA
fragment can be amplified to an amount sufficient for specific and
efficient detection of the DNA fragment. Therefore, a specific
fungus can be detected by confirming whether the amplified product
is present or not.
[0312] In the method of the present invention, when detecting the
heat-resistant fungi by the RAMP method, the oligonucleotide for
detecting is preferably an oligonucleotide consisting of a
nucleotide sequence corresponding to any one of the following (i)
to (vi). In the following (i) to (vi), nucleotide sequence regions
F3, F2 and F1 are selected from the 5'-end side in a target region
selected from the nucleotide sequence of the variable region in the
.beta.-tubulin gene or the D1/D2 region and ITS region of 28S rDNA
of the heat-resistant fungus, nucleotide sequence regions B3c, B2c
and B1c are selected from the 3'-end side in the target region,
complementary nucleotide sequences of the B3c, B2c and B1c are
called B3, B2 and B1, respectively, and complementary nucleotide
sequences of the F3, F2 and F1 are called F3c, F2c and F1c,
respectively.
(i) A nucleotide sequence having the sequence identical to that of
the B2 region at the 3' terminal side and the sequence identical to
that of the B1c region at the 5' terminal side (ii) A nucleotide
sequence having the sequence identical to that of the B3 region
(iii) A nucleotide sequence having the sequence identical to that
of the F2 region at the 3' terminal side and the sequence identical
to that of the F1c region at the 5' terminal side (iv) A nucleotide
sequence having the sequence identical to that of the F3 region (v)
A nucleotide sequence having a sequence complementary to a part
between the B1 region and the B2 region (vi) A nucleotide sequence
having a sequence complementary to a part between the F1 region and
the F2 region
[0313] The oligonucleotide may be used not only as a primer for the
LAMP method but also as, for example, a primer for the PCR method
or a probe for detecting a nucleic acid.
[0314] The primer that can be used in the present invention
preferably includes 15 or more nucleotides, and more preferably 20
or more nucleotides. Further, each primer may be an oligonucleotide
of single nucleotide sequence or a mixture of oligonucleotides of a
plurality of nucleotide sequences.
[0315] In the present invention, in the case where the
heat-resistant fungus is detected by the LAMP method, the variable
region in the .beta.-tubulin gene or the D1/D2 region and ITS
region of 28S rDNA of the heat-resistant fungus (i.e., the whole or
part of any one of the nucleic acids (A-I) to (D-II)) is determined
as a target region, and a DNA fragment including the region is
amplified to confirm whether an amplification product is present or
not.
[0316] A region to be amplified by the LAMP method preferably
includes; a nucleotide sequence which is part of the nucleotide
sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 25 and includes the whole or part
of the nucleotide sequence of position 400 to 600 in the nucleotide
sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 25; a nucleotide sequence which is
part of the nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 32 and
includes the whole or part of the nucleotide sequence of position
10 to 250 and/or position 350 to 559 in the nucleotide sequence set
forth in SEQ ID NO: 32; a nucleotide sequence which is part of the
nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 34 and includes the
whole or part of the nucleotide sequence of position 10 to 250
and/or position 350 to 559 in the nucleotide sequence set forth in
SEQ ID NO: 34; a nucleotide sequence which is part of the
nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 35 and includes the
whole or part of the nucleotide sequence of position 300 to 550 in
the nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 35; a nucleotide
sequence which is part of the nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ
ID NO: 26 and includes the whole or part of the nucleotide sequence
of position 200 to 450 in the nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ
ID NO: 26; a nucleotide sequence which is part of the nucleotide
sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 29 and includes the whole or part
of the nucleotide sequence of position 150 to 420 in the nucleotide
sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 29; a nucleotide sequence which is
part of the nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 27 and
includes the whole or part of the nucleotide sequence of position
150 to 450 in the nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 27; a
nucleotide sequence which is part of the nucleotide sequence set
forth in SEQ ID NO: 30 and includes the whole or part of the
nucleotide sequence of position 250 to 550 in the nucleotide
sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 30; a nucleotide sequence which is
part of the nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 31 and
includes the whole or part of the nucleotide sequence of position
250 to 550 in the nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 31;
or a nucleotide sequence resulting from a deletion, substitution,
or addition of one to several nucleotides in any one of the
above-mentioned nucleotide sequences.
[0317] Hereinafter, primers and primer sets which are preferably
used in detection of the heat-resistant fungi by the LAMP method
are described.
[0318] In order to design primers for specifically detecting the
fungi belonging to the genus Byssochlamys, the above-mentioned six
nucleotide sequence regions are preferably determined from the
range in the nucleotide numbers 400 to 600 of the nucleotide
sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 25. Specifically, it is preferred
to use a primer consisting of a oligonucleotide having the
nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 36, a primer consisting
of a oligonucleotide having the nucleotide sequence set forth in
SEQ ID NO: 37, a primer consisting of a oligonucleotide having the
nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 38, a primer consisting
of a oligonucleotide having the nucleotide sequence set forth in
SEQ ID NO: 39, and a primer set including the primers, and it is
more preferred to use the following primer set.
Primer Set for Detecting the Fungi Belonging to the Genus
Byssochlamys (LB1 Primer Set)
TABLE-US-00001 [0319] LB1F3 primer: (SEQ ID NO: 36)
CGGTCCTCGAGCGTATGG LB1B3 primer: (SEQ ID NO: 37) CCGTTACTGGGGCAATCC
LB1FIP primer: (SEQ ID NO: 38)
AGTTAGGTGACCGTGAGGTCGTCTTTGTCACGCGCTCTGG LB1BIP primer: (SEQ ID NO:
39) GGATCAGGTAGGGATACCCGCTGTTGGTTTCTTTTCCTCCGC
[0320] FIG. 26 illustrates positions of nucleotide sequences
recognized by the above-mentioned primers in the nucleotide
sequence of the ITS region and D1/D2 region of 28S rDNA of the
fungi belonging to the genus Byssochlamys.
[0321] When the primers and primer set are used, the variable
region in the ITS region and D1/D2 region of 28S rDNA of the fungi
belonging to the genus Byssochlamys can be amplified specifically,
rapidly, and sensitively by the LAMP method. Therefore, the fungi
belonging to the genus Byssochlamys in a sample can be detected by
confirming amplification of the DNA fragments.
[0322] In order to design primers for specifically detecting the
fungi belonging to the genus Neosartorya and Aspergillus fumigatus,
the above-mentioned six nucleotide sequence regions are preferably
determined from the range in the nucleotide numbers 350 to 559 and
the range in the nucleotide numbers 10 to 250 of the nucleotide
sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 32 or 34. Specifically, it is
preferred to use a primer consisting of a oligonucleotide having
the nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 40, a primer
consisting of a oligonucleotide having the nucleotide sequence set
forth in SEQ ID NO: 41, a primer consisting of a oligonucleotide
having the nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 42, a primer
consisting of a oligonucleotide having the nucleotide sequence set
forth in SEQ ID NO: 43, and a primer set including the primers, and
it is more preferred to use the following primer set.
Primer Set for Detecting the Fungi Belonging to the Genus
Neosartorya and Aspergillus fumigatus (LN1 Primer Set)
TABLE-US-00002 LN1F3 primer: (SEQ ID NO: 40) GGCAACATCTCACGATCTGA
LN1B3 primer: (SEQ ID NO: 41) CCCTCAGTGTAGTGACCCTT LN1FIP primer:
(SEQ ID NO: 42) ATGGTACCAGGCTCGAGATCGATACTAGGCCAACGGTGACA LN1BIP
primer: (SEQ ID NO: 43)
GTCCCTTCGGCGAGCTCTTCGTTGTTACCAGCACCAGACT
[0323] To detect the fungi belonging to the genus Neosartorya and
Aspergillus fumigatus, loop primers are preferably used in addition
to the above-mentioned primers. The following primers are
preferably used as the loop primers. Moreover, the primer set
preferably further includes primers consisting of oligonucleotides
having the nucleotide sequences set forth in SEQ ID NOS: 44 and
45.
Loop Primer for Detecting the Fungi Belonging to the Genus
Neosartorya and Aspergillus fumigatus (LN1 Loop Primer)
TABLE-US-00003 (SEQ ID NO: 44) LN1LF loop primer:
ACGGCACGAGGAACATACT (SEQ ID NO: 45) LN1LB loop primer:
CGATAACTTCGTCTTCGGCC
[0324] FIG. 27 illustrates positions of nucleotide sequences
recognized by the above-mentioned primers in the nucleotide
sequence of the .beta.-tubulin gene of Neosartorya fischeri which
belongs to the genus Neosartorya including Neosartorya glabra.
[0325] When the primers and primer set are used, the variable
region in the .beta.-tubulin gene of the fungi belonging to the
genus Neosartorya and Aspergillus fumigatus can be amplified
specifically, rapidly, and sensitively by the LAMP method.
Therefore, the fungi belonging to the genus Neosartorya and/or
Aspergillus fumigatus in a sample can be detected by confirming
amplification of the DNA fragments.
[0326] In order to design primers for specifically detecting
Aspergillus fumigatus, other than the above-mentioned primer set,
it is preferred to use a primer consisting of a oligonucleotide
having the nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 46, a primer
consisting of a oligonucleotide having the nucleotide sequence set
forth in SEQ ID NO: 47, a primer consisting of a oligonucleotide
having the nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 48, a primer
consisting of a oligonucleotide having the nucleotide sequence set
forth in SEQ ID NO: 49, and a primer set including the primers, and
it is more preferred to use the following primer set.
Primer Set for Detecting Aspergillus fumigatus (LAf2 Primer
Set)
TABLE-US-00004 LAf2F3 primer: (SEQ ID NO: 46) GCCGCTTTCTGGTATGTCT
LAf2B3 primer: (SEQ ID NO: 47) CGCTTCTTCCTTGTTTTCCG LAf2FIP primer:
(SEQ ID NO: 48) CCATGACAGTGAGGCTGAACCCCGGGTGATTGGGATCTCTCA LAf2BIP
primer: (SEQ ID NO: 49) ACCATCTCTGGTGAGCATGGCTTTCCGCCGCTTTCTCAA
[0327] To detect the fungi belonging to Aspergillus fumigatus, loop
primers are preferably used in addition to the above-mentioned
primers. The following primer is preferably used as the loop
primer. Moreover, the primer set preferably further includes a
primer consisting of a oligonucleotide having the nucleotide
sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 50.
Loop Primer for Detecting Aspergillus fumigatus (LAf2 Loop
Primer)
TABLE-US-00005 (SEQ ID NO: 50) LAf2LB loop primer:
AGTAAGTTCGACCTATATCCTCCC
[0328] FIG. 28 illustrates positions of nucleotide sequences
recognized by the above-mentioned primers in the nucleotide
sequence of the .beta.-tubulin gene of Aspergillus fumigatus. When
the primers and primer set are used, the variable region in the
.beta.-tubulin gene of Aspergillus fumigatus can be amplified
specifically, rapidly, and sensitively by the LAMP method.
Therefore, Aspergillus fumigatus in a sample can be detected by
confirming amplification of the DNA fragments.
[0329] It should be noted that, when the primer set is used, it is
possible to specifically detect Aspergillus fumigatus but is
impossible to detect the fungi belonging to the genus Neosartorya.
Therefore, the fungi belonging to the genus Neosartorya can be
discriminated from Aspergillus fumigatus by using the primer set
for detecting the fungi belonging to the genus Neosartorya and
Aspergillus fumigatus (LN1 primer set) and the primer set for
detecting Aspergillus fumigatus (LAf2 primer set) in
combination.
[0330] In order to design primers for specifically detecting the
fungi belonging to the genus Hamigera, the above-mentioned six
nucleotide sequence regions are preferably determined from the
range in the nucleotide numbers 300 to 550 of the nucleotide
sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 35. Specifically, it is preferred
to use a primer consisting of a oligonucleotide having the
nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 51, a primer consisting
of a oligonucleotide having the nucleotide sequence set forth in
SEQ ID NO: 52, a primer consisting of a oligonucleotide having the
nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 53, a primer consisting
of a oligonucleotide having the nucleotide sequence set forth in
SEQ ID NO: 54, and a primer set including the primers, and it is
more preferred to use the following primer set.
Primer Set for Detecting the Fungi Belonging to the Genus Hamigera
(LH2 Primer Set)
TABLE-US-00006 [0331] LH2F3 primer: (SEQ ID NO: 51)
GGATCCGAATACGACGTGTC LH2B3 primer: (SEQ ID NO: 52)
CCCTCAGTGTAGTGACCCTT LH2FIP primer: (SEQ ID NO: 53)
CATGGTGCCAGGCTCGAGATCCAGGCCAGCGGTAACAAG LH2BIP primer: (SEQ ID NO:
54) CCGGTCCTTTTGGCCAGCTCTGTTACCGGCACCAGACT
[0332] To detect the fungi belonging to the genus Hamigera, loop
primers are preferably used in addition to the above-mentioned
primers. The following primers are preferably used as the loop
primers. Moreover, the primer set preferably further includes
primers consisting of oligonucleotides having the nucleotide
sequences set forth in SEQ ID NOS: 55 and 56.
Loop Primer for Detecting the Fungi Belonging to the Genus Hamigera
(LH2 Loop Primer)
TABLE-US-00007 [0333] (SEQ ID NO: 55) LH2LF loop primer:
ACGGCACGGGGGACATA (SEQ ID NO: 56) LH2LB loop primer:
TTCCGCCCAGACAACTTCG
[0334] FIG. 29 illustrates positions of nucleotide sequences
recognized by the above-mentioned primers in the nucleotide
sequence of the .beta.-tubulin gene of the fungi belonging to the
genus Hamigera.
[0335] When the primers and primer set are used, the variable
region in the .beta.-tubulin gene of the fungi belonging to the
genus Hamigera can be amplified specifically, rapidly, and
sensitively by the LAMP method. Therefore, the fungi belonging to
the genus Hamigera in a sample can be detected by confirming
amplification of the DNA fragments.
[0336] In order to design primers for specifically detecting
Talaromyces flavus, the above-mentioned six nucleotide sequence
regions are preferably determined from the range in the nucleotide
numbers 200 to 450 of the nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID
NO: 26. Specifically, it is preferred to use a primer consisting of
a oligonucleotide having the nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ
ID NO: 57, a primer consisting of a oligonucleotide having the
nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 58, a primer consisting
of a oligonucleotide having the nucleotide sequence set forth in
SEQ ID NO: 59, a primer consisting of a oligonucleotide having the
nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 60, and a primer set
including the primers, and it is more preferred to use the
following primer set.
Primer Set for Detecting Talaromyces flavus (LTf2 Primer Set)
TABLE-US-00008 LTf2F3 primer: (SEQ ID NO: 57) CCAGTTGGAGCGTATGAACG
LTf2B3 primer: (SEQ ID NO: 58) CCCAGTTGTTACCAGCACCG LTf2FIP primer:
(SEQ ID NO: 59) TTGTTGCCGGAGGCCTACACTTTACTTCAACGAGGTGCGT LTf2BIP
primer: (SEQ ID NO: 60)
CGACTTGGAGCCCGGTACCAAAAGTTGTCGGGACGGAAGA
[0337] To detect Talaromyces flavus, loop primers are preferably
used in addition to the above-mentioned primers. The following
primer is preferably used as the loop primer. Moreover, the primer
set preferably further includes a primer consisting of a
oligonucleotide having the nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID
NO: 61.
Loop Primer for Detecting Talaromyces flavus (LTf2 Loop Primer)
TABLE-US-00009 (SEQ ID NO: 61) LTf2LB loop primer:
GCTGGTCCCTTTGGTCAGC
[0338] FIG. 30 illustrates positions of nucleotide sequences
recognized by the above-mentioned primers in the nucleotide
sequence of the .beta.-tubulin gene of Talaromyces flavus. When the
primers and primer set are used, the variable region in the
.beta.-tubulin gene of Talaromyces flavus can be amplified
specifically, rapidly, and sensitively by the LAMP method.
Therefore, Talaromyces flavus in a sample can be detected by
confirming amplification of the DNA fragments.
[0339] In order to design primers for specifically detecting
Talaromyces wortmannii, the above-mentioned six nucleotide sequence
regions are preferably determined from the range in the nucleotide
numbers 150 to 420 of the nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID
NO: 29. Specifically, it is preferred to use a primer consisting of
a oligonucleotide having the nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ
ID NO: 62, a primer consisting of a oligonucleotide having the
nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 63, a primer consisting
of a oligonucleotide having the nucleotide sequence set forth in
SEQ ID NO: 64, a primer consisting of a oligonucleotide having the
nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 65, and a primer set
including the primers, and it is more preferred to use the
following primer set.
Primer Set for Detecting Talaromyces wortmannii (LTw4-3 Primer
Set)
TABLE-US-00010 LTw4F3 primer: (SEQ ID NO: 62) TGGCTCCGGAATGTGAGTT
LTw3B3 primer: (SEQ ID NO: 63) CAAATCGACGAGGACGGC LTw4FIP primer:
(SEQ ID NO: 64) CGCTCCAACTGGAGGTCGGAAAATTTCGACATCCCACCCT LTw3BIP
primer: (SEQ ID NO: 65) GGAATCTGCCCCGCGACATTCCGGGGGACGTACTTGTTG
[0340] To detect Talaromyces wortmannii, loop primers are
preferably used in addition to the above-mentioned primers. The
following primers are preferably used as the loop primers.
Moreover, the primer set preferably further includes primers
consisting of oligonucleotides having the nucleotide sequences set
forth in SEQ ID NOS: 66 and 67.
Loop Primer for Detecting Talaromyces wortmannii (LTw4-3 Loop
Primer)
TABLE-US-00011 (SEQ ID NO: 66) LTw4LF loop primer:
GGTGCCATTGTAACTGGAAATGA (SEQ ID NO: 67) LTw3LB loop primer:
ACTCATATCGTATAGGCTAGCGG
[0341] FIG. 31 illustrates positions of nucleotide sequences
recognized by the above-mentioned primers in the nucleotide
sequence of the .beta.-tubulin gene of Talaromyces wortmannii.
[0342] When the primers and primer set are used, the variable
region in the .beta.-tubulin gene of Talaromyces wortmannii can be
amplified specifically, rapidly, and sensitively by the LAMP
method. Therefore, Talaromyces wortmannii in a sample can be
detected by confirming amplification of the DNA fragments.
[0343] In order to design primers for specifically detecting
Talaromyces luteus, the above-mentioned six nucleotide sequence
regions are preferably determined from the range in the nucleotide
numbers 150 to 450 of the nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID
NO: 27. Specifically, it is preferred to use a primer consisting of
a oligonucleotide having the nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ
ID NO: 68, a primer consisting of a oligonucleotide having the
nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 69, a primer consisting
of a oligonucleotide having the nucleotide sequence set forth in
SEQ ID NO: 70, a primer consisting of a oligonucleotide having the
nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 71, and a primer set
including the primers, and it is more preferred to use the
following primer set.
Primer Set for Detecting Talaromyces luteus (LTI1 Primer Set)
TABLE-US-00012 LTI1F3 primer: (SEQ ID NO: 68) CGAATCACCACTGATGGGAA
LTI1B3 primer: (SEQ ID NO: 69) GAAGAGCTGACCGAAAGGAC LTI1FIP primer:
(SEQ ID NO: 70) TTCGTGCTGTCGGTCGGTAATGTTCCGACCTCCAGTTAGAGC LTI1BIP
primer: (SEQ ID NO: 71)
TAGGCTAGCGGCAACAAGTACGATAGTACCGGGCTCCAGATC
[0344] To detect Talaromyces luteus, loop primers are preferably
used in addition to the above-mentioned primers. The following
primer is preferably used as the loop primer. Moreover, the primer
set preferably further includes a primer consisting of a
oligonucleotide having the nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID
NO: 72.
Loop Primer for Detecting Talaromyces luteus (LTI1 Loop Primer)
TABLE-US-00013 (SEQ ID NO: 72) LTI1LF loop primer:
ACCTCGTTGAAATAGACGTTCA
[0345] FIG. 32 illustrates positions of nucleotide sequences
recognized by the above-mentioned primers in the nucleotide
sequence of the .beta.-tubulin gene of Talaromyces luteus. When the
primers and primer set are used, the variable region in the
.beta.-tubulin gene of Talaromyces luteus can be amplified
specifically, rapidly, and sensitively by the LAMP method.
Therefore, Talaromyces luteus in a sample can be detected by
confirming amplification of the DNA fragments.
[0346] In order to design primers for specifically detecting
Talaromyces flavus and Talaromyces trachyspermus, the
above-mentioned six nucleotide sequence regions are preferably
determined from the range in the nucleotide numbers 250 to 550 of
each nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 30 or 31.
Specifically, it is preferred to use a primer consisting of a
oligonucleotide having the nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID
NO: 73, a primer consisting of a oligonucleotide having the
nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 74, a primer consisting
of a oligonucleotide having the nucleotide sequence set forth in
SEQ ID NO: 75, a primer consisting of a oligonucleotide having the
nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 76, and a primer set
including the primers, and it is more preferred to use the
following primer set.
Primer Set for Detecting Talaromyces flavus and Talaromyces
trachyspermus (LT1 Primer Set)
TABLE-US-00014 LT1F3 primer: (SEQ ID NO: 73) GCGTCATTTCTGCCCTCAA
LT1B3 primer: (SEQ ID NO: 74) AGTTCAGCGGGTAACTCCT LT1FIP primer:
(SEQ ID NO: 75) TACGCTCGAGGACCAGACGGCGGCTTGTGTGTTGGGTG LT1BIP
primer: (SEQ ID NO: 76)
TCTGTCACTCGCTCGGGAAGGACCTGATCCGAGGTCAACC
[0347] To detect Talaromyces flavus and Talaromyces trachyspermus,
loop primers are preferably used in addition to the above-mentioned
primers. The following primers are preferably used as the loop
primers. Moreover, the primer set preferably further includes
primers consisting of the oligonucleotides having the nucleotide
sequences set forth in SEQ ID NOS: 77 and 78.
Loop Primer for Detecting Talaromyces flavus and Talaromyces
trachyspermus (LT1 Loop Primer)
TABLE-US-00015 (SEQ ID NO: 77) LT1LF loop primer:
GCTGCCTTTTGGGCAGGTC (SEQ ID NO: 78) LT1LB loop primer:
TGGTCACACCACTATATTTTACCAC
[0348] FIG. 33, FIG. 34 and FIG. 34-1 illustrate positions of
nucleotide sequences recognized by the above-mentioned primers in
the nucleotide sequence of the ITS region and D1/D2 region of 28S
rDNA of Talaromyces flavus and Talaromyces trachyspermus.
[0349] When the primers and primer set are used, the variable
region in the ITS region and D1/D2 region of 28S rDNA of
Talaromyces flavus and Talaromyces trachyspermus can be amplified
specifically, rapidly, and sensitively by the LAMP method.
Therefore, Talaromyces flavus and Talaromyces trachyspermus in a
sample can be detected by confirming amplification of the DNA
fragments.
[0350] The outer primers in the above-mentioned primer sets may be
used not only in the LAMP method but also in the PCR method. In the
PCR method, a DNA fragment of interest can be amplified by PCR
using the above-mentioned primers, the .beta.-tubulin gene or the
ITS region and D1/D2 region of 28S rDNA in a sample as a template,
and a heat-stable DNA polymerase.
[0351] An enzyme used in amplification of the DNA fragment is not
particularly limited as long as it is generally used, and it is
preferably a template-dependent nucleic acid synthetase having
strand displacement activities. Such an enzyme includes Bst DNA
polymerase (large fragment), Bca (exo-) DNA polymerase, and the
Klenow fragment of E. coli DNA polymerase I; and preferably
includes Bst DNA polymerase (large fragment). The enzyme that can
be used in the present invention may be purified from viruses,
bacteria, or the like or may be prepared by a gene recombination
technique. These enzymes may be modified by fragmentation, amino
acid substitution, or the like.
[0352] The temperature for amplification by the LAMP method is not
particularly limited but is preferably 60 to 65.degree. C.
[0353] The amplification of the DNA fragment by the LAMP method can
be confirmed by general method. The nucleic acid amplification
products can be detected, for example, by hybridization using a
labeled oligonucleotide as a probe which specifically recognizes
amplified nucleotide sequences; by a fluorescent intercalator
method (JP-A-2001-242169); by directly applying the reaction
solution after the completion of reaction to agarose gel
electrophoresis. In case of the agarose gel electrophoresis, the
LAMP amplification products are detected in the form of a ladder of
many bands differing in base length.
[0354] Moreover, in the LAMP method, substrates are consumed in
large amounts by nucleic acid synthesis, and pyrophosphoric acid
ions as by-products are converted into magnesium pyrophosphate
through its reaction with coexisting magnesium ions and makes the
reaction solution cloudy to the extent that can be observed
visually. Thus, the nucleic acid amplification reaction may be
detected by confirming this cloudiness by use of a measurement
apparatus that can optically observe time-dependent rises in
turbidity after the completion of reaction or during reaction, for
example, by confirming changes in absorbance at 400 nm by use of a
spectrophotometer (WO 01/83817 Pamphlet).
[0355] According to the detection method by the LAMP method, a
procedure from a sample preparation step to a fungus detection step
can be performed within a time as short as about 60 to 120
minutes.
[0356] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the method of detecting the
heat-resistant fungus of the present invention will be described
specifically, but the present invention is not limited thereto.
1) Analysis of Fungus Causing Accident
[0357] Foods and drinks which contain sugars and proteins and
cannot be sterilized under strong conditions may cause
contamination accidents by heat-resistant fungi. Examples of the
foods and drinks include foods and drinks made from agricultural
products such as fruits and fruit juices and animal products such
as milk.
[0358] In the detection method, DNA is collected from hyphae
detected from a drink or the like which has caused the accident.
Thereafter, a gene amplification treatment such as PCR reactions or
the LAMP method is performed using the above-mentioned
oligonucleotides of the present invention as nucleic acid
primers.
[0359] In the case where the gene amplification is performed by the
PCR method, the pair of the oligonucleotides (a) and (b) is used as
a primer pair for detecting the genus Byssochlamys, one or more
pairs of the oligonucleotides (c) and (d), the pair of the
oligonucleotides (e) and (f), the pair of the oligonucleotides (g)
and (h), the pair of the oligonucleotides (i) and (h), and the pair
of the oligonucleotides (j) and (k) are used as primers for
detecting the genus Talaromyces; one or more pairs of the
oligonucleotides (l) and (m) and the pair of the oligonucleotides
(n) and (o) are used as primers for detecting the genus Neosartorya
and Aspergillus fumigatus; and one or more pairs of the
oligonucleotides (p) and (q), the pair of the oligonucleotides (r)
and (s), and the pair of the oligonucleotides (t) and (u) are used
as primers for detecting the genus Hamigera.
[0360] In the case where the gene amplification is performed by the
LAMP method, the set of the oligonucleotide represented by the
nucleotide sequences set forth in SEQ ID NOS: 36 to 39 is used as
primers for detecting the genus Byssochlamys; one or more sets of
the set of the oligonucleotides represented by the nucleotide
sequences set forth in SEQ ID NOS: 57 to 61, the set of the
oligonucleotides represented by the nucleotide sequences set forth
in SEQ ID NOS: 62 to 67, the set of the oligonucleotides
represented by the nucleotide sequences set forth in SEQ ID NOS: 68
to 72, and the set of the oligonucleotides represented by the
nucleotide sequences set forth in SEQ ID NOS: 73 to 78 are used as
primers for detecting the genus Talaromyces; the set of the
oligonucleotides represented by the nucleotide sequences set forth
in SEQ ID NOS: 40 to 45 is used as primers for detecting fungi
belonging to the genus Neosartorya and Aspergillus fumigatus; and
the set of the oligonucleotides represented by the nucleotide
sequences set forth in SEQ ID NOS: 51 to 56 is used as primers for
detecting fungi belonging to the genus Hamigera.
[0361] When the primer pairs and primer sets are used, the
above-mentioned four genera of heat-resistant fungi can be
independently detected. Moreover, when the primers for detecting
the respective genera are used in appropriate combination, a
plurality of genera and species in the four genera can be
exhaustively detected. The primers of the present invention are
specific to each genus, and hence it is possible to exhaustively
detect the four genera of heat-resistant fungi and to identify
fungi based on the type of primers used at genus level (detection
of heat-resistant fungi in the four genera).
[0362] After the gene amplification treatment using the primers, in
the case of the PCR method, electrophoresis is performed to confirm
whether the amplification product is present or not, while in the
case of the LAMP method, the turbidity of the reaction solution is
measured to confirm whether the amplification reaction is caused or
not. At the same time, part of the fungal cells collected is
inoculated into chloramphenicol-supplemented PDA and cultured at
50.degree. C.
[0363] In the case where a PCR gene amplification product is
confirmed by using primers other than the primers for detecting
fungi belonging to the genus Neosartorya, and/or in the case where
a gene amplification product is confirmed by using the primers for
detecting fungi belonging to the genus Neosartorya and hyphae do
not elongate at 50.degree. C., or no reaction product is detected
after PCR reactions or LAMP reactions using the primers for
discriminating Aspergillus fumigatus from Neosartorya, the sample
is evaluated to be "positive for heat-resistant fungi (including
fungi belonging to the genus Neosartorya)".
[0364] As an example, a case where a gene amplification treatment
is performed by the PCR method using the pair of the
oligonucleotides (a) and (b), the pair of the oligonucleotides (t)
and (u), the pair of the oligonucleotides (n) and (o), the pair of
the oligonucleotides (i) and (h), and the pair of the
oligonucleotides (j) and (k) in combination is described in detail.
In the case where a reaction product is confirmed in a system using
the primers for detecting fungi belonging to the genus Neosartorya
(the pair of the oligonucleotides (n) and (o)), elongation of
hyphae cultured at 50.degree. C. is confirmed to discriminate that
the fungus is Neosartorya or Aspergillus fumigatus. Alternatively,
detection is performed using the oligonucleotides for Neosartorya
and Aspergillus fumigatus as nucleic acid primers. For example, PCR
reactions are performed using the oligonucleotides (v) and (w) as
primers, in the case where a reaction product of about 200 bp is
detected, the sample is evaluated to be positive for Aspergillus
fumigatus, while in the case where no reaction product is detected,
the sample is evaluated to be positive for fungi belonging to the
genus Neosartorya.
[0365] In the case where a reaction product is confirmed in a
system using the primers for detecting fungi belonging to the genus
Byssochlamys (the pair of the oligonucleotides (a) and (b)), the
sample is evaluated to be positive for fungi belonging to the genus
Byssochlamys.
[0366] In the case where a reaction product is confirmed in a
system using the primers for detecting fungi belonging to the genus
Hamigera (the pair of the oligonucleotides (t) and (u)), the sample
is evaluated to be positive for fungi belonging to the genus
Hamigera.
[0367] In the case where a reaction product is confirmed in a
system using the primers for detecting fungi belonging to the genus
Talaromyces (the pair of the oligonucleotides (j) and (k) and/or
the pair of the oligonucleotides (i) and (h)), the sample is
evaluated to be positive for fungi belonging to the genus
Talaromyces.
[0368] The heat-resistant fungi survive under heat sterilization
conditions, and hence it is highly likely that the heat-resistant
fungi were mixed in the sample from raw materials and steps.
Therefore, in the case where the sample is positive for the
heat-resistant fungi, it is necessary to further test the
cleanliness level of the raw materials and production environment.
On the other hand, in the case where the sample is negative for the
heat-resistant fungi, it is necessary to revise the sterilization
step or to confirm airtightness of a container because the
contamination was caused by a fault in sterilization or mixing of
the fungi in the sample after sterilization (investigation into the
cause).
2) Microorganism Inspection of Raw Material
[0369] A usual fungus inspection of raw materials requires two
tests for general fungi (a sample is not subjected to a heat shock
treatment) and for heat-resistant fungi (a sample is subjected to a
heat shock treatment). In contrast, it is not necessary to perform
the heat shock treatment for the sample according to the present
invention. That is, the test for general fungi is only performed,
and then, in the case where hyphae are confirmed, the hyphae may be
used to evaluate whether the fungi are heat-resistant fungi or not
by the method of 1) above. In a conventional method, it takes about
seven days to detect heat-resistant fungi. In contrast, according
to the present invention, it is possible to reduce the time for
detection by two days because it takes about three days to confirm
the hyphae and at most two days to detect the fungi. Moreover, in
the conventional method, it further takes about seven days to
identify the species of the fungi after detection of the
heat-resistant fungi, while in the method of the present invention,
it is possible to simultaneously perform detection and
identification at genus level.
[0370] The sample to be used for the detection method of the
present invention is not particularly limited, and may be a food or
drink itself, a raw material of the food or drink, an isolated
fungus, a cultured fungus, or the like.
[0371] A method of preparing DNA from a sample is not particularly
limited as long as DNA can be obtained at a sufficient purification
degree and in a sufficient amount for detecting the heat-resistant
fungi. DNA obtained by reverse transcriptase from RNA contained in
a sample may be used. While the sample may be used without
purification, the sample may be subjected to a pre-treatment such
as separation, extraction, concentration, or purification before
use. For example, the sample may be purified by phenol and
chloroform extraction or using a commercially available extraction
kit to increase the purity of the nucleic acid before use.
[0372] According to the method of the present invention, a
procedure from a sample preparation step to a fungus detection step
can be performed within a time as short as about 5 to 12 hours.
[0373] The kit for detecting a heat-resistant fungus of the present
invention includes the above-mentioned oligonucleotides for
detection as a nucleic acid probe or a nucleic acid primer.
Specifically, the kit for detecting a heat-resistant fungus of the
present invention includes, as a nucleic acid probe or a nucleic
acid primer, at least one oligonucleotide selected from the group
consisting of oligonucleotides which can hybridize with the nucleic
acid (I) or (II) and can act as oligonucleotides for specifically
detecting the heat-resistant fungus. The kit particularly
preferably includes, as a nucleic acid probe or a nucleic acid
primer, at least one oligonucleotide selected from the group
consisting of an oligonucleotide including the nucleotide sequence
set forth in any one of SEQ ID NOS: 1 to 23 or 36 to 78 or a
complementary sequence thereof and an oligonucleotide including a
nucleotide sequence which has 70% or more homology to the
nucleotide sequence or the complementary sequence thereof and can
act as an oligonucleotide for detection. The kit can be used for
detection of the heat-resistant fungi. The kit of the present
invention may include not only the above-mentioned nucleic acid
probes or nucleic acid primers but also, depending on purpose,
substances which are usually used for detecting a fungus, such as a
label-detecting substance, a buffer, a nucleic acid synthetase
(such as a DNA polymerase, an RNA polymerase, or a reverse
transcriptase), and an enzyme substrate (such as dNTP or rNTP).
[0374] For example, the kit for detecting the heat-resistant fungus
by LAMP method preferably includes the above-mentioned primer set,
a variety of oligonucleotide(s) necessary as a loop primer, four
types of dNTPs serving as substrates of nucleic acid synthesis
(dATP, dCTP, dGTP, and dTTP), a DNA polymerase such as a
template-dependent nucleic acid synthetase having strand
displacement activity, a buffer which provides preferred conditions
for enzymatic reactions, a salt serving as a cofactor (such as a
magnesium salt or a manganese salt), and a protecting agent for
stabilizing an enzyme or a template, and if necessary, reagents
necessary for detection of reaction products. The kit of the
present invention may include a positive control for confirming
whether gene amplification proceeds normally by the
oligonucleotides for detection of the present invention. The
positive control is, for example, DNA including a region which is
amplified by the oligonucleotides for detection of the present
invention.
EXAMPLES
[0375] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described more in
detail with reference to Examples, but it should be understood that
the technological scope of the present invention is not
particularly limited by the following Examples.
Example 1
(A-1) Detection and Discrimination of Fungi Belonging to the Genus
Byssochlamys
1. Determination of Partial Nucleotide Sequence of .beta.-Tubulin
Gene
[0376] Nucleotide sequences of the .beta.-tubulin gene of each
variety of fungi belonging to the genus Byssochlamys were
determined by the following method.
[0377] A test fungus was cultured in the dark on a potato dextrose
agar slant at 30.degree. C. for 7 days. DNA was extracted from the
fungus using GenTorukun TM (manufactured by TAKARA BIO INC.). PCR
amplification of a target site was performed using PuRe Taq.TM.
Ready-To-Go PCR Beads (manufactured by GE Health Care UK LTD); and
primers Bt2a (5'-GGTAACCAAATCGGTGCTGCTTTC-3', SEQ ID NO: 79) and
Bt2b (5'-ACCCTCAGTGTAGTGACCCTTGGC-3', SEQ ID NO: 80) (Glass and
Donaldson, Appl Environ Microbiol 61: 1323-1330, 1995).
Amplification of .beta.-tubulin partial length was performed under
conditions including a denaturation temperature of 95.degree. C.,
an annealing temperature of 59.degree. C., an elongation
temperature of 72.degree. C., and 35 cycles. PCR products were
purified using Auto Seg.TM. G-50 (manufactured by Amersham
Pharmacia Biotech). The PCR products were labeled with BigDye
(registered trademark) terminator Ver. 1.1 (manufactured by Applied
Biosystems), and electrophoresis was performed using ABI PRISM 3130
Genetic Analyzer (manufactured by Applied Biosystems). Nucleotide
sequences from fluorescence signals in electrophoresis were
determined using the software "ATGC Ver. 4" (manufactured by
Genetyx).
[0378] Based on the nucleotide sequence information of the
.beta.-tubulin gene of Byssochlamys nivea and known nucleotide
sequence information of the .beta.-tubulin gene of a variety of
fungi, alignment analyses were performed using DNA analysis
software (product name: DNAsis pro, manufactured by Hitachi
Software Engineering Co., Ltd.), to thereby determine a specific
region in the .beta.-tubulin gene including nucleotide sequences
specific to the fungi belonging to the genus Byssochlamys (SEQ ID
NO: 24).
2. Detection of Fungi Belonging to the Genus Byssochlamys and
Identification of the Fungi at Genus Level
(1) Design of Primers
[0379] From regions having particularly high specificity to the
fungi belonging to the genus Byssochlamys on the 3'-end side in the
determined nucleotide sequence region specific to the fungi
belonging to the genus Byssochlamys, partial regions which satisfy
the following four conditions were searched:
1) including several nucleotides which is specific to the genus; 2)
having a GC content of about 30% to 80%; 3) having low possibility
to cause self-annealing; and 4) having a Tm value of about 55 to
65.degree. C.
[0380] Based on the nucleotide sequences of the above regions, one
primer pair was designed to search the effectiveness of detection
of the genus Byssochlamys and identification of the genus by PCR
reactions using DNAs extracted from the fungi as templates.
Specifically, it was examined that a DNA amplification reaction is
observed at a position corresponding to the size of about 150 bp in
the case of a reaction using DNA of the fungi of the genus
Byssochlamys as a template, while no amplification product is
observed in the cases of reactions using genomic DNAs of other
fungi as templates. As a result, DNA amplification was observed at
a position corresponding to the size of about 150 bp specifically
to Byssochlamys nivea and Byssochlamys fulva, while no
amplification product was observed in the cases of reactions using
genomic DNAs of other fungi as templates. The results reveal that
it is possible to exhaustively detect the fungi of the genus
Byssochlamys, and to identify the genus Byssochlamys at genus
level. The primer pair confirmed to have the effectiveness is one
which consists of the oligonucleotides represented by the
nucleotide sequences set forth in SEQ ID NOS: 1 and 2. The primers
used were synthesized by Sigma-Aldrich Japan (desalted products,
0.02 .mu.mol scale) and purchased.
(2) Preparation of Samples
[0381] The fungi belonging to the genus Byssochlamys, other
heat-resistant fungi, and general fungi shown in Table 1 and Table
2 were used as fungi to be used for evaluation of the effectiveness
of the designed primers. These fungi were stored in Medical
Mycology Research Center (MMRC), Chiba University, and the fungi
deposited based on IFM numbers or the like were obtained and
used.
[0382] The respective fungi were cultured under optimum conditions.
The culture was performed using a potato dextrose medium (trade
name: Pearlcore potato dextrose agar medium, manufactured by Eiken
Chemical Co., Ltd.) under culture conditions of 25.degree. C. (for
general fungi) or 30.degree. C. (for heat-resistant fungi and
Aspergillus fumigatus) for 7 days.
TABLE-US-00016 TABLE 1 Sample No. Species Strain No. (IFM) N
(Negative Control) -- P Byssochlamys nivea 48421 1 Aureobasidium
pullulans 41408 2 Aureobasidium pullulans 41409 3 Aureobasidium
pullulans 41410 4 Alternaria alternata 41348 5 Alternaria alternata
52225 6 Chaetomium globosum 40868 7 Chaetomium globosum 40869 8
Chaetomium globosum 40873 9 Paecilomyces variotii 40913 10
Paecilomyces variotii 50292 11 Paecilomyces variotii 40915 12
Trichoderma viride 40938 13 Trichoderma viride 51045 14
Cladosporium cladosporioides 41450 15 Fusarium oxysporium 41530 16
Fusarium oxysporium 50002 17 Aspergillus fumigatus 07-77 18
Aspergillus fumigatus 07-81 19 Aspergillus fumigatus 07-87 20
Aspergillus fumigatus 07-91 21 Aspergillus fumigatus 07-93
TABLE-US-00017 TABLE 2 Sample No. Species Strain No. (IFM) 1
Byssochlamys fulva 48421 2 Byssochlamys fulva 51213 3 Byssochlamys
nivea 51244 4 Byssochlamys nivea 51245 5 Talaromyces flavus 42243 6
Talaromyces flavus 52233 7 Talaromyces luteus 53241 8 Talaromyces
luteus 53242 9 Talaromyces trachyspermus 42247 10 Talaromyces
trachyspermus 52252 11 Talaromyces wortmannii 52255 12 Talaromyces
wortmannii 52262 13 Neosartorya fischeri 46945 14 Neosartorya
fischeri 46946 15 Neosartorya glabra 46949 16 Neosartorya glabra
46951 17 Neosartorya spinosa 46967 18 Neosartorya spinosa 46968 19
Neosartorya hiratsukae 46954 20 Neosartorya hiratsukae 47036 21
Hamigera avellanea 42323 22 Hamigera avellanea 52241
(3) Preparation of Genomic DNA
[0383] The respective fungi were collected from the agar media
using platinum loops.
[0384] Genomic DNA solutions were prepared from the collected fungi
using a genomic DNA preparation kit (trade name: PrepMan ultra,
manufactured by Applied Biosystems). The concentration of each DNA
solution was adjusted to 50 ng/.mu.L.
(4) PCR Reaction
[0385] 1 .mu.L of the genomic DNA solution prepared above as a DNA
template, 13 .mu.L of Pre Mix Taq (trade name, manufactured by
TAKARA BIO INC.) and 10 .mu.L of sterile distilled water were
mixed, and 0.5 .mu.L of the primer represented by the nucleotide
sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1 (0.02 pmol/.mu.L) and 0.5 .mu.L
of the primer represented by the nucleotide sequence set forth in
SEQ ID NO: 2 (0.02 pmol/.mu.L) were added thereto, to thereby
prepare 25 .mu.L of a PCR reaction solution.
[0386] The PCR reaction solution was subjected to a gene
amplification treatment using an automatic gene amplification
device thermal cycler DICE (TAKARA BIO INC.). PCR reaction
conditions were 35 cycles of (i) a thermal denaturation reaction at
95.degree. C. for 1 minute, (ii) an annealing reaction at
59.degree. C. for 1 minute, and (iii) an elongation reaction at
72.degree. C. for 1 minute.
(5) Confirmation of Amplified Gene Fragment
[0387] After the PCR reaction, 2 .mu.L of a sample was collected
from the PCR reaction solution and electrophoresed using a 2%
agarose gel, and DNA was stained with SYBR Safe DNA gel stain in
1.times.TAE (Invitrogen), to thereby confirm whether the amplified
DNA fragment was present or not. The electrophoretograms in the
agarose gel are shown in FIG. 3(a) and FIG. 3(b). Note that, FIG.
3(a) shows an electrophoretogram of samples of the fungi shown in
Table 1, and FIG. 3(b) shows an electrophoretogram of samples of
the fungi shown in Table 2. The numbers in the electrophoretograms
correspond the sample numbers in the tables, and represent samples
obtained by using DNAs extracted from the fungi having the
corresponding sample numbers in the tables.
[0388] As a result, in the case of the samples containing the
genomic DNA of the fungi belonging to the genus Byssochlamys,
amplification of gene fragments of about 150 bp was confirmed
(lanes 1 to 4 in FIG. 3(b)). On the other hand, in the case of the
samples containing no genomic DNA of the fungi belonging to the
genus Byssochlamys, amplification of gene fragments was not
confirmed. From the above-described results, it is understood that
the fungi belonging to the genus Byssochlamys can be specifically
detected by using the oligonucleotides (a) and (b) of the present
invention.
(A-2) Detection and Discrimination of Fungi Belonging to the Genus
Byssochlamys
(1) Preparation of Primers
[0389] The primers consisting of the oligonucleotides represented
by the nucleotide sequences set forth in SEQ ID NOS: 1 and 2,
designed in Example 1(A-1), were used.
(2) Preparation of Samples
[0390] To confirm detection specificity of the oligonucleotides (a)
and (b) to the fungi belonging to the genus Byssochlamys, the
respective strains of Byssochlamys fulva shown in FIG. 4 and the
respective strains of Byssochlamys nivea shown in FIG. 5 were used.
As the fungi, fungi available from fungus deposition institutes,
such as fungi stored in National Institute of Technology and
Evaluation based on NBRC numbers and fungi stored in The
Centraalbureau voor Schimmelcultures based on CBS numbers were
obtained and used.
[0391] The respective fungi were cultured under optimum conditions.
The culture was performed using a potato dextrose medium (trade
name: Pearlcore potato dextrose agar medium, manufactured by Eiken
Chemical Co., Ltd.) under culture conditions of 30.degree. C. for 7
days.
(3) Preparation of Genomic DNA
[0392] The respective fungi were collected from the agar media
using platinum loops.
[0393] Genomic DNA solutions were prepared from the collected fungi
using a genomic DNA preparation kit (trade name: PrepMan ultra,
manufactured by Applied Biosystems). The concentration of each DNA
solution was adjusted to 50 ng/.mu.L.
(4) PCR Reaction
[0394] 1 .mu.L of the genomic DNA solution prepared above as a DNA
template, 13 .mu.L of Pre Mix Taq (trade name, manufactured by
TAKARA BIO INC.) and 10 .mu.L of sterile distilled water were
mixed, and 0.5 .mu.L of the primer represented by the nucleotide
sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1 (0.02 pmol/.mu.L) and 0.5 .mu.L
of the primer represented by the nucleotide sequence set forth in
SEQ ID NO: 2 (0.02 pmol/.mu.L) were added thereto, to thereby
prepare 25 .mu.L of a PCR reaction solution.
[0395] The PCR reaction solution was subjected to a gene
amplification treatment using an automatic gene amplification
device thermal cycler DICE (TAKARA BIO INC.). PCR reaction
conditions were 35 cycles of (i) a thermal denaturation reaction at
95.degree. C. for 1 minute, (ii) an annealing reaction at
59.degree. C. for 1 minute, and (iii) an elongation reaction at
72.degree. C. for 1 minute.
(5) Confirmation of Amplified Gene Fragment
[0396] After the PCR reaction, 4 .mu.L of a sample was collected
from the PCR reaction solution and electrophoresed using a 2%
agarose gel, and DNA was stained with SYBR Safe DNA gel stain in
1.times.TAE (Invitrogen), to thereby confirm whether the amplified
DNA fragment was present or not. The electrophoretograms in the
agarose gel are shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5. Note that, FIG. 4 shows
an electrophoretogram of samples of strains of Byssochlamys fulva,
and FIG. 5 shows an electrophoretogram of samples o of strains of
Byssochlamys nivea.
[0397] As a result, in all of the strains of Byssochlamys fulva and
Byssochlamys nivea used, specific amplified DNA fragments were
confirmed. Therefore, it is understood that the fungi belonging to
the genus Byssochlamys can be specifically detected with high
accuracy regardless of the strains by using the oligonucleotides of
the present invention.
(B-1) Detection and Discrimination of Fungi Belonging to the Genus
Talaromyces
1. Analysis of Nucleotide Sequence Specific to Fungi Belonging to
the Genus Talaromyces
[0398] Nucleotide sequences of the .beta.-tubulin gene and the ITS
region and D1/D2 region of 28S rDNA of each variety of fungi
belonging to the genus Talaromyces were determined by the following
method.
[0399] A test fungus was cultured in the dark on a potato dextrose
agar slant at 25.degree. C. for 7 days. DNA was extracted from the
fungus using GenTorukun TM (manufactured by TAKARA BIO INC.). PCR
amplification of a target site was performed using PuRe Taq.TM.
Ready-To-Go PCR Beads (manufactured by GE Health Care UK LTD); and
primers Bt2a (5'-GGTAACCAAATCGGTGCTGCTTTC-3', SEQ ID NO: 79) and
Bt2b (5'-ACCCTCAGTGTAGTGACCCTTGGC-3', SEQ ID NO: 80) (Glass and
Donaldson, Appl Environ Microbiol 61: 1323-1330, 1995) as primers
for the .beta.-tubulin gene; or primers NL1
(5'-GCATATCAATAAGCGGAGGAAAAG-3', SEQ ID NO: 81) and NL4
(5'-GGTCCGTGTTTCAAGACGG-3', SEQ ID NO: 82) (The fungal
homorph:Mitotic and plemorphic speciation in fungal systematics,
Wallingford: CAB international) as primers for the D1/D2 region of
28S rDNA. Amplification of .beta.-tubulin partial length was
performed under conditions including a denaturation temperature of
95.degree. C., an annealing temperature of 59.degree. C., an
elongation temperature of 72.degree. C., and 35 cycles.
Amplification of ITS region and D1/D2 region of 28S rDNA was
performed under conditions including a denaturation temperature of
95.degree. C., an annealing temperature of 55.degree. C., an
elongation temperature of 72.degree. C., and 35 cycles. PCR
products were purified using Auto Seg.TM. G-50 (manufactured by
Amersham Pharmacia Biotech). The PCR products were labeled with
BigDye (registered trademark) terminator Ver. 1.1 (manufactured by
Applied Biosystems), and electrophoresis was performed using ABI
PRISM 3130 Genetic Analyzer (manufactured by Applied Biosystems).
Nucleotide sequences from fluorescence signals in electrophoresis
were determined using the software "ATGC Ver. 4" (manufactured by
Genetyx).
[0400] Based on nucleotide sequence information of the
.beta.-tubulin gene and ITS region and D1/D2 region of 28S rDNA of
a variety of fungi (Talaromyces flavus, Talaromyces luteus, and
Talaromyces wortmannii) and known nucleotide sequence information
of the .beta.-tubulin gene and ITS region and D1/D2 region of 28S
rDNA of a variety of fungi, alignment analyses were performed using
DNA analysis software (product name: DNAsis pro, manufactured by
Hitachi Software Engineering Co., Ltd.), to thereby determine
specific regions in the .beta.-tubulin gene and ITS region and
D1/D2 region of 28S rDNA including nucleotide sequences specific to
the fungi belonging to the genus Talaromyces (SEQ ID NOS: 26 to
28).
2. Detection of Fungi Belonging to the Genus Talaromyces and
Identification of the Fungi at Genus Level
(1) Design of Primers
[0401] From regions having particularly high specificity to the
fungi belonging to the genus Talaromyces on the 3'-end side in the
determined nucleotide sequence regions specific to the fungi
belonging to the genus Talaromyces (SEQ ID NOS: 26 to 28), partial
regions which satisfy the following four conditions were
searched:
1) including several nucleotides which is specific to the genus; 2)
having a GC content of about 30% to 80%; 3) having low possibility
to cause self-annealing; and 4) having a Tm value of about 55 to
65.degree. C.
[0402] Based on the nucleotide sequences of the above regions, five
primer pairs were designed for the .beta.-tubulin gene, and five
primer pairs were designed for the ITS region and D1/D2 region of
28S rDNA to search the effectiveness of detection of the fungi of
the genus Talaromyces and identification of the genus by PCR
reactions using DNAs extracted from the fungi as templates. As a
result, in the case of using one of the five pairs for the
.beta.-tubulin gene primers, amplification of DNA was observed
specifically to Talaromyces flavus and Talaromyces trachyspermus at
a position corresponding to the size expected from the designed
primer pairs. The primer pair confirmed to have the effectiveness
is the pair of SEQ ID NOS: 3 and 4.
[0403] Subsequently, it was examined that the fungi of the genus
Talaromyces can be exhaustively detected by using a plurality of
primer pairs in combination. Specifically, a DNA amplification
reaction is observed at a position corresponding to the size
expected from the designed primer pairs in the case of a reaction
using DNA of the fungi of the genus Talaromyces as a template,
while no amplification product is observed in the cases of
reactions using genomic DNAs of other fungi as templates. As a
result, it was confirmed that the fungi of the genus Talaromyces
can be exhaustively detected and the genus Talaromyces can be
identified at genus level by using a mixture of two of the five
pairs of the primers for the .beta.-tubulin gene and two of the
five pairs of the primers for the ITS region and D1/D2 region of
28S rDNA. The primer pairs confirmed to have the effectiveness are
ones each of which consists of any two oligonucleotides represented
by the nucleotide sequences set forth in SEQ ID NOS: 5 to 11. The
primers used were synthesized by Sigma-Aldrich Japan (desalted
products, 0.02 pmol scale) and purchased.
(2) Preparation of Samples
[0404] The fungi belonging to the genus Talaromyces, other
heat-resistant fungi, and general fungi shown in Table 3 were used
as fungi to be used for evaluation of the effectiveness of the
designed primers. These fungi were stored in Medical Mycology
Research Center (MMRC), Chiba University, and the fungi deposited
based on IFM numbers or the like were obtained and used.
[0405] The respective fungi were cultured under optimum conditions.
The culture was performed using a potato dextrose medium (trade
name: Pearlcore potato dextrose agar medium, manufactured by Eiken
Chemical Co., Ltd.) under culture conditions of 25.degree. C. (for
general fungi) or 30.degree. C. (for heat-resistant fungi) for 7
days.
TABLE-US-00018 TABLE 3 Sample No. Species Strain No. N (Negative
Control) -- 1 Talaromyces flavus T38 2 Talaromyces trachyspermus
T24 3 Neosartorya ficheri A183 4 Byssochlamys fulva IFM48421 5
Byssochlamys nivea IFM51244 6 Penicillium griseofulvum P14 7
Penicillium citirinum P15 8 Penicillium paneum P16 9 Penicillium
oxalicum P17
(3) Preparation of Genomic DNA
[0406] The respective fungi were collected from the agar media
using platinum loops.
[0407] Genomic DNA solutions were prepared from the collected fungi
using a genomic DNA preparation kit (PrepMan ultra (trade name)
manufactured by Applied Biosystems). The concentration of each DNA
solution was adjusted to 50 ng/.mu.L.
(4) PCR Reaction
[0408] 1 .mu.L of the genomic DNA solution prepared above as a DNA
template, 13 .mu.L of Pre Mix Taq (trade name, manufactured by
TAKARA BIO INC.) and 10 .mu.L of sterile distilled water were
mixed, and 0.5 .mu.L of the primer represented by the nucleotide
sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 3 (20 pmol/.mu.L) and 0.5 .mu.L of
the primer represented by the nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ
ID NO: 4 (20 pmol/.mu.L) were added thereto, to thereby prepare 25
.mu.L of a PCR reaction solution.
[0409] The PCR reaction solution was subjected to a gene
amplification treatment using an automatic gene amplification
device thermal cycler DICE (TAKARA BIO INC.). PCR reaction
conditions were 30 cycles of (i) a thermal denaturation reaction at
95.degree. C. for 10 seconds, (ii) an annealing reaction at
59.degree. C. for 1 minute, and (iii) an elongation reaction at
72.degree. C. for 1 minute.
(5) Confirmation of Amplified Gene Fragment
[0410] After the PCR reaction, 10 .mu.L of a sample was collected
from the PCR reaction solution and electrophoresed using a 2%
agarose gel, and DNA was stained with SYBR Safe DNA gel stain in
1.times.TAE (Invitrogen), to thereby confirm whether the amplified
DNA fragment was present or not. The electrophoretogram in the
agarose gel is shown in FIG. 6.
[0411] As a result, in the case of the samples containing the
genomic DNA of Talaromyces flavus and Talaromyces trachyspermus,
amplification of gene fragments of about 80 bp was confirmed (lanes
1 and 2 in FIG. 6). On the other hand, in the case of the samples
containing no genomic DNA of the fungi belonging to the genus
Talaromyces, amplification of gene fragments was not confirmed.
From the above-described results, it is understood that the fungi
belonging to the genus Talaromyces can be specifically detected by
using the above-described oligonucleotides (c) and (d).
(B-2) Detection and Discrimination of Fungi Belonging to the Genus
Talaromyces
(1) Preparation of Primers
[0412] The primers consisting of the oligonucleotides represented
by the nucleotide sequences set forth in SEQ ID NOS: 5 to 8,
designed in Example 1(B-1), were used.
(2) Preparation of Samples
[0413] As the fungi belonging to the genus Talaromyces, Talaromyces
flavus, Talaromyces trachyspermus, Talaromyces wortmannii, and
Talaromyces luteus were used. To confirm specificity of the
oligonucleotides (e) to (h) to the .beta.-tubulin genes of the
fungi belonging to the genus Talaromyces, the fungi shown in Tables
4 and 5 were used. These fungi were stored in Medical Mycology
Research Center (MMRC), Chiba University, and the fungi deposited
based on IFM numbers or the like were obtained and used.
[0414] The respective fungi were cultured under optimum conditions.
The culture was performed using a potato dextrose medium (trade
name: Pearlcore potato dextrose agar medium, manufactured by Eiken
Chemical Co., Ltd.) under culture conditions of 30.degree. C. for 7
days.
TABLE-US-00019 TABLE 4 Sample No. Species Strain No. 1 Talaromyces
flavus 42243 2 Talaromyces flavus 52233 3 Talaromyces luteus 53242
4 Talaromyces luteus 53241 5 Talaromyces trachyspermus 42247 6
Talaromyces trachyspermus 52252 7 Talaromyces wortmannii 52255 8
Talaromyces wortmannii 52262 9 Byssochlamys fluva 51213 10
Byssochlamys nivea 51245 11 Hamigera avellanea 42323 12 Hamigera
avellanea 52241
TABLE-US-00020 TABLE 5 Sample No. Species Strain No. 1 Talaromyces
flavus 42243 2 Talaromyces flavus 52233 3 Talaromyces luteus 53242
4 Talaromyces luteus 53241 5 Talaromyces trachyspermus 42247 6
Talaromyces trachyspermus 52252 7 Talaromyces wortmannii 52255 8
Talaromyces wortmannii 52262 9 Alternaria alternata 52225 10
Aureobasidium pullulans 41409 11 Chaetomium globosum 40869 12
Hamigera avellanea 42323 13 Paecilomyces variotii 40913 14
(Negative Control) --
(3) Preparation of Genomic DNA
[0415] The respective fungi were collected from the agar media
using platinum loops.
[0416] Genomic DNA solutions were prepared from the collected fungi
using a genomic DNA preparation kit (PrepMan ultra (trade name)
manufactured by Applied Biosystems). The concentration of each DNA
solution was adjusted to 50 ng/.mu.L.
(4) PCR Reaction
[0417] 1 .mu.L of the genomic DNA solution prepared above as a DNA
template, 25 .mu.L of Pre Mix Taq (trade name, manufactured by
TAKARA BIO INC.) and 20 .mu.L of sterile distilled water were
mixed, and 1.0 .mu.L of the primer represented by the nucleotide
sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 5 (20 pmol/.mu.L), 1.0 .mu.L of
the primer represented by the nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ
ID NO: 6 (20 pmol/.mu.L), 1.0 .mu.L of the primer represented by
the nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 7 (20 pmol/.mu.L),
and 1.0 .mu.L of the primer represented by the nucleotide sequence
set forth in SEQ ID NO: 8 (20 pmol/.mu.L) were added thereto, to
thereby prepare 50 .mu.L of a PCR reaction solution.
[0418] The PCR reaction solution was subjected to a gene
amplification treatment using an automatic gene amplification
device thermal cycler DICE (TAKARA BIO INC.). PCR reaction
conditions were 30 cycles of (i) a thermal denaturation reaction at
97.degree. C. for 10 seconds, (ii) an annealing reaction at
59.degree. C. for 1 minute, and (iii) an elongation reaction at
72.degree. C. for 1 minute.
(5) Confirmation of Amplified Gene Fragment
[0419] After the PCR reaction, 2 .mu.L of a sample was collected
from the PCR reaction solution and electrophoresed using a 2%
agarose gel, and DNA was stained with SYBR Safe DNA gel stain in
1.times.TAE (Invitrogen), to thereby confirm whether the amplified
DNA fragment was present or not. The electrophoretograms in the
agarose gel are shown in FIG. 7(a), FIG. 7(b) and FIG. 8. Note
that, FIG. 7(a) shows an electrophoretogram of samples of the fungi
shown in Table 4, and FIG. 7(b) shows an electrophoretogram of
samples of the fungi shown in Table 5. The numbers in the
electrophoretograms correspond the sample numbers in each table,
and represent samples obtained by using DNAs extracted from the
fungi having the corresponding sample numbers in the tables. FIG. 8
shows an electrophoretogram of samples only of the fungi belonging
to the genus Talaromyces.
[0420] As a result, in the samples containing genomic DNA of
Talaromyces flavus, Talaromyces trachyspermus, or Talaromyces
wortmannii of the fungi belonging to the genus Talaromyces (the
lanes 1 to 2 and 5 to 8 in FIG. 7(a) and the lanes 1 to 2 and 5 to
8 in FIG. 7(b)), amplification of gene fragments of about 150 bp
was confirmed. The gene fragments were obtained by amplification
using the primers represented by the nucleotide sequences of SEQ ID
NOS: 7 and 8. Meanwhile, in the samples containing genomic DNA of
Talaromyces wortmannii or Talaromyces luteus (the lanes 3 to 4 and
7 to 8 in FIG. 7(a) and the lanes 3 to 4 and 7 to 8 in FIG. 7(b)),
amplification of gene fragments of about 200 bp was confirmed. The
gene fragments were obtained by amplification using the primers
represented by the nucleotide sequences of SEQ ID NOS: 5 and 6. On
the other hand, in the sample containing no genomic DNA of the
fungi belonging to the genus Talaromyces, amplification of gene
fragments were not confirmed. From the above-described results, it
is understood that the fungi belonging to the genus Talaromyces can
be specifically and exhaustively detected by simultaneously using
the oligonucleotides (e) and (f) and the oligonucleotides (g) and
(h).
(B-3) Detection and Discrimination of Fungi Belonging to the Genus
Talaromyces
(1) Preparation of Primers
[0421] The primers consisting of the oligonucleotides represented
by the nucleotide sequences set forth in SEQ ID NOS: 8 and 9,
designed in Example 1(B-1), were used.
(2) Preparation of Samples
[0422] To confirm detection specificity of the oligonucleotides (h)
and (i) to the fungi belonging to the genus Talaromyces and other
fungus shown in FIG. 6 were used. As the fungi, fungi available
from fungus deposition institutes, such as fungi stored in National
Institute of Technology and Evaluation based on NBRC numbers and
fungi stored in The Centraalbureau voor Schimmelcultures based on
CBS numbers were obtained and used.
[0423] The respective fungi were cultured under optimum conditions.
The culture was performed using a potato dextrose medium (trade
name: Pearlcore potato dextrose agar medium, manufactured by Eiken
Chemical Co., Ltd.) under culture conditions of 30.degree. C. (for
heat-resistant fungi contains the genus Talaromyces and Aspergillus
fumigatus) or 25.degree. C. (for general fungi) for 7 days.
TABLE-US-00021 TABLE 6 Species Strain No. 1 Talaromyces flavus CBS
310.38 ex type No. 2 Talaromyces macrosporus NBRC7132 No. 3
Talaromyces trachysperumus CBS373.48 ex type No. 4 Talaromyces
bacillisporus CBS294.48 ex type No. 5 Talaromyces wortmannii
CBS391.48 ex type No. 6 Talaromyces luteus CBS348.51 ex neotype No.
7 Geosmithia argillacea CBM-FA0940 ex type No. 8 Geosmithia
emersonii CBS393.64 ex type No. 9 Byssochlamys fluva CBS132.33 ex
type No. 10 Byssochlamys nivea CBS100.11 ex type No. 11
Byssochlamys spectabilis CBS101.075 ex type No. 12 Hamigera
avellanea CBS295.48 ex type No. 13 Hamigera striata CBS377.48 ex
type No. 14 Thermoascus aurantiacus NBRC6766 No. 15 Thermoascus
crustaceus NBRC9129 No. 16 Neosartorya fischeri NRRL181 ex type No.
17 Neosartorya spinosa IFO8782 ex type No. 18 Aspergillus fumigatus
IAM13869 ex type No. 19 Aspergillus niger CBS554.65 ex type No. 20
Aspergillus flavus IFO30107 ex neotype No. 21 Eupenicillium
brefeldianum IFO31730 ex type No. 22 Penicillium griseofulvum
CBS185.27 ex neotype No. 23 Alternaria alternata CBS103.33 No. 24
Aurerobasidium pullulans CBS105.22 No. 25 Chaetomium globosum
CBS148.51 No. 26 Fusarium oxysporum IFM50002 No. 27 Tricoderma
viride CBS433.34 No. 28 Cladosporium cladosporioides CBS170.54 ex
neotype
(3) Preparation of Genomic DNA
[0424] The respective fungi were collected from the agar media
using platinum loops.
[0425] Genomic DNA solutions were prepared from the collected fungi
using a genomic DNA preparation kit (PrepMan ultra (trade name)
manufactured by Applied Biosystems). The concentration of each DNA
solution was adjusted to 50 ng/.mu.L.
(4) PCR Reaction
[0426] 1 .mu.L of the genomic DNA solution prepared above as a DNA
template, 13 .mu.L of Pre Mix Taq (trade name, manufactured by
TAKARA BIO INC.) and 10 .mu.L of sterile distilled water were
mixed, and 0.5 .mu.L of the primer represented by the nucleotide
sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 8 (20 pmol/.mu.L) and 0.5 .mu.L of
the primer represented by the nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ
ID NO: 9 (20 pmol/.mu.L) were added thereto, to thereby prepare 25
.mu.L of a PCR reaction solution.
[0427] The PCR reaction solution was subjected to a gene
amplification treatment using an automatic gene amplification
device thermal cycler DICE (TAKARA BIO INC.). PCR reaction
conditions were 30 cycles of (i) a thermal denaturation reaction at
95.degree. C. for 1 minute, (ii) an annealing reaction at
59.degree. C. for 1 minute, and (iii) an elongation reaction at
72.degree. C. for 1 minute.
(5) Confirmation of Amplified Gene Fragment
[0428] After the PCR reaction, 10 .mu.L of a sample was collected
from the PCR reaction solution and electrophoresed using a 2%
agarose gel, and DNA was stained with SYBR Safe DNA gel stain in
1.times.TAE (Invitrogen), to thereby confirm whether the amplified
DNA fragment was present or not. The electrophoretogram in the
agarose gel is shown in FIG. 9-1. The numbers in the
electrophoretogram correspond the sample numbers in Table 6, and
represent samples obtained by using DNAs extracted from the fungi
having the corresponding sample numbers in Table 6.
[0429] As a result, only in the samples containing genomic DNAs of
Talaromyces flavus, Talaromyces macrospores, and Talaromyces
trachyspermus of the fungi belonging to the genus Talaromyces
(lanes 1 to 3), amplification of gene fragments of about 150 bp was
confirmed. On the other hand, in the sample containing no genomic
DNA of the fungi belonging to the genus Talaromyces, amplification
of gene fragments was not confirmed. From the above-described
results, it is understood that only a specific species of fungus of
the fungi belonging to the genus Talaromyces can be specifically
detected by using the oligonucleotides of the present
invention.
(B-4) Detection and Discrimination of Fungi Belonging to the Genus
Talaromyces
(1) Primers
[0430] The primers consisting of the oligonucleotides represented
by the nucleotide sequences set forth in SEQ ID NOS: 10 and 11,
designed in Example 1(B-1), were used.
(2) Preparation of Samples
[0431] To confirm detection specificity of the oligonucleotides (j)
and (k) to the same fungi belonging to the genus Talaromyces and
other fungus shown in Table 6 of Example 1(B-3) were used.
[0432] The respective fungi were cultured under optimum conditions.
The culture was performed using a potato dextrose medium (trade
name: Pearlcore potato dextrose agar medium, manufactured by Eiken
Chemical Co., Ltd.) under culture conditions of 30.degree. C. (for
heat-resistant fungi contains the genus Talaromyces and Aspergillus
fumigatus) or 25.degree. C. (for general fungi) for 7 days.
(3) Preparation of Genomic DNA
[0433] The respective fungi were collected from the agar media
using platinum loops.
[0434] Genomic DNA solutions were prepared from the collected fungi
using a genomic DNA preparation kit (PrepMan ultra (trade name)
manufactured by Applied Biosystems). The concentration of each DNA
solution was adjusted to 50 ng/.mu.L.
(4) PCR Reaction
[0435] 1 .mu.L of the genomic DNA solution prepared above as a DNA
template, 13 .mu.L of Pre Mix Taq (trade name, manufactured by
TAKARA BIO INC.) and 10 .mu.L of sterile distilled water were
mixed, and 0.5 .mu.L of the primer represented by the nucleotide
sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 10 (20 pmol/.mu.L) and 0.5 .mu.L
of the primer represented by the nucleotide sequence set forth in
SEQ ID NO: 11 (20 pmol/.mu.L) were added thereto, to thereby
prepare 25 .mu.L of a PCR reaction solution.
[0436] The PCR reaction solution was subjected to a gene
amplification treatment using an automatic gene amplification
device thermal cycler DICE (TAKARA BIO INC.). PCR reaction
conditions were 35 cycles of (i) a thermal denaturation reaction at
95.degree. C. for 1 minute, (ii) an annealing reaction at
55.degree. C. for 1 minute, and (iii) an elongation reaction at
72.degree. C. for 1 minute.
(5) Confirmation of Amplified Gene Fragment
[0437] After the PCR reaction, 10 .mu.L of a sample was collected
from the PCR reaction solution and electrophoresed using a 2%
agarose gel, and DNA was stained with SYBR Safe DNA gel stain in
1.times.TAE (Invitrogen), to thereby confirm whether the amplified
DNA fragment was present or not. The electrophoretogram in the
agarose gel is shown in FIG. 9-2. The numbers in the
electrophoretogram correspond the sample numbers in Table 6, and
represent samples obtained by using DNAs extracted from the fungi
having the corresponding sample numbers in Table 6.
[0438] As a result, only in the samples containing genomic DNAs of
Talaromyces bacillisporus, Talaromyces wortmannii, and Talaromyces
luteus of the fungi belonging to the genus Talaromyces (lanes 4 to
6), amplification of gene fragments of about 200 bp was confirmed.
On the other hand, in the sample containing no genomic DNA of the
fungi belonging to the genus Talaromyces, amplification of gene
fragments was not confirmed. From the above-described results, it
is understood that only a specific species of fungus of the fungi
belonging to the genus Talaromyces can be specifically detected by
using the oligonucleotides of the present invention.
(B-5) Detection and Discrimination of Fungi Belonging to the Genus
Talaromyces
(1) Preparation of Primers
[0439] The primers consisting of the oligonucleotides represented
by the nucleotide sequences set forth in SEQ ID NOS: 7 and 8,
designed in Example 1(B-1), were used.
(2) Preparation of Samples
[0440] To confirm detection specificity to the oligonucleotides (g)
and (h) against the fungi belonging to the genus Talaromyces, the
strains of Talaromyces flavus shown in FIG. 10 and strains of
Talaromyces macrosporus shown in FIG. 11 were used. As the fungi,
fungi available from fungus deposition institutes, such as fungi
stored in National Institute of Technology and Evaluation based on
NBRC numbers and fungi stored in The Centraalbureau voor
Schimmelcultures based on CBS numbers were obtained and used.
[0441] The respective fungi were cultured under optimum conditions.
The culture was performed using a potato dextrose medium (trade
name: Pearlcore potato dextrose agar medium, manufactured by Eiken
Chemical Co., Ltd.) under culture conditions of 25.degree. C. for 7
days.
(3) Preparation of Genomic DNA
[0442] The respective fungi were collected from the agar media
using platinum loops.
[0443] Genomic DNA solutions were prepared from the collected fungi
using a genomic DNA preparation kit (PrepMan ultra (trade name)
manufactured by Applied Biosystems). The concentration of each DNA
solution was adjusted to 50 ng/.mu.L.
(4) PCR Reaction
[0444] 1 .mu.L of the genomic DNA solution prepared above as a DNA
template, 13 .mu.L of Pre Mix Taq (trade name, manufactured by
TAKARA BIO INC.) and 10 .mu.L of sterile distilled water were
mixed, and 0.5 .mu.L of the primer represented by the nucleotide
sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 7 (20 pmol/.mu.L) and 0.5 .mu.L of
the primer represented by the nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ
ID NO: 8 (20 pmol/.mu.L) were added thereto, to thereby prepare 25
.mu.L of a PCR reaction solution.
[0445] The PCR reaction solution was subjected to a gene
amplification treatment using an automatic gene amplification
device thermal cycler DICE (TAKARA BIO INC.). PCR reaction
conditions were 35 cycles of (i) a thermal denaturation reaction at
95.degree. C. for 1 minute, (ii) an annealing reaction at
61.degree. C. for 1 minute, and (iii) an elongation reaction at
72.degree. C. for 1 minute.
(5) Confirmation of Amplified Gene Fragment
[0446] After the PCR reaction, 4 .mu.L of a sample was collected
from the PCR reaction solution and electrophoresed using a 2%
agarose gel, and DNA was stained with SYBR Safe DNA gel stain in
1.times.TAE (Invitrogen), to thereby confirm whether the amplified
DNA fragment was present or not. The electrophoretograms in the
agarose gel are shown in FIG. 10 and FIG. 11.
[0447] As a result, in the cases of all of the strains of
Talaromyces flavus and Talaromyces macrospores used, specific
amplified DNA fragments were confirmed. Therefore, it is understood
that the fungi belonging to the genus Talaromyces can be
specifically detected with high accuracy regardless of the strains
by using the oligonucleotides of the present invention.
(C-1) Detection and Discrimination of Fungi Belonging to the Genus
Neosartorya and Aspergillus fumigatus
1. Determination of Partial Nucleotide Sequence of .beta.-Tubulin
Gene
[0448] Nucleotide sequences of the .beta.-tubulin gene of
Neosartorya glabra, Neosartorya fischeri, Neosartorya spinosa and
Aspergillus fumigatus were determined by the following method.
[0449] A test fungus was cultured in the dark on a potato dextrose
agar slant at 30.degree. C. for 7 days. DNA was extracted from the
fungus using GenTorukun TM (manufactured by TAKARA BIO INC.). PCR
amplification of a target site was performed using PuRe Taq.TM.
Ready-To-Go PCR Beads (manufactured by GE Health Care UK LTD); and
primers Bt2a (5'-GGTAACCAAATCGGTGCTGCTTTC-3', SEQ ID NO: 79) and
Bt2b (5'-ACCCTCAGTGTAGTGACCCTTGGC-3', SEQ ID NO: 80) (Glass and
Donaldson, Appl Environ Microbiol 61: 1323-1330, 1995).
Amplification of .beta.-tubulin partial length was performed under
conditions including a denaturation temperature of 95.degree. C.,
an annealing temperature of 59.degree. C., an elongation
temperature of 72.degree. C., and 35 cycles. PCR products were
purified using Auto Seg.TM. G-50 (manufactured by Amersham
Pharmacia Biotech). The PCR products were labeled with BigDye
(registered trademark) terminator Ver. 1.1 (manufactured by Applied
Biosystems), and electrophoresis was performed using ABI PRISM 3130
Genetic Analyzer (manufactured by Applied Biosystems). Nucleotide
sequences from fluorescence signals in electrophoresis were
determined using the software "ATGC Ver. 4" (manufactured by
Genetyx).
[0450] Based on the nucleotide sequences of the .beta.-tubulin gene
of Neosartorya glabra, Neosartorya fischeri, Neosartorya spinosa
and Aspergillus fumigatus, and known nucleotide sequence
information of the .beta.-tubulin gene of a variety of fungi,
alignment analyses were performed using DNA analysis software
(product name: DNAsis pro, manufactured by Hitachi Software
Engineering Co., Ltd.), to thereby determine specific regions in
the .beta.-tubulin gene including nucleotide sequences specific to
the fungi belonging to the genus Neosartorya and Aspergillus
fumigatus (SEQ ID NOS: 32 to 34 and 83 to 86).
2. Detection of Fungi Belonging to the Genus Neosartorya and
Aspergillus fumigatus
(1) Design of Primers
[0451] From regions having particularly high specificity to the
fungi belonging to the genus Neosartorya and Aspergillus fumigatus
on the 3'-end side in the determined nucleotide sequence regions
specific to the preserving property for the both fungi, partial
regions which satisfy the following four conditions were
searched:
1) including several nucleotides which is specific to the genus; 2)
having a GC content of about 30% to 80%; 3) having low possibility
to cause self-annealing; and 4) having a Tm value of about 55 to
65.degree. C.
[0452] Based on the nucleotide sequences of the above regions, four
pairs of primers were designed to examine effectiveness of
simultaneous detection of the genus Neosartorya and Aspergillus
fumigatus by PCR reactions using DNAs extracted from a variety of
fungi as templates. Specifically, it was examined that DNA
amplification reactions are observed at positions corresponding to
the sizes expected from the designed primer pairs in reactions
using DNAs of the genus Neosartorya and Aspergillus fumigatus as
templates, while no amplification product is observed in reactions
using genomic DNAs of other fungi. As a result, in the cases of two
pairs of primers, DNA amplification was observed specifically to
the genus Neosartorya and Aspergillus fumigatus, while, in the
cases of the reactions using the genomic DNAs of other fungi, no
amplification product was observed. That is, the two pairs of
primers can simultaneously detect the genus Neosartorya and
Aspergillus fumigatus. The primer pairs confirmed to have the
effectiveness are ones each of which consists of any two
oligonucleotides represented by the nucleotide sequences set forth
in SEQ ID NOS: 12 and 13, and the nucleotide sequences set forth in
SEQ ID NOS: 14 and 15. The primers used were synthesized by
Sigma-Aldrich Japan (desalted products, 0.02 pmol scale) and
purchased.
(2) Preparation of Samples
[0453] The fungi belonging to the genus Neosartorya and Aspergillus
fumigatus in Table 7 were used. To confirm specificity of the
oligonucleotides (I) and (m) to the .beta.-tubulin genes of these
fungi, other fungi shown in Tables 7 were used. It should be noted
that the strains were obtained from strains stored in RIKEN based
on JCM numbers, strains stored in Institute of Molecular and
Cellular Biosciences, The University of Tokyo based on IAM numbers
and strains stored in Institute for Fermentation, Osaka based on
IFO numbers and used for evaluation.
[0454] The respective fungi were cultured under optimum conditions.
The culture was performed using a potato dextrose medium (trade
name: Pearlcore potato dextrose agar medium, manufactured by Eiken
Chemical Co., Ltd.) under culture conditions of 30.degree. C. (for
heat-resistant fungi and Aspergillus fumigatus) or 25.degree. C.
(for general fungi) for 7 days.
TABLE-US-00022 TABLE 7 Sample No. Species Strain No. 1 Neosartorya
ficheri A183 2 Neosartorya spinosa N121 3 Byssochlamys fulva
JCM12805 4 Byssochlamys nivea IAM51244 5 Talaromyces macrosporus
IFO30070 6 Talaromyces flavus IAM42243 7 Aspergillus fumigatus
07-77 8 Aspergillus niger IFO6662 9 Aspergillus flavus IFO7600 10
Aspergillus terreus IFO8835 11 Emericella nidulans IFO6083 12
Candida albicans IFO1385
(3) Preparation of Genomic DNA
[0455] The respective fungi were collected from the agar media
using platinum loops.
[0456] Genomic DNA solutions were prepared from the collected fungi
using a genomic DNA preparation kit (PrepMan ultra (trade name)
manufactured by Applied Biosystems). The concentration of each DNA
solution was adjusted to 50 ng/.mu.L.
(4) PCR Reaction
[0457] 1 .mu.L of the genomic DNA solution prepared above as a DNA
template, 13 .mu.L of Pre Mix Taq (trade name, manufactured by
TAKARA BIO INC.) and 10 .mu.L of sterile distilled water were
mixed, and 0.5 .mu.L of the primer represented by the nucleotide
sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 12 (20 pmol/.mu.L) and 0.5 .mu.L
of the primer represented by the nucleotide sequence set forth in
SEQ ID NO: 13 (20 pmol/.mu.L) were added thereto, to thereby
prepare 25 .mu.L of a PCR reaction solution.
[0458] The PCR reaction solution was subjected to a gene
amplification treatment using an automatic gene amplification
device thermal cycler DICE (TAKARA BIO INC.). PCR reaction
conditions were 30 cycles of (i) a thermal denaturation reaction at
98.degree. C. for 10 seconds, (ii) an annealing reaction at
59.degree. C. for 1 minute, and (iii) an elongation reaction at
72.degree. C. for 1 minute.
(5) Confirmation of Amplified Gene Fragment
[0459] After the PCR reaction, 10 .mu.L of a sample was collected
from the PCR reaction solution and electrophoresed using a 2%
agarose gel, and DNA was stained with SYBR Safe DNA gel stain in
1.times.TAE (Invitrogen), to thereby confirm whether the amplified
DNA fragment was present or not. The electrophoretograms in the
agarose gel are shown in FIG. 12.
[0460] As a result, in the case of the samples containing the
genomic DNA of the fungi belonging to the genus Neosartorya or
Aspergillus fumigatus, amplification of gene fragments of about 100
bp was confirmed (lanes 1, 2 and 7). On the other hand, in the case
of the samples containing no genomic DNA of the fungi belonging to
the genus Neosartorya or Aspergillus fumigatus, amplification of
gene fragments was not confirmed. From the above-described results,
it is understood that the fungi belonging to the genus Neosartorya
and Aspergillus fumigatus can be specifically detected by using the
above-described oligonucleotides (l) and (m).
(6) Discrimination Based on Difference in Growth Temperatures
Between Fungi Belonging to the Genus Neosartorya and Aspergillus
fumigatus
[0461] For samples where amplification of gene fragments was
confirmed by the above-mentioned method, hyphae from single
colonies were inoculated into a PDA medium (product name: Potato
dextrose medium, manufactured by Eiken Chemical Co., Ltd.), and the
fungi were cultured at 50.degree. C. for one day and then observed
by a method of confirming hyphae using a stereomicroscope. As a
result, in samples where Aspergillus fumigatus was inoculated,
active growth of the hyphae was observed, while in samples where
the fungi belonging to the genus Neosartorya were inoculated,
growth of the hyphae was not observed. The results reveal that it
is possible to discriminate only Aspergillus fumigatus from the
fungi belonging to the genus Neosartorya and Aspergillus fumigatus
based on a difference in growth temperature zones.
(C-2) Detection and Discrimination of the Fungi Belonging to the
Genus Neosartorya and Aspergillus fumigatus
(1) Preparation of Primers
[0462] The primers consisting of the oligonucleotides represented
by the nucleotide sequences set forth in SEQ ID NOS: 14 and 15,
designed in Example 1(C-1), were used.
(2) Preparation of Samples
[0463] The fungi belonging to the genus Neosartorya and Aspergillus
fumigatus shown in Table 8 and Table 9 were used. To confirm
specificity of the oligonucleotides (n) and (o) to the
.beta.-tubulin genes of the fungi belonging to the genus
Neosartorya and Aspergillus fumigatus, other fungi shown in Table 8
and Table 9 were used. These fungi were stored in Medical Mycology
Research Center (MMRC), Chiba University, and the fungi deposited
based on numbers were obtained and used.
[0464] The respective fungi were cultured under optimum conditions.
The culture was performed using a potato dextrose medium (trade
name: Pearlcore potato dextrose agar medium, manufactured by Eiken
Chemical Co., Ltd.) under culture conditions of 30.degree. C. (for
heat-resistant fungi and Aspergillus fumigatus) or 25.degree. C.
(for general fungi) for 7 days.
TABLE-US-00023 TABLE 8 Sample No. Species Strain No. 1 Neosartorya
ficheri A176 2 Neosartorya spinosa A176 3 Aspergillus fumigatus
A218 4 Neosartorya glabra N153 5 Neosartorya glabra N129 6
Neosartorya hiratsukae N14 7 Aspergillus niger An15 8 Aspergillus
terreus A229 9 Aspergillus flavus As17 10 Emericella nidulans As18
11 N.C. (negative control)
TABLE-US-00024 TABLE 9 Sample No. Species Strain No. 1 Neosartorya
ficheri A176 2 Neosartorya hiratsukae N14 3 Talaromyces luteus T58
4 Talaromyces flavus T38 5 Talaromyces trachyspermus T24 6
Talaromyces wortmannii T77 7 Byssochlamys fluva B3 8 Byssochlamys
nivea B7 9 Paecilomyces lilacinus 54312 10 Penicillium griseofulvum
54313 11 Penicillium citirinum 54314 12 Penicillium paneum 55885 13
Penicillium oxalicum 55886 14 N.C. (negative control)
(3) Preparation of Genomic DNA
[0465] The respective fungi were collected from the agar media
using platinum loops.
[0466] Genomic DNA solutions were prepared from the collected fungi
using a genomic DNA preparation kit (PrepMan ultra (trade name)
manufactured by Applied Biosystems). The concentration of each DNA
solution was adjusted to 50 ng/.mu.L.
(4) PCR Reaction
[0467] 1 .mu.L of the genomic DNA solution prepared above as a DNA
template, 13 .mu.L of Pre Mix Taq (trade name, manufactured by
TAKARA BIO INC.) and 10 .mu.L of sterile distilled water were
mixed, and 0.5 .mu.L of the primer represented by the nucleotide
sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 14 (20 pmol/.mu.L) and 0.5 .mu.L
of the primer represented by the nucleotide sequence set forth in
SEQ ID NO: 15 (20 pmol/.mu.L) were added thereto, to thereby
prepare 25 .mu.L of a PCR reaction solution.
[0468] The PCR reaction solution was subjected to a gene
amplification treatment using an automatic gene amplification
device thermal cycler DICE (TAKARA BIO INC.). PCR reaction
conditions were 30 cycles of (i) a thermal denaturation reaction at
97.degree. C. for 10 seconds, (ii) an annealing reaction at
59.degree. C. for 1 minute, and (iii) an elongation reaction at
72.degree. C. for 1 minute.
(5) Confirmation of Amplified Gene Fragment
[0469] After the PCR reaction, 2 .mu.L of a sample was collected
from the PCR reaction solution and electrophoresed using a 2%
agarose gel, and DNA was stained with SYBR Safe DNA gel stain in
1.times.TAE (Invitrogen), to thereby confirm whether the amplified
DNA fragment was present or not. The electrophoretograms in the
agarose gel are shown in FIG. 13(a) and FIG. 13(b). Note that, FIG.
13(a) shows an electrophoretogram of samples of the fungi shown in
Table 8, and FIG. 13(b) shows an electrophoretogram of samples of
the fungi shown in Table 9. The numbers in the electrophoretograms
correspond the sample numbers in the tables, and represent samples
obtained by using DNAs extracted from the fungi having the
corresponding sample numbers in the tables.
[0470] As a result, in the case of the samples containing the
genomic DNA of the fungi belonging to the genus Neosartorya and
Aspergillus fumigatus, amplification of gene fragments of about 200
bp was confirmed. On the other hand, in the case of the samples
containing no genomic DNA of the fungi belonging to the genus
Neosartorya or Aspergillus fumigatus, amplification of gene
fragments was not confirmed. From the above-described results, it
is understood that the fungi belonging to the genus Neosartorya and
Aspergillus fumigatus can be specifically detected by using the
above-described oligonucleotides (n) and (o).
(6) Discrimination Based on Difference in Growth Temperatures
Between Fungi Belonging to the Genus Neosartorya and Aspergillus
fumigatus
[0471] For samples where amplification of gene fragments was
confirmed by the above-mentioned method, hyphae from single
colonies were inoculated into a PDA medium (product name: Potato
dextrose medium, manufactured by Eiken Chemical Co., Ltd.), and the
fungi were cultured at 50.degree. C. for one day and observed by a
method of confirming hyphae using a stereomicroscope. As a result,
in samples where Aspergillus fumigatus was inoculated, active
growth of the hyphae was observed, while in samples where the fungi
belonging to the genus Neosartorya were inoculated, growth of the
hyphae was not observed. The results reveal that it is possible to
discriminate only Aspergillus fumigatus from the fungi belonging to
the genus Neosartorya and Aspergillus fumigatus based on a
difference in growth temperature zones.
(C-3) Discrimination of Aspergillus fumigatus from Fungi Belonging
to the Genus Neosartorya Using Oligonucleotides (v) and (w) (1)
Design of Primers for Detection of Aspergillus fumigatus
[0472] Alignment analyses (DNAsis Pro) of the nucleotide sequences
of the .beta.-tubulin genes of Neosartorya glabra, Aspergillus
fumigatus, Neosartorya fischeri, and Neosartorya spinosa
represented by SEQ ID NOS: 32 to 34 and 83 to 86 were performed to
determine regions where differences in nucleotide sequences of both
the fungi belonging to the genus Neosartorya and Aspergillus
fumigatus were present. From regions having particularly high
specificity to Aspergillus fumigatus on the 3'-end side in the
determined nucleotide sequence regions, partial regions which
satisfy the following four conditions were searched:
1) including several nucleotides which is specific to Aspergillus
fumigatus; 2) having a GC content of about 30% to 80%; 3) having
low possibility to cause self-annealing; and 4) having a Tm value
of about 55 to 65.degree. C.
[0473] Based on the nucleotide sequences of the above regions, two
pairs of primers were designed to examine effectiveness of
discrimination of Aspergillus fumigatus from the genus Neosartorya
and Aspergillus fumigatus by PCR reactions using DNAs extracted
from a variety of fungi as templates. Specifically, it was examined
that, in reactions using DNAs of Aspergillus fumigatus as
templates, DNA amplification reactions are observed at positions
corresponding to the sizes expected from the designed primer pairs,
while in reactions using genomic DNAs of the fungi belonging to the
genus Neosartorya, no amplification product is observed. As a
result, in the cases of one pair of primers, DNA amplification was
observed specifically to Aspergillus fumigatus, while, in the cases
of the reactions using the genomic DNAs of other fungi, no
amplification product was observed. The primer pair confirmed to
have the effectiveness is one each of which consists of any two
oligonucleotides represented by the nucleotide sequences set forth
in SEQ ID NOS: 22 and 23. The primers used were synthesized by
Sigma-Aldrich Japan (desalted products, 0.02 pmol scale) and
purchased.
(2) Preparation of Samples
[0474] The fungi belonging to the genus Neosartorya and Aspergillus
fumigatus shown in Table 10 and Table 11 were used. Fungi other
than the fungi belonging to the genus Neosartorya and Aspergillus
fumigatus, shown in Tables 10 and 11, were used as references.
These strains of fungi were stored in Medical Mycology Research
Center (MMRC), Chiba University, and the fungi deposited based on
numbers were obtained and used.
[0475] The respective fungi were cultured under optimum conditions.
The culture was performed using a potato dextrose medium (trade
name: Pearlcore potato dextrose agar medium, manufactured by Eiken
Chemical Co., Ltd.) under culture conditions of 30.degree. C. (for
heat-resistant fungi and Aspergillus fumigatus) or 25.degree. C.
(for general fungi) for 7 days.
TABLE-US-00025 TABLE 10 No. 1 A125 A. fumigatus No. 2 A211 A.
fumigatus No. 3 A212 A. fumigatus No. 4 A108 A. fumigatus var.
ellipticus No. 5 IFM46945 N. fischeri No. 6 IFM46946 N. fischeri
No. 7 IFM46967 N. spinosa No. 8 IFM46968 N. spinosa No. 9 IFM46949
N. glabra No. 10 IFM46951 N. glabra No. 11 IFM46954 N. hiratukae
No. 12 IFM47037 N. hiratukae
TABLE-US-00026 TABLE 11 No. 1 A209 A. fumigatus No. 2 A213 A.
fumigatus No. 3 A215 A. fumigatus No. 4 A176 N. fischeri No. 5 A239
N. fischeri No. 6 A270 N. fischeri No. 7 A178 N. spinosa No. 8 A129
A. brevipes No. 9 A133 A. duricaulis No. 10 A252 A. fumigatiaffinis
No. 11 A234 A. fumisynnematus No. 12 A170 A. lentulus No. 13 A223
A. novofumigatus No. 14 A221 A. udagawae No. 15 A131 A.
unilateralis No. 16 A132 A. viridinutaus No. 17 An15 A. niger No.
18 A229 A. terreus No. 19 As17 A. flavus No. 20 As18 E.
nidulans
(3) Preparation of Genomic DNA
[0476] The respective fungi were collected from the agar media
using platinum loops.
[0477] Genomic DNA solutions were prepared from the collected fungi
using a genomic DNA preparation kit (PrepMan ultra (trade name)
manufactured by Applied Biosystems). The concentration of each DNA
solution was adjusted to 50 ng/.mu.L.
(4) PCR Reaction
[0478] 1 .mu.L of the genomic DNA solution prepared above as a DNA
template, 13 .mu.L of Pre Mix Taq (trade name, manufactured by
TAKARA BIO INC.) and 10 .mu.L of sterile distilled water were
mixed, and 0.5 .mu.L of the primer represented by the nucleotide
sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 22 (20 pmol/.mu.L) and 0.5 .mu.L
of the primer represented by the nucleotide sequence set forth in
SEQ ID NO: 23 (20 pmol/.mu.L) were added thereto, to thereby
prepare 25 .mu.L of a PCR reaction solution.
[0479] The PCR reaction solution was subjected to a gene
amplification treatment using an automatic gene amplification
device thermal cycler DICE (TAKARA BIO INC.). PCR reaction
conditions were 35 cycles of (i) a thermal denaturation reaction at
95.degree. C. for 1 minute, (ii) an annealing reaction at
59.degree. C. for 1 minute, and (iii) an elongation reaction at
72.degree. C. for 1 minute.
(5) Confirmation of Amplified Gene Fragment
[0480] After the PCR reaction, 2.5 .mu.L of a sample was collected
from the PCR reaction solution and electrophoresed using a 2%
agarose gel, and DNA was stained with SYBR Safe DNA gel stain in
1.times.TAE (Invitrogen), to thereby confirm whether the amplified
DNA fragment was present or not. The electrophoretograms in the
agarose gel are shown in FIG. 14 and FIG. 15. Note that, FIG. 14
shows an electrophoretogram of samples of the fungi shown in Table
10, and FIG. 15 shows an electrophoretogram of samples of the fungi
shown in Table 11. The numbers in the electrophoretograms
correspond the sample numbers in the tables, and represent samples
obtained by using DNAs extracted from the fungi having the
corresponding sample numbers in the tables.
[0481] As shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, only in the samples containing
genomic DNA of Aspergillus fumigatus, amplified fragments of about
200 bp were clearly confirmed. On the other hand, in the samples
containing genomic DNAs of other fungi including the fungi of the
genus Neosartorya, the amplified fragments of about 200 bp were not
confirmed.
[0482] From the above-described results, it is understood that
Aspergillus fumigatus can be specifically detected by performing
gene amplification treatment using the above-described
oligonucleotides (v) and (w) and then confirming the amplified
fragments.
(C-4) Detection and Discrimination of the Fungi Belonging to the
Genus Neosartorya and Aspergillus fumigatus
(1) Preparation of Primers
[0483] The primers consisting of the oligonucleotides represented
by the nucleotide sequences set forth in SEQ ID NOS: 14 to 15 and
the primers consisting of the oligonucleotides represented by the
nucleotide sequences set forth in SEQ ID NOS: 22 to 23, designed in
Example (C-1) and Example (C-3), were used.
(2) Preparation of Samples
[0484] To confirm detection specificity of the oligonucleotides (n)
and (o) to the fungi belonging to the genus Neosartorya and
detection specificity of the oligonucleotides (v) and (w) to
Aspergillus fumigatus, the strains of Neosartorya fischeri shown in
FIG. 16, strains of Neosartorya glabra shown in FIG. 17, strains of
Neosartorya hiratsukae shown in FIG. 18, strains of Neosartorya
paulistensis shown in FIG. 19, and strains of Neosartorya spinosa
shown in FIG. 20 were used. In addition, Aspergillus fumigatus was
used as a positive control for a reaction system including the
oligonucleotides (v) and (w). It should be noted that, fungi
available from fungus deposition institutes, such as fungi stored
in National Institute of Technology and Evaluation based on NBRC
numbers and fungi stored in The Centraalbureau voor
Schimmelcultures based on CBS numbers, and fungi stored in Medical
Mycology Research Center, Chiba University based on IFM numbers
were obtained and used as test fungi.
[0485] The respective fungi were cultured under optimum conditions.
The culture was performed using a potato dextrose medium (trade
name: Pearlcore potato dextrose agar medium, manufactured by Eiken
Chemical Co., Ltd.) under culture conditions of 30.degree. C. (for
heat-resistant fungi and Aspergillus fumigatus) or 25.degree. C.
(for general fungi) for 14 days.
(3) Preparation of Genomic DNA
[0486] The respective fungi were collected from the agar media
using platinum loops.
[0487] Genomic DNA solutions were prepared from the collected fungi
using a genomic DNA preparation kit (PrepMan ultra (trade name)
manufactured by Applied Biosystems). The concentration of each DNA
solution was adjusted to 50 ng/.mu.L.
(4) PCR Reaction
[0488] 1 .mu.L of the genomic DNA solution prepared above as a DNA
template, 13 .mu.L of Pre Mix Taq (trade name, manufactured by
TAKARA BIO INC.) and 10 .mu.L of sterile distilled water were
mixed, and 0.5 .mu.L of the primer represented by the nucleotide
sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 14 (0.02 pmol/.mu.L) and 0.5 .mu.L
of the primer represented by the nucleotide sequence set forth in
SEQ ID NO: 15 (0.02 pmol/.mu.L) were added thereto, to thereby
prepare 25 .mu.L of a PCR reaction solution. Further, a PCR
reaction solution was prepared in the same way as above except that
0.5 .mu.l of the primer represented by the nucleotide sequence set
forth in SEQ ID NO: 22 (20 pmol/.mu.l) and 0.5 .mu.l of the primer
represented by the nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 23
(20 pmol/.mu.l) were used instead of the above-mentioned
primers.
[0489] The PCR reaction solutions were subjected to a gene
amplification treatment using an automatic gene amplification
device thermal cycler DICE (TAKARA BIO INC.). PCR reaction
conditions were 35 cycles of (i) a thermal denaturation reaction at
95.degree. C. for 1 minute, (ii) an annealing reaction at
59.degree. C. for 1 minute, and (iii) an elongation reaction at
72.degree. C. for 1 minute.
(5) Confirmation of Amplified Gene Fragment
[0490] After the PCR reaction, 4 .mu.L of a sample was collected
from the PCR reaction solution and electrophoresed using a 2%
agarose gel, and DNA was stained with SYBR Safe DNA gel stain in
1.times.TAE (Invitrogen), to thereby confirm whether the amplified
DNA fragment was present or not. The electrophoretograms in the
agarose gel are shown in FIG. 16 to FIG. 20. Note that, FIG. 16
shows an electrophoretogram of samples of strains of Neosartorya
fischeri fischeri, FIG. 17 shows an electrophoretogram of samples
of strains of Neosartorya glabra, FIG. 18 shows an
electrophoretogram of samples of strains of Neosartorya hiratsukae
fischeri, FIG. 19 shows an electrophoretogram of samples of strains
of Neosartorya paulistensis, and FIG. 20 shows an
electrophoretogram of samples of strains of Neosartorya
spinosa.
[0491] As a result, in the reaction systems including the primers
represented by the nucleotide sequences set forth in SEQ ID NOS: 14
and 15, specific amplified DNA fragments were confirmed in all of
the strains used, Neosartorya fischeri, Neosartorya glabra,
Neosartorya hiratsukae, Neosartorya paulistensis, and Neosartorya
spinosa (FIG. 16(a), FIG. 17(a), FIG. 18(a), FIG. 19(a), and FIG.
20(a)). Therefore, it is understood that the fungi belonging to the
genus Neosartorya can be specifically detected with high accuracy
regardless of the strains by using the oligonucleotides of the
present invention.
[0492] In the reaction systems including the primers represented by
the nucleotide sequences set forth in SEQ ID NOS: 22 and 23,
specific amplified DNA fragments were confirmed only in the samples
containing genomic DNA of Aspergillus fumigatus as a template. On
the other hand, in all of the samples containing the respective
strains of the genus Neosartorya, amplification of DNA fragments
was not confirmed (FIG. 16(b), FIG. 17(b), FIG. 18(b), FIG. 19(b),
and FIG. 20(b)). From the above-described results, it is understood
that Aspergillus fumigatus can be specifically detected by
performing gene amplification treatment using the above-described
oligonucleotides (v) and (w) and then confirming the amplified
fragments.
(D-1) Detection and Discrimination of Fungi Belonging to the Genus
Hamigera
1. Determination of Partial Nucleotide Sequence of .beta.-Tubulin
Gene
[0493] Nucleotide sequences of the .beta.-tubulin gene of Hamigera
avellanea and Cladosporium cladosporioides were determined by the
following method.
[0494] A test fungus was cultured in the dark on a potato dextrose
agar slant at 30.degree. C. for Hamigera avellanea and 25.degree.
C. for Cladosporium cladosporioides for 7 days. DNA was extracted
from the fungus using GenTorukun TM (manufactured by TAKARA BIO
INC.). PCR amplification of a target site was performed using PuRe
Taq.TM. Ready-To-Go PCR Beads (manufactured by GE Health Care UK
LTD); and primers Bt2a (5'-GGTAACCAAATCGGTGCTGCTTTC-3', SEQ ID NO:
79) and Bt2b (5'-ACCCTCAGTGTAGTGACCCTTGGC-3', SEQ ID NO: 80) (Glass
and Donaldson, Appl Environ Microbiol 61: 1323-1330, 1995).
Amplification of .beta.-tubulin partial length was performed under
conditions including a denaturation temperature of 95.degree. C.,
an annealing temperature of 59.degree. C., an elongation
temperature of 72.degree. C., and 35 cycles. PCR products were
purified using Auto Seg.TM. G-50 (manufactured by Amersham
Pharmacia Biotech). The PCR products were labeled with BigDye
(registered trademark) terminator Ver. 1.1 (manufactured by Applied
Biosystems), and electrophoresis was performed using ABI PRISM 3130
Genetic Analyzer (manufactured by Applied Biosystems). Nucleotide
sequences from fluorescence signals in electrophoresis were
determined using the software "ATGC Ver. 4" (manufactured by
Genetyx).
[0495] Based on the nucleotide sequences information of the
.beta.-tubulin gene of Hamigera avellanea and Cladosporium
cladosporioides and known nucleotide sequence information of the
.beta.-tubulin gene of a variety of fungi, alignment analyses were
performed using DNA analysis software (product name: DNAsis pro,
manufactured by Hitachi Software Engineering Co., Ltd.), to thereby
determine specific regions in the .beta.-tubulin gene including
nucleotide sequences specific to Hamigera avellanea which belongs
to the genus Hamigera (SEQ ID NOS: 35).
2. Detection of Fungi Belonging to the Genus Hamigera
(1) Design of Primers
[0496] From regions having particularly high specificity to
Hamigera avellanea on the 3'-end side in the determined nucleotide
sequence regions, partial regions which satisfy the following four
conditions were searched:
1) including several nucleotides which is specific to the genus; 2)
having a GC content of about 30% to 80%; 3) having low possibility
to cause self-annealing; and 4) having a Tm value of about 55 to
65.degree. C.
[0497] Based on the nucleotide sequences of the above regions, five
primer pairs were designed to search the effectiveness of detection
of the fungi belonging to genus Hamigera by PCR reactions using
DNAs extracted from the fungi as templates. As a result, in the
case of using one of the five primer pairs, amplification of DNA
was observed specifically to Hamigera avellanea and Cladosporium
cladosporioides, and no amplification of DNA was observed to
genomic DNAs extracted from other fungi as templates. That is, it
was confirmed that the fungi belonging to the genus Hamigera can be
detected. The primer pair confirmed to have the effectiveness is
one which consists of the oligonucleotides represented by the
nucleotide sequences set forth in SEQ ID NOS: 16 and 17. The
primers used were synthesized by Sigma-Aldrich Japan (desalted
products, 0.02 pmol scale) and purchased.
(2) Preparation of Samples
[0498] The fungi belonging to the genus Hamigera, other
heat-resistant fungi, and general fungi shown in Table 12 were used
as fungi to be used for evaluation of the effectiveness of the
designed primers. These fungi were stored in Medical Mycology
Research Center (MMRC), Chiba University, and the fungi deposited
based on IFM numbers and T numbers or the like were obtained and
used.
[0499] The respective fungi were cultured under optimum conditions.
The culture was performed using a potato dextrose medium (trade
name: Pearlcore potato dextrose agar medium, manufactured by Eiken
Chemical Co., Ltd.) under culture conditions of 25.degree. C. (for
general fungi) or 30.degree. C. (for heat-resistant fungi) for 7
days.
TABLE-US-00027 TABLE 12 Sample No. Species Strain No. N (Negative
Control) -- 1 Hamigera avellanea T34 2 Byssochlamys fulva IAM12805
3 Byssochlamys nivea IAM12806 4 Talaromyces flavus T38 5
Talaromyces trachyspermus T24 6 Penicillium griseofulvum P14 7
Penicillium citirinum P15 8 Penicillium paneum P16 9 Penicillium
oxalicum P17
(3) Preparation of Genomic DNA
[0500] The respective fungi were collected from the agar media
using platinum loops.
[0501] Genomic DNA solutions were prepared from the collected fungi
using a genomic DNA preparation kit (PrepMan ultra (trade name)
manufactured by Applied Biosystems). The concentration of each DNA
solution was adjusted to 50 ng/.mu.L.
(4) PCR Reaction
[0502] 1 .mu.L of the genomic DNA solution prepared above as a DNA
template, 13 .mu.L of Pre Mix Taq (trade name, manufactured by
TAKARA BIO INC.) and 10 .mu.L of sterile distilled water were
mixed, and 0.5 .mu.L of the primer represented by the nucleotide
sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 16 (20 pmol/.mu.L) and 0.5 .mu.L
of the primer represented by the nucleotide sequence set forth in
SEQ ID NO: 17 (20 pmol/.mu.L) were added thereto, to thereby
prepare 25 .mu.L of a PCR reaction solution.
[0503] The PCR reaction solution was subjected to a gene
amplification treatment using an automatic gene amplification
device thermal cycler DICE (TAKARA BIO INC.). PCR reaction
conditions were 30 cycles of (i) a thermal denaturation reaction at
98.degree. C. for 10 seconds, (ii) an annealing reaction at
63.degree. C. for 1 minute, and (iii) an elongation reaction at
72.degree. C. for 1 minute.
(5) Confirmation of Amplified Gene Fragment
[0504] After the PCR reaction, 10 .mu.L of a sample was collected
from the PCR reaction solution and electrophoresed using a 2%
agarose gel, and DNA was stained with SYBR Safe DNA gel stain in
1.times.TAE (Invitrogen), to thereby confirm whether the amplified
DNA fragment was present or not. The electrophoretogram in the
agarose gel is shown in FIG. 21. The numbers in the
electrophoretogram correspond the sample numbers in Table 12, and
represent samples obtained by using DNAs extracted from the fungi
having the corresponding sample numbers in Table 12.
[0505] As a result, in the case of the samples containing the
genomic DNA of fungi belonging to the genus Hamigera, amplification
of gene fragments of about 100 bp was confirmed (lane 1). On the
other hand, in the case of the samples containing no genomic DNA of
fungi belonging to the genus Hamigera, amplification of gene
fragments was not confirmed. From the above-described results, it
is understood that fungi belonging to the genus Hamigera can be
specifically detected by using the above-described oligonucleotides
(p) and (q).
(D-2) Detection and Discrimination of Fungi Belonging to the Genus
Hamigera
(a) Preparation of Primers
[0506] The primers consisting of the oligonucleotides represented
by the nucleotide sequences set forth in SEQ ID NOS: 16 and 17,
designed in Example 1(D-1), were used.
(b) Preparation of Samples
[0507] As the fungi belonging to the genus Hamigera and the fungi
belonging to the genus Cladosporium, Hamigera avellanea and
Cladosporium cladosporioides shown in Table 13 were used. To
confirm specificity of the oligonucleotides (p) to (q) to the
.beta.-tubulin genes of the fungi belonging to the genus Hamigera
and the fungi belonging to the genus Cladosporium, other fungi
shown in Tables 13 were used. These fungi were stored in Medical
Mycology Research Center (MMRC), Chiba University, and the fungi
deposited based on IFM numbers and T numbers or the like were
obtained and used. As a positive control, Hamigera avellanea (the
name of strains: T34) was used as a template of DNA.
[0508] The respective fungi were cultured under optimum conditions.
The culture was performed using a potato dextrose medium (trade
name: Pearlcore potato dextrose agar medium, manufactured by Eiken
Chemical Co., Ltd.) under culture conditions of 25.degree. C. (for
general fungi) or 30.degree. C. (for heat-resistant fungi and
Aspergillus fumigatus) for 7 days.
TABLE-US-00028 TABLE 13 Sample No. Species Strain No. P Hamigera
avellanea T34 (Positive Control) 1 Hamigera avellanea IAM42323 2
Hamigera avellanea IAM52241 3 Aureobasidium pullulans IAM41408 4
Aureobasidium pullulans IAM41409 5 Aureobasidium pullulans IAM41410
6 Alternaria alternate IAM41348 7 Alternaria alternate IAM52225 8
Chaetomium globosum IAM40868 9 Chaetomium globosum IAM4040873 10
Paecilomyces variotii IAM40913 11 Paecilomyces variotii IAM40915 12
Paecilomyces variotii IAM50292 13 Trichoderma viride IAM40938 14
Trichoderma viride IAM51045 15 Cladosporium cladosporioides
IAM41450 16 Fusarium oxysporium IAM41530 17 Fusarium oxysporium
IAM50002 18 Aspergillus fumigatus 07-77 19 Aspergillus fumigatus
07-81 20 Aspergillus fumigatus 07-87 21 Aspergillus fumigatus 07-91
22 Aspergillus fumigatus 07-93
(c) Preparation of Genomic DNA
[0509] The respective fungi were collected from the agar media
using platinum loops.
[0510] Genomic DNA solutions were prepared from the collected fungi
using a genomic DNA preparation kit (PrepMan ultra (trade name)
manufactured by Applied Biosystems). The concentration of each DNA
solution was adjusted to 50 ng/.mu.L.
(d) PCR Reaction
[0511] 1 .mu.L of the genomic DNA solution prepared above as a DNA
template, 13 .mu.L of Pre Mix Taq (trade name, manufactured by
TAKARA BIO INC.) and 10 .mu.L of sterile distilled water were
mixed, and 0.5 .mu.L of the primer represented by the nucleotide
sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 16 (20 pmol/.mu.L) and 0.5 .mu.L
of the primer represented by the nucleotide sequence set forth in
SEQ ID NO: 17 (20 pmol/.mu.L) were added thereto, to thereby
prepare 25 .mu.L of a PCR reaction solution.
[0512] The PCR reaction solution was subjected to a gene
amplification treatment using an automatic gene amplification
device thermal cycler DICE (TAKARA BIO INC.). PCR reaction
conditions were 30 cycles of (i) a thermal denaturation reaction at
97.degree. C. for 10 seconds, (ii) an annealing reaction at
63.degree. C. for 1 minute, and (iii) an elongation reaction at
72.degree. C. for 1 minute.
(e) Confirmation of Amplified Gene Fragment
[0513] After the PCR reaction, 2 .mu.L of a sample was collected
from the PCR reaction solution and electrophoresed using a 2%
agarose gel, and DNA was stained with SYBR Safe DNA gel stain in
1.times.TAE (Invitrogen), to thereby confirm whether the amplified
DNA fragment was present or not. The electrophoretogram in the
agarose gel is shown in FIG. 22. The numbers in the
electrophoretogram correspond the sample numbers in Table 13, and
represent samples obtained by using DNAs extracted from the fungi
having the corresponding sample numbers in Table 13.
[0514] As a result, in the case of the samples containing the
genomic DNA of fungi belonging to the genus Hamigera and the fungi
belonging to the genus Cladosporium, amplification of gene
fragments of about 100 bp was confirmed. On the other hand, in the
case of the samples containing no genomic DNA of the fungi
belonging to the genus Hamigera or the fungi belonging to the genus
Cladosporium, amplification of gene fragments was not confirmed.
From the above-described results, it is understood that the fungi
belonging to the genus Hamigera and the fungi belonging to the
genus Cladosporium can be specifically detected by using the
above-described oligonucleotides (p) and (q).
(D-3) Detection and Discrimination of Fungi Belonging to the Genus
Hamigera
(a) Design of Primers
[0515] Alignment analyses (DNAsis Pro) of nucleotide sequences of
the .beta.-tubulin genes of fungi including Cladosporium
cladosporioides and Hamigera avellanea represented by SEQ ID NOS:
35 were performed to determine regions where significant
differences in the nucleotide sequences were present. From regions
having particularly high specificity to Hamigera avellanea on the
3'-end side in the determined nucleotide sequence regions, partial
regions which satisfy the following four conditions were
searched:
1) including several nucleotides which is specific to the genus; 2)
having a GC content of about 30% to 80%; 3) having low possibility
to cause self-annealing; and 4) having a Tm value of about 55 to
65.degree. C.
[0516] Based on the nucleotide sequences of the above regions,
seven pairs of primers were designed to examine effectiveness of
discrimination of the genus Hamigera and Cladosporium
cladosporioides by PCR reactions using DNAs extracted from a
variety of fungi as templates. Specifically, it was examined that,
in reactions using DNAs of the genus Hamigera as templates, DNA
amplification products are observed at positions corresponding to
the sizes expected from the designed primer pairs, while in
reactions using genomic DNAs of the other fungi, no amplification
product is observed. As a result, it was confirmed that the fungi
belonging to the genus Hamigera and Cladosporium cladosporioides
can be detected. The primer pairs confirmed to have the
effectiveness are ones each of which consists of any two
oligonucleotides represented by the nucleotide sequences set forth
in SEQ ID NOS: 18 and 19, and the nucleotide sequences set forth in
SEQ ID NOS: 20 and 21. The primers used were synthesized by
Sigma-Aldrich Japan (desalted products, 0.02 pmol scale) and
purchased.
(b) Preparation of Samples
[0517] The fungi belonging to the genus Hamigera, other
heat-resistant fungi, and general fungi shown in Table 14 were used
as fungi to be used for evaluation of the effectiveness of the
designed primers. These fungi were stored in Medical Mycology
Research Center (MMRC), Chiba University, and the fungi deposited
based on IFM numbers or the like were obtained and used.
[0518] The respective fungi were cultured under optimum conditions.
The culture was performed using a potato dextrose medium (trade
name: Pearlcore potato dextrose agar medium, manufactured by Eiken
Chemical Co., Ltd.) under culture conditions of 25.degree. C. (for
general fungi) or 30.degree. C. (for heat-resistant fungi) for 7
days.
TABLE-US-00029 TABLE 14 Sample No. Species Strain No. N (Negative
Control) -- 1 Hamigera avellanea T34 2 Hamigera avellanea IAM42323
3 Hamigera avellanea IAM52241 4 Aureobasidium pullulans IAM41408 5
Aureobasidium pullulans IAM41409 6 Aureobasidium pullulans IAM41410
7 Alternaria alternate IAM41348 8 Alternaria alternate IAM52220 9
Chaetomium globosum IAM40868 10 Chaetomium globosum IAM40869 11
Chaetomium globosum IAM40873 12 Paecilomyces variotii IAM40913 13
Paecilomyces variotii IAM40915 14 Paecilomyces variotii IAM50292 15
Trichoderma viride IAM40938 16 Trichoderma viride IAM51045 17
Cladosporium cladosporioides IAM41450 18 Fusarium oxysporium
IAM41530 19 Fusarium oxysporium IAM50002
(c) Preparation of Genomic DNA
[0519] The respective fungi were collected from the agar media
using platinum loops.
[0520] Genomic DNA solutions were prepared from the collected fungi
using a genomic DNA preparation kit (PrepMan ultra (trade name)
manufactured by Applied Biosystems). The concentration of each DNA
solution was adjusted to 50 ng/.mu.L.
(d) PCR Reaction
[0521] 1 .mu.L of the genomic DNA solution of Hamigera avellanea or
Cladosporium cladosporioides prepared above as a DNA template, 13
.mu.L of Pre Mix Taq (trade name, manufactured by TAKARA BIO INC.)
and 10 .mu.L of sterile distilled water were mixed, and 0.5 .mu.L
of the primer represented by the nucleotide sequence set forth in
SEQ ID NO: 18 (20 pmol/.mu.L) and 0.5 .mu.L of the primer
represented by the nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 19
(20 pmol/.mu.L) were added thereto, to thereby prepare 25 .mu.L of
a PCR reaction solution.
[0522] The PCR reaction solution was subjected to a gene
amplification treatment using an automatic gene amplification
device thermal cycler DICE (TAKARA BIO INC.). PCR reaction
conditions were 30 cycles of (i) a thermal denaturation reaction at
97.degree. C. for 10 seconds, (ii) an annealing reaction at
60.degree. C. for 1 minute, and (iii) an elongation reaction at
72.degree. C. for 1 minute.
(e) Confirmation of Amplified Gene Fragment
[0523] After the PCR reaction, 2 .mu.L of a sample was collected
from the PCR reaction solution and electrophoresed using a 2%
agarose gel, and DNA was stained with SYBR Safe DNA gel stain in
1.times.TAE (Invitrogen), to thereby confirm whether the amplified
DNA fragment was present or not. The electrophoretogram in the
agarose gel is shown in FIG. 23. The numbers in the
electrophoretogram correspond the sample numbers in Table 14, and
represent samples obtained by using DNAs extracted from the fungi
having the corresponding sample numbers in Table 14.
[0524] As a result, in the case of the samples containing the
genomic DNA of the fungus belonging to the genus Hamigera,
amplification of gene fragments of about 200 bp was confirmed
(Sample Nos. 1 to 3). On the other hand, in the case of the sample
containing the genomic DNA of the fungus belonging to the genus
Cladosporium (Sample No. 17) and the samples containing no genomic
DNA of the fungus belonging to the genus Hamigera, amplification of
gene fragments was not confirmed. As is clear from the results, it
is understood that the fungi in samples can be discriminated as the
fungi belonging to the genus Hamigera or as the fungi belonging to
the genus Cladosporium by using the oligonucleotides (r) and
(s).
(D-4) Detection and Discrimination of Fungi Belonging to the Genus
Hamigera
(a) Preparation of Primers
[0525] The primers consisting of the oligonucleotides represented
by the nucleotide sequences set forth in SEQ ID NOS: 18 to 21,
designed in Example 1(D-3), were used.
(b) Preparation of Samples
[0526] To confirm specificity of the oligonucleotides (r) to (u) to
the .beta.-tubulin genes of the fungi belonging to the genus
Hamigera, each strains of Hamigera striata shown in FIG. 24-1 were
used as the fungi belonging to the genus Hamigera.
[0527] The respective fungi were cultured in the same way as in
(D-1) above.
(c) Preparation of Genomic DNA
[0528] Genomic DNA solutions were prepared in the same way as in
(D-1) above. The concentration of each of the DNA solutions was
adjusted to 50 ng/.mu.l.
(d) PCR Reaction
[0529] 1 .mu.L of the genomic DNA solution prepared above as a DNA
template, 13 .mu.L of Pre Mix Taq (trade name, manufactured by
TAKARA BIO INC.) and 10 .mu.L of sterile distilled water were
mixed, and 0.5 .mu.L of the primer represented by the nucleotide
sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 18 (20 pmol/.mu.L) and 0.5 .mu.L
of the primer represented by the nucleotide sequence set forth in
SEQ ID NO: 19 (20 pmol/.mu.L) were added thereto, to thereby
prepare 25 .mu.L of a PCR reaction solution. Further, a PCR
reaction solution was prepared in the same way as above except that
0.5 .mu.l of the primer represented by the nucleotide sequence set
forth in SEQ ID NO: 20 (20 pmol/.mu.l) and 0.5 .mu.l of the primer
represented by the nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 21
(20 pmol/.mu.l) were used instead of the above-mentioned
primers.
[0530] The PCR reaction solutions were subjected to a gene
amplification treatment using an automatic gene amplification
device thermal cycler DICE (TAKARA BIO INC.). PCR reaction
conditions were 35 cycles of (i) a thermal denaturation reaction at
95.degree. C. for 1 minute, (ii) an annealing reaction at
61.degree. C. to 59.degree. C. for 1 minute, and (iii) an
elongation reaction at 72.degree. C. for 1 minute.
(e) Confirmation of Amplified Gene Fragment
[0531] After the PCR reaction, 4 .mu.L of a sample was collected
from the PCR reaction solution and electrophoresed using a 2%
agarose gel, and DNA was stained with SYBR Safe DNA gel stain in
1.times.TAE (Invitrogen), to thereby confirm whether the amplified
DNA fragment was present or not. The electrophoretogram in the
agarose gel is shown in FIG. 24-1.
[0532] As a result, in either case of the reaction systems
including the primers represented by the nucleotide sequences set
forth in SEQ ID NOS: 18 and 19 and the primers represented by the
nucleotide sequences set forth in SEQ ID NOS: 20 and 21, specific
amplified DNA fragments were confirmed in all of the used strains
of Hamigera striata (lanes 9 to 16). The bands were detected more
clearly (lanes 9 to 12) in the cases of the reaction system
including the primers represented by the nucleotide sequences set
forth in SEQ ID NOS: 20 and 21. From the above-described results,
it is understood that the fungi belonging to the genus Hamigera can
be specifically detected with high accuracy regardless of the
strains by using the oligonucleotides of the present invention.
(D-5) Detection and Discrimination of Fungi Belonging to the Genus
Hamigera
(a) Preparation of Primers
[0533] The primers consisting of the oligonucleotides represented
by the nucleotide sequences set forth in SEQ ID NOS: 18 to 21,
designed in Example 1(D-3), were used.
(b) Preparation of Samples
[0534] To confirm specificity of the oligonucleotides (r) to (u) to
the .beta.-tubulin genes of the fungi belonging to the genus
Hamigera, each strains of Hamigera avellanea shown in FIG. 24-2
were used as the fungi belonging to the genus Hamigera.
[0535] The respective fungi were cultured in the same way as in
(D-1) above.
(c) Preparation of Genomic DNA
[0536] Genomic DNA solutions were prepared in the same way as in
(D-1) above. The concentration of each of the DNA solutions was
adjusted to 50 ng/.mu.l.
(d) PCR Reaction
[0537] 1 .mu.L of the genomic DNA solution prepared above as a DNA
template, 13 .mu.L of Pre Mix Taq (trade name, manufactured by
TAKARA BIO INC.) and 10 .mu.L of sterile distilled water were
mixed, and 0.5 .mu.L of the primer represented by the nucleotide
sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 18 (20 pmol/.mu.L) and 0.5 .mu.L
of the primer represented by the nucleotide sequence set forth in
SEQ ID NO: 19 (20 pmol/.mu.L) were added thereto, to thereby
prepare 25 .mu.L of a PCR reaction solution. Further, a PCR
reaction solution was prepared in the same way as above except that
0.5 .mu.l of the primer represented by the nucleotide sequence set
forth in SEQ ID NO: 20 (20 pmol/.mu.l) and 0.5 .mu.l of the primer
represented by the nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 21
(20 pmol/.mu.l) were used instead of the above-mentioned
primers.
[0538] The PCR reaction solutions were subjected to a gene
amplification treatment using an automatic gene amplification
device thermal cycler DICE (TAKARA BIO INC.). PCR reaction
conditions were 35 cycles of (i) a thermal denaturation reaction at
95.degree. C. for 1 minute, (ii) an annealing reaction at
59.degree. C. for 1 minute, and (iii) an elongation reaction at
72.degree. C. for 1 minute.
(e) Confirmation of Amplified Gene Fragment
[0539] After the PCR reaction, 2 .mu.L of a sample was collected
from the PCR reaction solution and electrophoresed using a 2%
agarose gel, and DNA was stained with SYBR Safe DNA gel stain in
1.times.TAE (Invitrogen), to thereby confirm whether the amplified
DNA fragment was present or not. The electrophoretogram in the
agarose gel is shown in FIG. 24-2.
[0540] As a result, in either case of the reaction systems
including the primers represented by the nucleotide sequences set
forth in SEQ ID NOS: 18 and 19 and the primers represented by the
nucleotide sequences set forth in SEQ ID NOS: 20 and 21, specific
amplified DNA fragments were confirmed in all of the used strains
of Hamigera avellanea (lanes 1 to 8). From the above-described
results, it is understood that the fungi belonging to the genus
Hamigera can be specifically detected with high accuracy regardless
of the strains by using the oligonucleotides of the present
invention.
(D-6) Detection and Discrimination of Fungi Belonging to the Genus
Hamigera
(a) Primers
[0541] The primers consisting of the oligonucleotides represented
by the nucleotide sequences set forth in SEQ ID NOS: 18 to 21,
designed in Example 1(D-3), were used.
(b) Preparation of Samples
[0542] To confirm specificity of the oligonucleotides (r) to (u) to
the fungi belonging to the genus Hamigera, each strains of
Byssochlamys nivea and Byssochlamys fulva shown in FIGS. 25-1 and
25-2 were used as the fungi of the genus Byssochlamys closely
related to the genus Hamigera. As the fungi, fungi available from
fungus deposition institutes, such as fungi stored in National
Institute of Technology and Evaluation based on NBRC numbers and
fungi stored in The Centraalbureau voor Schimmelcultures based on
CBS numbers were obtained and used.
[0543] The respective fungi were cultured in the same way as in
Example 1(D-1) above.
(c) Preparation of Genomic DNA
[0544] Genomic DNA solutions were prepared in the same way as in
Example 1(D-1) above. The concentration of each of the DNA
solutions was adjusted to 50 ng/.mu.l.
(d) PCR Reaction
[0545] 1 .mu.L of the genomic DNA solution prepared above as a DNA
template, 13 .mu.L of Pre Mix Taq (trade name, manufactured by
TAKARA BIO INC.) and 10 .mu.L of sterile distilled water were
mixed, and 0.5 .mu.L of the primer represented by the nucleotide
sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 18 (20 pmol/.mu.L) and 0.5 .mu.L
of the primer represented by the nucleotide sequence set forth in
SEQ ID NO: 19 (20 pmol/.mu.L) were added thereto, to thereby
prepare 25 .mu.L of a PCR reaction solution. Further, a PCR
reaction solution was prepared in the same way as above except that
0.5 .mu.l of the primer represented by the nucleotide sequence set
forth in SEQ ID NO: 20 (20 pmol/.mu.l) and 0.5 .mu.l of the primer
represented by the nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 21
(20 pmol/.mu.l) were used instead of the above-mentioned
primers.
[0546] The PCR reaction solutions were subjected to a gene
amplification treatment using an automatic gene amplification
device thermal cycler DICE (TAKARA BIO INC.). PCR reaction
conditions were 35 cycles of (i) a thermal denaturation reaction at
95.degree. C. for 1 minute, (ii) an annealing reaction at
59.degree. C. for 1 minute, and (iii) an elongation reaction at
72.degree. C. for 1 minute.
(e) Confirmation of Amplified Gene Fragment
[0547] After the PCR reaction, 2 .mu.L of a sample was collected
from the PCR reaction solution and electrophoresed using a 2%
agarose gel, and DNA was stained with SYBR Safe DNA gel stain in
1.times.TAE (Invitrogen), to thereby confirm whether the amplified
DNA fragment was present or not. The electrophoretograms in the
agarose gel are shown in FIGS. 25-1 and 25-2.
[0548] As shown in FIG. 25-1, in the reaction system including the
primers represented by the nucleotide sequences set forth in SEQ ID
NOS: 18 and 19, gene amplification was observed at a position
corresponding to the size of 200 bp not only in the case of
Hamigera avellanea used as a positive control but also in the cases
of part of the strains of Byssochlamys fulva (NBRC31877 and
NBRC31878, lanes 9 and 10), while gene amplification was not
observed in the cases of the other fungi belonging to the genus
Byssochlamys. It is presumed that gene amplification of NBRC31877
and 31878 was observed because the strains are genetically related
to the genus Hamigera compared with the other strains.
[0549] On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 25-2, in the reaction
system including the primers represented by the nucleotide
sequences set forth in SEQ ID NOS: 20 and 21, gene amplification
was not observed in Byssochlamys fulva NBRC31877 and NBRC31878.
From the above-described results, it is understood that only the
fungi belonging to the genus Hamigera can be specifically detected
with high accuracy without detecting the fungi belonging to the
genus Byssochlamys by using the oligonucleotides set forth in SEQ
ID NOS: 20 and 21.
[0550] As the above, it is understood that the heat-resistant fungi
can be detected by using the oligonucleotides of the present
invention. Specifically, the fungi belonging to the genus
Byssochlamys can be discriminated by using the oligonucleotides of
SEQ ID NOS: 1 and 2. The fungi belonging to the genus Talaromyces
can be discriminated by using the oligonucleotides SEQ ID NOS: 3 to
11. The fungi belonging to the genus Neosartorya and Aspergillus
fumigatus can be discriminated by using the oligonucleotides SEQ ID
NOS: 12 to 15. Further, the fungi belonging to the genus
Neosartorya can be discriminated from Aspergillus fumigatus. The
fungi belonging to the genus Hamigera can be discriminated by using
the oligonucleotides SEQ ID NOS: 16 to 21. Therefore, it is
possible to discriminate the heat-resistant fungi by performing at
least two, preferably all of the steps of detecting the
heat-resistant fungi using the above oligonucleotides of the
present invention.
Example 2: Detection of Fungi Belonging to the Genus
Byssochlamys
(1) Design and Synthesis of Primers
[0551] Nucleotide sequence information of the ITS region and D1/D2
region of 28S rDNA of a variety of fungi (Paecilomyces variotii,
Hamigera avellanea, Talaromyces flavus, Talaromyces luteus,
Talaromyces trachyspermus, Byssochlamys nivea, Byssochlamys fulva,
and Neosartorya fischeri) was determined by a sequencing method.
Based on the sequence information, alignment analyses were
performed using DNA analysis software (product name: DNAsis pro,
manufactured by Hitachi Software Engineering Co., Ltd.), to thereby
determine nucleotide sequences specific to the fungi belonging to
the genus Byssochlamys. Based on the specified nucleotide sequence,
primers consisting of oligonucleotides represented by the
nucleotide sequences set forth in SEQ ID NOS: 36 to 39 were
designed, and the primers were synthesized by E Genome order
(FUJITSU SYSTEM SOLUTIONS LIMITED) (SEQ ID NOS: 36 and 37; 5 pmol
scale, SEQ ID NOS: 38 and 39; 40 pmol scale; all of the primers are
column-purified products) and purchased.
(2) Preparation of Samples
[0552] As the fungi belonging to the genus Byssochlamys,
Byssochlamys fulva and Byssochlamys nivea were used. To confirm the
specificity of the primers consisting of oligonucleotides
represented by the nucleotide sequences of SEQ ID NOS: 36 to 39 to
the ITS region and D1/D2 region of 28S rDNA of the fungi belonging
to the genus Byssochlamys, the fungi shown in Table 15 were used.
These fungi were stored in Medical Mycology Research Center (MMRC),
Chiba University, and the fungi deposited based on IFM numbers or
the like were obtained and used.
[0553] The respective fungi were cultured under optimum conditions.
The culture was performed using a potato dextrose medium (trade
name: Pearlcore potato dextrose agar medium, manufactured by Eiken
Chemical Co., Ltd.) under culture conditions of 25.degree. C. for 7
days.
TABLE-US-00030 TABLE 15 Sample No. Species Strain No. (IFM) 1
Byssochlamys fulva 48421 2 Byssochlamys nivea 51244 3 Talaromyces
flavus 42243 4 Talaromyces luteus 53241 5 Talaromyces trachyspermus
42247 6 Talaromyces wortmannii 52262 7 Neosartorya ficheri 46945 8
Neosartorya spinosa 46967 9 Neosartorya glabra 46949 10 Neosartorya
hiratsukae 47036 11 Alternaria alternata 41348 12 Aureobasidium
pullulans 41409 13 Chaetomium globosum 40869 14 Fusarium oxysporium
50002 15 Trichoderma viride 40938 16 Cladosporium cladosporioides
41450
(3) Preparation of Genomic DNA
[0554] Genomic DNA solutions were prepared from the collected fungi
using a genomic DNA preparation kit (PrepMan ultra (trade name)
manufactured by Applied Biosystems). Specifically, several colonies
were collected from each medium, and the fungus was suspended in
200 .mu.L of a reagent supplied with the kit and dissolved by a
heat treatment at 100.degree. C. for 10 minutes. Centrifugation was
performed at 14,800 rpm for 5 minutes, and the supernatant was
collected. The concentration of the resultant genomic DNA solution
was adjusted to 50 ng/.mu.L. The genomic DNA solution was used as a
template DNA in the following LAMP reaction.
(4) Preparation of Reaction Solution for LAMP Reaction
[0555] 12.5 .mu.L of 2.times. Reaction Mix (Tris-HCl (pH 8.8) 40
mM, KCl 20 mM, MgSO.sub.4 16 mM, (NH.sub.4).sub.2SO.sub.4 20 mM,
0.2% Tween20, Betaine 1.6 M, dNTPs 2.8 mM: Eiken Chemical Co.,
Ltd.; Loopamp DNA amplification reagent kit), 1 .mu.L of the primer
consisting of the oligonucleotide represented by the nucleotide
sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 36 (LB1F3 primer: 5 pmol/.mu.L), 1
.mu.L of the primer consisting of the oligonucleotide represented
by the nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 37 (LB1B3
primer: 5 pmol/.mu.L), 1 .mu.L of the primer consisting of the
oligonucleotide represented by the nucleotide sequence set forth in
SEQ ID NO: 38 (LB1FIP primer: 40 pmol/.mu.L), 1 .mu.L of the primer
consisting of the oligonucleotide represented by the nucleotide
sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 39 (LB1BIP primer: 40 pmol/.mu.L),
1 .mu.L of Bst DNA Polymerase (8 U/25 .mu.L, manufactured by Eiken
Chemical Co., Ltd.) and 1 .mu.L of the template DNA prepared above
were mixed, and distilled water was added thereto, to thereby
prepare a total of 25 .mu.L of a reaction solution.
(5) LAMP Reaction
[0556] The reaction solution prepared above was subjected to a DNA
amplification reaction at 63.+-.2.degree. C. for 60 minutes using a
real-time turbidity measuring apparatus Loopamp RT-160C
(manufactured by Eiken Chemical Co., Ltd.). Simultaneously, the
turbidity of the reaction solution was measured (wavelength: 400
nm).
(6) Confirmation of DNA Amplification
[0557] Amplification of DNA was confirmed by an increase in
turbidity of the reaction solution. The measurement results of the
turbidity of the reaction solutions are shown in FIG. 35(a) and
FIG. 35(b). Note that, FIG. 35(a) shows the results of samples Nos.
1 to 8 in Table 15, and FIG. 35(b) shows the results of samples
Nos. 9 to 16 in Table 15.
[0558] As a result, the turbidity increases (i.e. the DNA synthesis
and amplification reactions) were observed from about 30 minutes
after the initiation of the reaction only in the systems where the
genomic DNAs of the fungi belonging to the genus Byssochlamys were
used as templates. The increase in the turbidity reached a peak 60
to 70 minutes after the start of the reaction, and then the
turbidity was in a gradual decline.
[0559] On the other hand, in the systems where the genomic DNAs of
the fungi other than the genus Byssochlamys were used, the
turbidity increases in the reaction solutions were not observed for
90 minutes after the initiation of the reaction. It should be noted
that, in the systems including genomic DNAs of fungi other than the
genus Byssochlamys, the turbidity increases in the reaction
solutions were observed from about 100 minutes after the start of
the reaction. This is caused by amplification by reactions of the
primers or annealing of a small amount of primers to sequences
other than the target sequences due to a longer reaction time.
[0560] As is apparent from the above results, according to the
present invention, it is possible to detect the genus Byssochlamys
easily, rapidly, and specifically.
Example 3: Detection of Fungi Belonging to the Genus Neosartorya
and Aspergillus fumigatus
(1) Design and Synthesis of Primers
[0561] Nucleotide sequence information of the .beta.-tubulin genes
of a variety of fungi (Neosartorya fischeri, Neosartorya glabra,
Paecilomyces variotii, Hamigera avellanea, Talaromyces flavus,
Talaromyces luteus, Talaromyces trachyspermus, Byssochlamys nivea,
and Byssochlamys fulva) was determined by a sequencing method.
Based on the sequence information, alignment analyses were
performed using DNA analysis software (product name: DNAsis pro,
manufactured by Hitachi Software Engineering Co., Ltd.), to thereby
determine nucleotide sequences specific to the fungi belonging to
the genus Neosartorya and Aspergillus fumigatus. Based on the
nucleotide sequences, primers consisting of oligonucleotides
represented by the nucleotide sequences set forth in SEQ ID NOS: 40
to 45 were designed, and the primers were synthesized by E Genome
order (FUJITSU SYSTEM SOLUTIONS LIMITED) (SEQ ID NOS: 40 and 41; 5
pmol scale, SEQ ID NOS: 42 and 43; 40 pmol scale, SEQ ID NOS: 44
and 45: 20 pmol scale; all of the primers are column-purified
products) and purchased.
(2) Preparation of Samples
[0562] The fungi belonging to the genus Neosartorya and Aspergillus
fumigatus shown in Tables 16 and 16-1 were used. To confirm the
specificity of the primers consisting of oligonucleotides
represented by the nucleotide sequences of SEQ ID NOS: 40 to 45 to
the .beta.-tubulin genes of the fungi, the fungi shown in Tables 16
and 16-1 were used. These fungi were stored in Medical Mycology
Research Center (MMRC), Chiba University, and the fungi deposited
based on IFM numbers or the like were obtained and used.
[0563] The respective fungi were cultured under optimum conditions.
The culture was performed using a potato dextrose medium (trade
name: Pearlcore potato dextrose agar medium, manufactured by Eiken
Chemical Co., Ltd.) under culture conditions of 25.degree. C. for 7
days.
TABLE-US-00031 TABLE 16 Sample No. Species Strain No. (IFM) 1
Neosartorya ficheri 46945 2 Neosartorya spinosa 46967 3 Neosartorya
glabra 46949 4 Neosartorya hiratsukae 47036 5 Talaromyces flavus
42243 6 Talaromyces luteus 53242 7 Talaromyces trachyspermus 42247
8 Talaromyces wortmannii 52262 9 Byssochlamys fulva 48421 10
Hamigera avellanea 42323 11 Alternaria alternata 41348 12
Aureobasidium pullulans 41409 13 Chaetomium globosum 40869 14
Fusarium oxysporium 50002 15 Trichoderma viride 40938 16
Cladosporium cladosporioides 41450
TABLE-US-00032 TABLE 16-1 Sample No. Species Strain No. 1
Neosartorya ficheri IFM46946 2 Neosartorya ficheri IFM46945 3
Neosartorya ficheri A176 4 Neosartorya spinosa IFM46968 5
Neosartorya spinosa IFM46967 6 Neosartorya spinosa A178 7
Neosartorya glabra IFM46949 8 Neosartorya glabra IFM46951 9
Neosartorya hiratsukae IFM46954 10 Neosartorya hiratsukae IFM47036
11 Aspergillus fumigatus A218 12 Aspergillus niger An15 13
Aspergillus terreus A229 14 Aspergillus flavus As17 15 Emericella
nidulans As18 16 NC (Negative Control) DW
(3) Preparation of Genomic DNA
[0564] Genomic DNA solutions were prepared from the collected fungi
using a genomic DNA preparation kit (PrepMan ultra (trade name)
manufactured by Applied Biosystems). Specifically, several colonies
were collected from each medium, and the fungus was suspended in
200 .mu.L of a reagent supplied with the kit and dissolved by a
heat treatment at 100.degree. C. for 10 minutes. Centrifugation was
performed at 14,800 rpm for 5 minutes, and the supernatant was
collected. The concentration of the resultant genomic DNA solution
was adjusted to 50 ng/.mu.L. The genomic DNA solution was used as a
template DNA in the following LAMP reaction.
(4) Preparation of Reaction Solution for LAMP Reaction
[0565] 12.5 .mu.L of 2.times. Reaction Mix (Tris-HCl (pH 8.8) 40
mM, KCl 20 mM, MgSO.sub.4 16 mM, (NH.sub.4).sub.2SO.sub.4 20 mM,
0.2% Tween20, Betaine 1.6 M, dNTPs 2.8 mM: Eiken Chemical Co.,
Ltd.; Loopamp DNA amplification reagent kit), 1 .mu.L of the primer
consisting of the oligonucleotide represented by the nucleotide
sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 40 (LN1F3 primer: 5 pmol/.mu.L), 1
.mu.L of the primer consisting of the oligonucleotide represented
by the nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 41 (LN1B3
primer: 5 pmol/.mu.L), 1 .mu.L of the primer consisting of the
oligonucleotide represented by the nucleotide sequence set forth in
SEQ ID NO: 42 (LN1FIP primer: 40 pmol/.mu.L), 1 .mu.L of the primer
consisting of the oligonucleotide represented by the nucleotide
sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 43 (LN1BIP primer: 40 pmol/.mu.L),
1 .mu.L of the primer consisting of the oligonucleotide represented
by the nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 44 (LN1LF loop
primer: 20 pmol/.mu.L), 1 .mu.L of the primer consisting of the
oligonucleotide represented by the nucleotide sequence set forth in
SEQ ID NO: 45 (LN1LB loop primer: 20 pmol/.mu.L), 1 .mu.L of Bst
DNA Polymerase (8 U/25 .mu.L, manufactured by Eiken Chemical Co.,
Ltd.) and 1 .mu.L of the template DNA prepared above were mixed,
and distilled water was added thereto, to thereby prepare a total
of 25 .mu.L of a reaction solution.
(5) LAMP Reaction
[0566] The reaction solution prepared above was subjected to a DNA
amplification reaction at 63.+-.2.degree. C. for 60 minutes using a
real-time turbidity measuring apparatus Loopamp RT-160C
(manufactured by Eiken Chemical Co., Ltd.). Simultaneously, the
turbidity of the reaction solution was measured (wavelength: 400
nm).
(6) Confirmation of DNA Amplification
[0567] Amplification of DNA was confirmed by an increase in
turbidity of the reaction solution. The measurement results of the
turbidity of the reaction solutions are shown in FIG. 36 and FIG.
36-1.
[0568] As a result, the turbidity increases (i.e. the DNA synthesis
and amplification reactions) were observed from about 20 minutes
after the initiation of the reaction only in the systems where the
genomic DNAs of the fungi belonging to the genus Neosartorya
(Neosartorya spinosa, Neosartorya hiratsukae, Neosartorya fischeri,
and Neosartorya glabra) and Aspergillus fumigatus were used as
templates.
[0569] On the other hand, in the systems where the genomic DNAs of
the fungi other than the genus Neosartorya and Aspergillus
fumigatus were used, the turbidity increases in the reaction
solutions were not observed for 50 minutes after the initiation of
the reaction. It should be noted that, in the systems including
genomic DNAs of the fungi other than the genus Neosartorya and
Aspergillus fumigatus, the turbidity increases in the reaction
solutions were observed from about 60 minutes after the start of
the reaction. This is caused by amplification by reactions of the
primers or annealing of a small amount of primers to sequences
other than the target sequences due to a longer reaction time.
[0570] As is apparent from the above results, according to the
present invention, it is possible to detect the fungi belonging to
the genus Neosartorya and Aspergillus fumigatus easily, rapidly,
and specifically.
Example 4: Detection of Fungi Belonging to the Genus Hamigera
(1) Design and Synthesis of Primers
[0571] Nucleotide sequence information of the .beta.-tubulin genes
of a variety of fungi (Paecilomyces variotii, Hamigera avellanea,
Talaromyces flavus, Talaromyces luteus, Talaromyces trachyspermus,
Byssochlamys nivea, Byssochlamys fulva, and Neosartorya fischeri)
was determined by a sequencing method. Based on the sequence
information, alignment analyses were performed using DNA analysis
software (product name: DNAsis pro, manufactured by Hitachi
Software Engineering Co., Ltd.), to thereby determine nucleotide
sequences specific to the fungi belonging to the genus Hamigera.
Based on the specific nucleotide sequence, primers consisting of
oligonucleotides represented by the nucleotide sequences set forth
in SEQ ID NOS: 51 to 56 were designed, and the primers were
synthesized by E Genome order (FUJITSU SYSTEM SOLUTIONS LIMITED)
(SEQ ID NOS: 51 and 52; 5 pmol scale, SEQ ID NOS: 53 and 54; 40
pmol scale, SEQ ID NOS: 55 and 56: 20 pmol scale; all of the
primers are column-purified products) and purchased.
(2) Preparation of Samples
[0572] As the fungi belonging to the genus Hamigera, Hamigera
avellanea shown in Table 17 were used. To confirm the specificity
of the primers consisting of oligonucleotides represented by the
nucleotide sequences of SEQ ID NOS: 51 to 56 to the .beta.-tubulin
genes of the fungi belonging to the genus Hamigera, the other fungi
shown in Table 17 were also used. These fungi were stored in
Medical Mycology Research Center (MMRC), Chiba University, and the
fungi deposited based on IFM numbers or the like were obtained and
used.
[0573] The respective fungi were cultured under optimum conditions.
The culture was performed using a potato dextrose medium (trade
name: Pearlcore potato dextrose agar medium, manufactured by Eiken
Chemical Co., Ltd.) under culture conditions of 25.degree. C. for 7
days.
TABLE-US-00033 TABLE 17 Sample No. Species Strain No. (IFM) 1
Hamigera avellanea 42323 2 Hamigera avellanea 52241 3 Hamigera
avellanea 52957 4 Byssochlamys fulva 51213 5 Byssochlamys nivea
51245 6 Paecilomyces variotii 40913 7 Paecilomyces variotii 40915 8
DW (Negative Control) --
(3) Preparation of Genomic DNA
[0574] Genomic DNA solutions were prepared from the collected fungi
using a genomic DNA preparation kit (PrepMan ultra (trade name)
manufactured by Applied Biosystems). Specifically, several colonies
were collected from each medium, and the fungus was suspended in
200 .mu.L of a reagent supplied with the kit and dissolved by a
heat treatment at 100.degree. C. for 10 minutes. Centrifugation was
performed at 14,800 rpm for 5 minutes, and the supernatant was
collected. The concentration of the resultant genomic DNA solution
was adjusted to 50 ng/.mu.L. The genomic DNA solution was used as a
template DNA in the following LAMP reaction.
(4) Preparation of Reaction Solution for LAMP Reaction
[0575] 12.5 .mu.L of 2.times. Reaction Mix (Tris-HCl (pH 8.8) 40
mM, KCl 20 mM, MgSO.sub.4 16 mM, (NH.sub.4).sub.2SO.sub.4 20 mM,
0.2% Tween20, Betaine 1.6 M, dNTPs 2.8 mM: Eiken Chemical Co.,
Ltd.; Loopamp DNA amplification reagent kit), 1 .mu.L of the primer
consisting of the oligonucleotide represented by the nucleotide
sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 51 (LH2F3 primer: 5 pmol/.mu.L), 1
.mu.L of the primer consisting of the oligonucleotide represented
by the nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 52 (LH2B3
primer: 5 pmol/.mu.L), 1 .mu.L of the primer consisting of the
oligonucleotide represented by the nucleotide sequence set forth in
SEQ ID NO: 53 (LH2FIP primer: 40 pmol/.mu.L), 1 .mu.L of the primer
consisting of the oligonucleotide represented by the nucleotide
sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 54 (LH2BIP primer: 40 pmol/.mu.L),
1 .mu.L of the primer consisting of the oligonucleotide represented
by the nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 55 (LH2LF loop
primer: 20 pmol/.mu.L), 1 .mu.L of the primer consisting of the
oligonucleotide represented by the nucleotide sequence set forth in
SEQ ID NO: 56 (LH2LB loop primer: 20 pmol/.mu.L), 1 .mu.L of Bst
DNA Polymerase (8 U/25 .mu.L, manufactured by Eiken Chemical Co.,
Ltd.) and 1 .mu.L of the template DNA prepared above were mixed,
and distilled water was added thereto, to thereby prepare a total
of 25 .mu.L of a reaction solution.
(5) LAMP Reaction
[0576] The reaction solution prepared above was subjected to a DNA
amplification reaction at 63.+-.2.degree. C. for 60 minutes using a
real-time turbidity measuring apparatus Loopamp RT-160C
(manufactured by Eiken Chemical Co., Ltd.). Simultaneously, the
turbidity of the reaction solution was measured (wavelength: 400
nm).
(6) Confirmation of DNA Amplification
[0577] Amplification of DNA was confirmed by an increase in
turbidity of the reaction solution. The measurement results of the
turbidity of the reaction solutions are shown in FIG. 37.
[0578] As a result, the turbidity increases (i.e. the DNA synthesis
and amplification reactions) were observed from about 25 minutes
after the initiation of the reaction only in the systems where the
genomic DNAs of the fungi belonging to the genus Hamigera (Hamigera
avellanea) were used as templates.
[0579] On the other hand, in the systems where the genomic DNAs of
the fungi other than the fungi belonging to the genus Hamigera were
used, the turbidity increases in the reaction solutions were not
observed for 100 minutes after the initiation of the reaction. It
should be noted that, in the systems including genomic DNAs of the
fungi other than the genus Hamigera, the turbidity increases in the
reaction solutions were observed from about 110 minutes after the
start of the reaction. This is caused by amplification by reactions
of the primers or annealing of a small amount of primers to
sequences other than the target sequences due to a longer reaction
time.
[0580] As is apparent from the above results, according to the
present invention, it is possible to detect the fungi belonging to
the genus Hamigera easily, rapidly, and specifically.
Example 5: Detection Aspergillus fumigatus (Discrimination
Aspergillus fumigatus from the Fungi Belonging to the Genus
Neosartorya)
(1) Design and Synthesis of Primers
[0581] Nucleotide sequence information of the .beta.-tubulin genes
of a variety of fungi (Aspergillus fumigatus, Neosartorya fischeri,
and Neosartorya spinosa) was determined by a sequencing method.
Based on the sequence information, alignment analyses were
performed using DNA analysis software (product name: DNAsis pro,
manufactured by Hitachi Software Engineering Co., Ltd.), to thereby
determine nucleotide sequences specific to Aspergillus fumigatus.
Based on the specified nucleotide sequence, primers consisting of
oligonucleotides represented by the nucleotide sequences set forth
in SEQ ID NOS: 46 to 50 were designed, and the primers were
synthesized by E Genome order (FUJITSU SYSTEM SOLUTIONS LIMITED)
(SEQ ID NOS: 46 and 47; 5 pmol scale, SEQ ID NOS: 48 and 49; 40
pmol scale, SEQ ID NO: 50: 20 pmol scale; all of the primers are
column-purified products) and purchased.
(2) Preparation of Samples
[0582] The fungi belonging to the genus Neosartorya and Aspergillus
fumigatus shown in Table 18 were used. These fungi were stored in
Medical Mycology Research Center (MMRC), Chiba University, and the
fungi deposited based on IFM numbers or the like were obtained and
used.
[0583] The respective fungi were cultured under optimum conditions.
The culture was performed using a potato dextrose medium (trade
name: Pearlcore potato dextrose agar medium, manufactured by Eiken
Chemical Co., Ltd.) under culture conditions of 25.degree. C. for 7
days.
TABLE-US-00034 TABLE 18 Sample No. Species Strain No. 1 Aspergillus
fumigatus A209 2 Aspergillus fumigatus A213 3 Aspergillus fumigatus
A215 4 Neosartorya ficheri IFM46945 5 Neosartorya ficheri IFM46946
6 Neosartorya spinosa IFM46967 7 Neosartorya spinosa IFM46968 8 DW
(Negative Control) --
(3) Preparation of Genomic DNA
[0584] Genomic DNA solutions were prepared from the collected fungi
using a genomic DNA preparation kit (PrepMan ultra (trade name)
manufactured by Applied Biosystems). Specifically, several colonies
were collected from each medium, and the fungus was suspended in
200 .mu.L of a reagent supplied with the kit and dissolved by a
heat treatment at 100.degree. C. for 10 minutes. Centrifugation was
performed at 14,800 rpm for 5 minutes, and the supernatant was
collected. The concentration of the resultant genomic DNA solution
was adjusted to 50 ng/.mu.L. The genomic DNA solution was used as a
template DNA in the following LAMP reaction.
(4) Preparation of Reaction Solution for LAMP Reaction
[0585] 12.5 .mu.L of 2.times. Reaction Mix (Tris-HCl (pH 8.8) 40
mM, KCl 20 mM, MgSO.sub.4 16 mM, (NH.sub.4).sub.2SO.sub.4 20 mM,
0.2% Tween20, Betaine 1.6 M, dNTPs 2.8 mM: Eiken Chemical Co.,
Ltd.; Loopamp DNA amplification reagent kit), 1 .mu.L of the primer
consisting of the oligonucleotide represented by the nucleotide
sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 46 (LAf2F3 primer: 5 pmol/.mu.L),
1 .mu.L of the primer consisting of the oligonucleotide represented
by the nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 47 (LAf2B3
primer: 5 pmol/.mu.L), 1 .mu.L of the primer consisting of the
oligonucleotide represented by the nucleotide sequence set forth in
SEQ ID NO: 48 (LAf2FIP primer: 40 pmol/.mu.L), 1 .mu.L of the
primer consisting of the oligonucleotide represented by the
nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 49 (LAf2BIP primer: 40
pmol/.mu.L), 1 .mu.L of the primer consisting of the
oligonucleotide represented by the nucleotide sequence set forth in
SEQ ID NO: 50 (LAf2LB loop primer: 20 pmol/.mu.L), 1 .mu.L of Bst
DNA Polymerase (8 U/25 .mu.L, manufactured by Eiken Chemical Co.,
Ltd.) and 1 .mu.L of the template DNA prepared above were mixed,
and distilled water was added thereto, to thereby prepare a total
of 25 .mu.L of a reaction solution.
(5) LAMP Reaction
[0586] The reaction solution prepared above was subjected to a DNA
amplification reaction at 63.+-.2.degree. C. for 60 minutes using a
real-time turbidity measuring apparatus Loopamp RT-160C
(manufactured by Eiken Chemical Co., Ltd.). Simultaneously, the
turbidity of the reaction solution was measured (wavelength: 400
nm).
(6) Confirmation of DNA Amplification
[0587] Amplification of DNA was confirmed by an increase in
turbidity of the reaction solution. The measurement results of the
turbidity of the reaction solutions are shown in FIG. 38.
[0588] As a result, the turbidity increases (i.e. the DNA synthesis
and amplification reactions) were observed from about 45 minutes
after the initiation of the reaction only in the systems where the
genomic DNAs of Aspergillus fumigatus were used as templates.
[0589] On the other hand, in the systems where the genomic DNAs of
the fungi belonging to the genus Neosartorya were used, the
turbidity increases in the reaction solutions were not observed for
90 minutes after the initiation of the reaction. It should be noted
that, in the systems including genomic DNAs of the fungi belonging
to the genus Neosartorya, the turbidity increases in the reaction
solutions were observed from about 100 minutes after the start of
the reaction. This is caused by amplification by reactions of the
primers or annealing of a small amount of primers to sequences
other than the target sequences due to a longer reaction time.
[0590] As is apparent from the above results, according to the
present invention, it is possible to detect Aspergillus fumigatus
easily, rapidly, and specifically.
[0591] In addition, it is possible to discrimination the fungi
belonging to the genus Neosartorya from Aspergillus fumigatus by
utilizing the method of detecting Aspergillus fumigatus shown in
the present Example and the method of using primers consisting of
oligonucleotides represented by the nucleotide sequences set forth
in SEQ ID NOS: 40 to 45 shown in Example 3.
Example 6: Detection of Talaromyces flavus
(1) Design and Synthesis of Primers
[0592] Nucleotide sequence information of the .beta.-tubulin genes
of a variety of fungi (Paecilomyces variotii, Hamigera avellanea,
Talaromyces flavus, Talaromyces luteus, Talaromyces trachyspermus,
Byssochlamys nivea, Byssochlamys fulva, and Neosartorya fischeri)
was determined by a sequencing method. Based on the sequence
information, alignment analyses were performed using DNA analysis
software (product name: DNAsis pro, manufactured by Hitachi
Software Engineering Co., Ltd.), to thereby determine nucleotide
sequences specific to Talaromyces flavus. Based on the specified
nucleotide sequence, primers consisting of oligonucleotides
represented by the nucleotide sequences set forth in SEQ ID NOS: 57
to 61 were designed, and the primers were synthesized by E Genome
order (FUJITSU SYSTEM SOLUTIONS LIMITED) (SEQ ID NOS: 57 and 58; 5
pmol scale, SEQ ID NOS: 59 and 60; 40 pmol scale, SEQ ID NO: 61:20
pmol scale; all of the primers are column-purified products) and
purchased.
(2) Preparation of Samples
[0593] Talaromyces flavus shown in Table 19 were used. To confirm
the specificity of the primers consisting of oligonucleotides
represented by the nucleotide sequences of SEQ ID NOS: 57 to 61 to
the .beta.-tubulin genes of Talaromyces flavus, the other fungi
shown in Table 19 were used. These fungi were stored in Medical
Mycology Research Center (MMRC), Chiba University, and the fungi
deposited based on IFM numbers or the like were obtained and
used.
[0594] The respective fungi were cultured under optimum conditions.
The culture was performed using a potato dextrose medium (trade
name: Pearlcore potato dextrose agar medium, manufactured by Eiken
Chemical Co., Ltd.) under culture conditions of 25.degree. C. for 7
days.
TABLE-US-00035 TABLE 19 Sample No. Species Strain No. (IFM) 1
Talaromyces flavus 42243 2 Talaromyces flavus 52233 3 Talaromyces
luteus 53242 4 Talaromyces luteus 53241 5 Talaromyces trachyspermus
42247 6 Talaromyces trachyspermus 52252 7 Talaromyces wortmannii
52255 8 Talaromyces wortmannii 52262 9 Byssochlamys fulva 48421 10
Byssochlamys fluva 51213 11 Byssochlamys nivea 51244 12
Byssochlamys nivea 51245 13 Hamigera avellanea 42323 14 Hamigera
avellanea 52241 15 Paecilomyces variotii 40913 16 Paecilomyces
variotii 40915
(3) Preparation of Genomic DNA
[0595] Genomic DNA solutions were prepared from the collected fungi
using a genomic DNA preparation kit (PrepMan ultra (trade name)
manufactured by Applied Biosystems). Specifically, several colonies
were collected from each medium, and the fungus was suspended in
200 .mu.L of a reagent supplied with the kit and dissolved by a
heat treatment at 100.degree. C. for 10 minutes. Centrifugation was
performed at 14,800 rpm for 5 minutes, and the supernatant was
collected. The concentration of the resultant genomic DNA solution
was adjusted to 50 ng/.mu.L. The genomic DNA solution was used as a
template DNA in the following LAMP reaction.
(4) Preparation of Reaction Solution for LAMP Reaction
[0596] 12.5 .mu.L of 2.times. Reaction Mix (Tris-HCl (pH 8.8) 40
mM, KCl 20 mM, MgSO.sub.4 16 mM, (NH.sub.4).sub.2SO.sub.4 20 mM,
0.2% Tween20, Betaine 1.6 M, dNTPs 2.8 mM: Eiken Chemical Co.,
Ltd.; Loopamp DNA amplification reagent kit), 1 .mu.L of the primer
consisting of the oligonucleotide represented by the nucleotide
sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 57 (LTf2F3 primer: 5 pmol/.mu.L),
1 .mu.L of the primer consisting of the oligonucleotide represented
by the nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 58 (LTf2B3
primer: 5 pmol/.mu.L), 1 .mu.L of the primer consisting of the
oligonucleotide represented by the nucleotide sequence set forth in
SEQ ID NO: 59 (LTf2FIP primer: 40 pmol/.mu.L), 1 .mu.L of the
primer consisting of the oligonucleotide represented by the
nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 60 (LTf2BIP primer: 40
pmol/.mu.L), 1 .mu.L of the primer consisting of the
oligonucleotide represented by the nucleotide sequence set forth in
SEQ ID NO: 61 (LTf2LB loop primer: 20 pmol/.mu.L), 1 .mu.L of Bst
DNA Polymerase (8 U/25 .mu.L, manufactured by Eiken Chemical Co.,
Ltd.) and 1 .mu.L of the template DNA prepared above were mixed,
and distilled water was added thereto, to thereby prepare a total
of 25 .mu.L of a reaction solution.
(5) LAMP Reaction
[0597] The reaction solution prepared above was subjected to a DNA
amplification reaction at 63.+-.2.degree. C. for 60 minutes using a
real-time turbidity measuring apparatus Loopamp RT-160C
(manufactured by Eiken Chemical Co., Ltd.). Simultaneously, the
turbidity of the reaction solution was measured (wavelength: 400
nm).
(6) Confirmation of DNA Amplification
[0598] Amplification of DNA was confirmed by an increase in
turbidity of the reaction solution. The measurement results of the
turbidity of the reaction solutions are shown in FIG. 39(a) and
FIG. 39(b). Note that, FIG. 39(a) shows the results of samples Nos.
1 to 8 in Table 19, and FIG. 39(b) shows the results of samples
Nos. 9 to 16 in Table 19.
[0599] As a result, the turbidity increases (i.e. the DNA synthesis
and amplification reactions) were observed from about 30 minutes
after the initiation of the reaction only in the systems where the
genomic DNAs of Talaromyces flavus were used as templates.
[0600] On the other hand, in the systems where the genomic DNAs of
the fungi other than Talaromyces flavus were used, the turbidity
increases in the reaction solutions were not observed for 70
minutes after the initiation of the reaction. It should be noted
that, in the systems including genomic DNAs of the fungi other than
Talaromyces flavus, increases in the turbidity of the reaction
solutions were observed from about 80 minutes after the start of
the reaction. This is caused by amplification by reactions of the
primers or annealing of a small amount of primers to sequences
other than the target sequences due to a longer reaction time.
[0601] As is apparent from the above results, according to the
method of the present invention, it is possible to easily and
rapidly detect Talaromyces flavus by measuring the turbidity in a
reaction solution for a period from the start of the reaction to
the time point of about 60 minutes, at which the turbidity
significantly increases by DNA amplification of only Talaromyces
flavus.
Example 7: Detection of Talaromyces wortmannii
(1) Design and Synthesis of Primers
[0602] Nucleotide sequence information of the .beta.-tubulin genes
of a variety of fungi (Talaromyces wortmannii, Paecilomyces
variotii, Hamigera avellanea, Talaromyces flavus, Talaromyces
luteus, Talaromyces trachyspermus, Byssochlamys nivea, Byssochlamys
fulva, and Neosartorya fischeri) was determined by a sequencing
method. Based on the sequence information, alignment analyses were
performed using DNA analysis software (product name: DNAsis pro,
manufactured by Hitachi Software Engineering Co., Ltd.), to thereby
determine nucleotide sequences specific to Talaromyces wortmannii.
Based on the specified nucleotide sequence regions, primers
consisting of oligonucleotides represented by the nucleotide
sequences set forth in SEQ ID NOS: 62 to 67 were designed, and the
primers were synthesized by E Genome order (FUJITSU SYSTEM
SOLUTIONS LIMITED) (SEQ ID NOS: 62 and 63; 5 pmol scale, SEQ ID
NOS: 64 and 65; 40 pmol scale, SEQ ID NOS: 66 and 67: 20 pmol
scale; all of the primers are column-purified products) and
purchased.
(2) Preparation of Samples
[0603] Talaromyces wortmannii shown in Table 20 were used. To
confirm the specificity of the primers consisting of
oligonucleotides represented by the nucleotide sequences of SEQ ID
NOS: 62 to 67 to the .beta.-tubulin genes of Talaromyces
wortmannii, the other fungi shown in Table 20 were used. These
fungi were stored in Medical Mycology Research Center (MMRC), Chiba
University, and the fungi deposited based on IFM numbers or the
like were obtained and used.
[0604] The respective fungi were cultured under optimum conditions.
The culture was performed using a potato dextrose medium (trade
name: Pearlcore potato dextrose agar medium, manufactured by Eiken
Chemical Co., Ltd.) under culture conditions of 25.degree. C. for 7
days.
TABLE-US-00036 TABLE 20 Sample No. Species Strain No. (IFM) 1
Talaromyces wortmannii 52255 2 Talaromyces wortmannii 52262 3
Talaromyces flavus 42243 4 Talaromyces luteus 53241 5 Talaromyces
trachyspermus 42247 6 Byssochlamys fulva 48421 7 Byssochlamys nivea
51244 8 Hamigera avellanea 42323
(3) Preparation of Genomic DNA
[0605] Genomic DNA solutions were prepared from the collected fungi
using a genomic DNA preparation kit (PrepMan ultra (trade name)
manufactured by Applied Biosystems). Specifically, several colonies
were collected from each medium, and the fungus was suspended in
200 .mu.L of a reagent supplied with the kit and dissolved by a
heat treatment at 100.degree. C. for 10 minutes. Centrifugation was
performed at 14,800 rpm for 5 minutes, and the supernatant was
collected. The concentration of the resultant genomic DNA solution
was adjusted to 50 ng/.mu.L. The genomic DNA solution was used as a
template DNA in the following LAMP reaction.
(4) Preparation of Reaction Solution for LAMP Reaction
[0606] 12.5 .mu.L of 2.times. Reaction Mix (Tris-HCl (pH 8.8) 40
mM, KCl 20 mM, MgSO.sub.4 16 mM, (NH.sub.4).sub.2SO.sub.4 20 mM,
0.2% Tween20, Betaine 1.6 M, dNTPs 2.8 mM: Eiken Chemical Co.,
Ltd.; Loopamp DNA amplification reagent kit), 1 .mu.L of the primer
consisting of the oligonucleotide represented by the nucleotide
sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 62 (LTw4F3 primer: 5 pmol/.mu.L),
1 .mu.L of the primer consisting of the oligonucleotide represented
by the nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 63 (LTw3B3
primer: 5 pmol/.mu.L), 1 .mu.L of the primer consisting of the
oligonucleotide represented by the nucleotide sequence set forth in
SEQ ID NO: 64 (LTw4FIP primer: 40 pmol/.mu.L), 1 .mu.L of the
primer consisting of the oligonucleotide represented by the
nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 65 (LTw3BIP primer: 40
pmol/.mu.L), 1 .mu.L of the primer consisting of the
oligonucleotide represented by the nucleotide sequence set forth in
SEQ ID NO: 66 (LTw4LF loop primer: 20 pmol/.mu.L), 1 .mu.L of the
primer consisting of the oligonucleotide represented by the
nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 67 (LTw3LB loop primer:
20 pmol/.mu.L), 1 .mu.L of Bst DNA Polymerase (8 U/25 .mu.L,
manufactured by Eiken Chemical Co., Ltd.) and 1 .mu.L of the
template DNA prepared above were mixed, and distilled water was
added thereto, to thereby prepare a total of 25 .mu.L of a reaction
solution.
(5) LAMP Reaction
[0607] The reaction solution prepared above was subjected to a DNA
amplification reaction at 63.+-.2.degree. C. for 60 minutes using a
real-time turbidity measuring apparatus Loopamp RT-160C
(manufactured by Eiken Chemical Co., Ltd.). Simultaneously, the
turbidity of the reaction solution was measured (wavelength: 400
nm).
(6) Confirmation of DNA Amplification
[0608] Amplification of DNA was confirmed by an increase in
turbidity of the reaction solution. The measurement results of the
turbidity of the reaction solutions are shown in FIG. 40.
[0609] As a result, the turbidity increases (i.e. the DNA synthesis
and amplification reactions) were observed from about 20 minutes
after the initiation of the reaction only in the systems where the
genomic DNAs of Talaromyces wortmannii were used as templates.
[0610] On the other hand, in the systems where the genomic DNAs of
the fungi other than Talaromyces wortmannii were used, the
turbidity increases in the reaction solutions were not observed for
40 minutes after the initiation of the reaction. It should be noted
that, in the systems including genomic DNAs of the fungi other than
Talaromyces wortmannii, increases in the turbidity of the reaction
solutions were observed from about 50 minutes after the start of
the reaction. This is caused by amplification by reactions of the
primers or annealing of a small amount of primers to sequences
other than the target sequences due to a longer reaction time.
[0611] As is apparent from the above results, according to the
present invention, it is possible to detect Talaromyces wortmannii
easily, rapidly, and specifically.
Example 8: Detection of Talaromyces luteus
(1) Design and Synthesis of Primers
[0612] Nucleotide sequence information of the .beta.-tubulin genes
of a variety of fungi (Talaromyces luteus, Paecilomyces variotii,
Hamigera avellanea, Talaromyces flavus, Talaromyces wortmannii,
Talaromyces trachyspermus, Byssochlamys nivea, Byssochlamys fulva,
and Neosartorya fischeri) was determined by a sequencing method.
Based on the sequence information, alignment analyses were
performed using DNA analysis software (product name: DNAsis pro,
manufactured by Hitachi Software Engineering Co., Ltd.), to thereby
determine nucleotide sequences specific to Talaromyces luteus.
Based on the specified nucleotide sequence, primers consisting of
oligonucleotides represented by the nucleotide sequences set forth
in SEQ ID NOS: 68 to 72 were designed, and the primers were
synthesized by E Genome order (FUJITSU SYSTEM SOLUTIONS LIMITED)
(SEQ ID NOS: 68 and 69; 5 pmol scale, SEQ ID NOS: 70 and 71; 40
pmol scale, SEQ ID NO: 72: 20 pmol scale; all of the primers are
column-purified products) and purchased.
(2) Preparation of Samples
[0613] Talaromyces luteus shown in Table 21 were used. To confirm
the specificity of the primers consisting of oligonucleotides
represented by the nucleotide sequences of SEQ ID NOS: 68 to 72 to
the .beta.-tubulin genes of Talaromyces luteus, the other fungi
shown in Table 21 were used. These fungi were stored in Medical
Mycology Research Center (MMRC), Chiba University, and the fungi
deposited based on IFM numbers or the like were obtained and
used.
[0614] The respective fungi were cultured under optimum conditions.
The culture was performed using a potato dextrose medium (trade
name: Pearlcore potato dextrose agar medium, manufactured by Eiken
Chemical Co., Ltd.) under culture conditions of 25.degree. C. for 7
days.
TABLE-US-00037 TABLE 21 Sample No. Species Strain No. (IFM) 1
Talaromyces luteus 53242 2 Talaromyces luteus 53241 3 Talaromyces
flavus 42243 4 Talaromyces trachyspermus 42247 5 Talaromyces
wortmannii 52262 6 Byssochlamys fulva 48421 7 Neosartorya ficheri
46945 8 Neosartorya spinosa 46967 9 Neosartorya glabra 46949 10
Neosartorya hiratsukae 47036 11 Alternaria alternata 41348 12
Aureobasidium pullulans 41409 13 Chaetomium globosum 40869 14
Fusarium oxysporium 50002 15 Trichoderma viride 40938 16
Cladosporium cladosporioides 41450
(3) Preparation of Genomic DNA
[0615] Genomic DNA solutions were prepared from the collected fungi
using a genomic DNA preparation kit (PrepMan ultra (trade name)
manufactured by Applied Biosystems). Specifically, several colonies
were collected from each medium, and the fungus was suspended in
200 .mu.L of a reagent supplied with the kit and dissolved by a
heat treatment at 100.degree. C. for 10 minutes. Centrifugation was
performed at 14,800 rpm for 5 minutes, and the supernatant was
collected. The concentration of the resultant genomic DNA solution
was adjusted to 50 ng/.mu.L. The genomic DNA solution was used as a
template DNA in the following LAMP reaction.
[0616] (4) Preparation of reaction solution for LAMP reaction 12.5
.mu.L of 2.times. Reaction Mix (Tris-HCl (pH 8.8) 40 mM, KCl 20 mM,
MgSO.sub.4 16 mM, (NH.sub.4).sub.2SO.sub.4 20 mM, 0.2% Tween20,
Betaine 1.6 M, dNTPs 2.8 mM: Eiken Chemical Co., Ltd.; Loopamp DNA
amplification reagent kit), 1 .mu.L of the primer consisting of the
oligonucleotide represented by the nucleotide sequence set forth in
SEQ ID NO: 68 (LTI1F3 primer: 5 pmol/.mu.L), 1 .mu.L of the primer
consisting of the oligonucleotide represented by the nucleotide
sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 69 (LTI1B3 primer: 5 pmol/.mu.L),
1 .mu.L of the primer consisting of the oligonucleotide represented
by the nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 70 (LTI1FIP
primer: 40 pmol/.mu.L), 1 .mu.L of the primer consisting of the
oligonucleotide represented by the nucleotide sequence set forth in
SEQ ID NO: 71 (LTI1BIP primer: 40 pmol/.mu.L), 1 .mu.L of the
primer consisting of the oligonucleotide represented by the
nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 72 (LTI1LF loop primer:
20 pmol/.mu.L), 1 .mu.L of Bst DNA Polymerase (8 U/25 .mu.L,
manufactured by Eiken Chemical Co., Ltd.) and 1 .mu.L of the
template DNA prepared above were mixed, and distilled water was
added thereto, to thereby prepare a total of 25 .mu.L of a reaction
solution.
(5) LAMP Reaction
[0617] The reaction solution prepared above was subjected to a DNA
amplification reaction at 63.+-.2.degree. C. for 60 minutes using a
real-time turbidity measuring apparatus Loopamp RT-160C
(manufactured by Eiken Chemical Co., Ltd.). Simultaneously, the
turbidity of the reaction solution was measured (wavelength: 400
nm).
(6) Confirmation of DNA Amplification
[0618] Amplification of DNA was confirmed by an increase in
turbidity of the reaction solution. The measurement results of the
turbidity of the reaction solutions are shown in FIG. 41(a) and
FIG. 41(b). Note that, FIG. 41(a) shows the results of samples Nos.
1 to 8 in Table 21, and FIG. 41(b) shows the results of samples
Nos. 9 to 16 in Table 21.
[0619] As a result, the sudden turbidity increases (i.e. the DNA
synthesis and amplification reactions) were observed from about 25
minutes after the initiation of the reaction only in the systems
where the genomic DNAs of Talaromyces luteus were used as
templates.
[0620] On the other hand, in the systems where the genomic DNAs of
the fungi other than Talaromyces luteus were used, the turbidity
increases in the reaction solutions were not observed for 80
minutes after the initiation of the reaction. It should be noted
that, in the systems including genomic DNAs of the fungi other than
Talaromyces luteus, increases in the turbidity of the reaction
solutions were observed from about 90 minutes after the start of
the reaction. This is caused by amplification by reactions of the
primers or annealing of a small amount of primers to sequences
other than the target sequences due to a longer reaction time.
Although a gradual increase in the turbidity was observed from 10
minutes after the start of the reaction in the sample number 8, the
increase is considered to be caused not by amplification of the
gene corresponding to the nucleotide sequence specific to the
genomic DNA but by gradual gene amplification by a reaction of the
primers. The gradual gene amplification reaction can be clearly
differentiated from the conventional LAMP reaction, because the
measurement results between the both reactions are clearly
different. That is, the LAMP reaction shows the results obtained by
amplification caused by annealing of primers, while the gradual
gene amplification shows the results having no peak of the
turbidity increase.
[0621] As is apparent from the above results, according to the
present invention, it is possible to identify Talaromyces luteus
easily, rapidly, and specifically.
Example 9: Detection of Talaromyces flavus and Talaromyces
trachyspermus
(1) Design and Synthesis of Primers
[0622] Nucleotide sequence information of the ITS region and D1/D2
region of 28S rDNA of a variety of fungi (Talaromyces flavus,
Talaromyces trachyspermus, Paecilomyces variotii, Hamigera
avellanea, Talaromyces wortmannii, Byssochlamys nivea, Byssochlamys
fulva, and Neosartorya fischeri) was determined by a sequencing
method. Based on the sequence information, alignment analyses were
performed using DNA analysis software (product name: DNAsis pro,
manufactured by Hitachi Software Engineering Co., Ltd.), to thereby
determine nucleotide sequences specific to Talaromyces flavus and
Talaromyces trachyspermus. Based on the specified nucleotide
sequence, primers consisting of oligonucleotides represented by the
nucleotide sequences set forth in SEQ ID NOS: 73 to 78 were
designed, and the primers were synthesized by E Genome order
(FUJITSU SYSTEM SOLUTIONS LIMITED) (SEQ ID NOS: 73 and 74; 5 pmol
scale, SEQ ID NOS: 75 and 76; 40 pmol scale, SEQ ID NOS: 77 and 78;
20 pmol scale; all of the primers are column-purified products) and
purchased.
(2) Preparation of Samples
[0623] Talaromyces flavus and Talaromyces trachyspermus shown in
Table 22 were used. To confirm the specificity of the primers
consisting of oligonucleotides represented by the nucleotide
sequences of SEQ ID NOS: 73 to 78 to the ITS region and D1/D2
region of 28S rDNA of the fungi, the other fungi shown in Table 22
were used. These fungi were stored in Medical Mycology Research
Center (MMRC), Chiba University, and the fungi deposited based on
IFM numbers or the like were obtained and used.
[0624] The respective fungi were cultured under optimum conditions.
The culture was performed using a potato dextrose medium (trade
name: Pearlcore potato dextrose agar medium, manufactured by Eiken
Chemical Co., Ltd.) under culture conditions of 25.degree. C. for 7
days.
TABLE-US-00038 TABLE 22 Sample No. Species Strain No. 1 Talaromyces
flavus IFM42243 2 Talaromyces flavus IFM52233 3 Talaromyces flavus
T38 4 Talaromyces luteus IFM53242 5 Talaromyces luteus IFM53241 6
Talaromyces trachyspermus IFM42247 7 Talaromyces trachyspermus
IFM52252 8 Talaromyces wortmannii IFM52262 9 Talaromyces wortmannii
IFM52255 10 Byssochlamys fulva IFM48421 11 Byssochlamys nivea
IFM51245 12 Penicillium griseofulvum IFM54313 13 Penicillium
citirinum IFM54314 14 Hamigera avellanea IFM42323 15 Neosartorya
ficheri IFM46945 16 NC (Negative Control) DW
(3) Preparation of Genomic DNA
[0625] Genomic DNA solutions were prepared from the collected fungi
using a genomic DNA preparation kit (PrepMan ultra (trade name)
manufactured by Applied Biosystems). Specifically, several colonies
were collected from each medium, and the fungus was suspended in
200 .mu.L of a reagent supplied with the kit and dissolved by a
heat treatment at 100.degree. C. for 10 minutes. Centrifugation was
performed at 14,800 rpm for 5 minutes, and the supernatant was
collected. The concentration of the resultant genomic DNA solution
was adjusted to 50 ng/.mu.L. The genomic DNA solution was used as a
template DNA in the following LAMP reaction.
(4) Preparation of Reaction Solution for LAMP Reaction
[0626] 12.5 .mu.L of 2.times. Reaction Mix (Tris-HCl (pH 8.8) 40
mM, KCl 20 mM, MgSO.sub.4 16 mM, (NH.sub.4).sub.2SO.sub.4 20 mM,
0.2% Tween20, Betaine 1.6 M, dNTPs 2.8 mM: Eiken Chemical Co.,
Ltd.; Loopamp DNA amplification reagent kit), 1 .mu.L of the primer
consisting of the oligonucleotide represented by the nucleotide
sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 73 (LT1F3 primer: 5 pmol/.mu.L), 1
.mu.L of the primer consisting of the oligonucleotide represented
by the nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 74 (LT1B3
primer: 5 pmol/.mu.L), 1 .mu.L of the primer consisting of the
oligonucleotide represented by the nucleotide sequence set forth in
SEQ ID NO: 75 (LT1FIP primer: 40 pmol/.mu.L), 1 .mu.L of the primer
consisting of the oligonucleotide represented by the nucleotide
sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 76 (LT1BIP primer: 40 pmol/.mu.L),
1 .mu.L of the primer consisting of the oligonucleotide represented
by the nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 77 (LT1LF
primer: 20 pmol/.mu.L), 1 .mu.L of the primer consisting of the
oligonucleotide represented by the nucleotide sequence set forth in
SEQ ID NO: 78 (LT1LB loop primer: 20 pmol/.mu.L), 1 .mu.L of Bst
DNA Polymerase (8 U/25 .mu.L, manufactured by Eiken Chemical Co.,
Ltd.) and 1 .mu.L of the template DNA prepared above were mixed,
and distilled water was added thereto, to thereby prepare a total
of 25 .mu.L of a reaction solution.
(5) LAMP Reaction
[0627] The reaction solution prepared above was subjected to a DNA
amplification reaction at 63.+-.2.degree. C. for 60 minutes using a
real-time turbidity measuring apparatus Loopamp RT-160C
(manufactured by Eiken Chemical Co., Ltd.). Simultaneously, the
turbidity of the reaction solution was measured (wavelength: 400
nm).
(6) Confirmation of DNA Amplification
[0628] Amplification of DNA was confirmed by an increase in
turbidity of the reaction solution. The measurement results of the
turbidity of the reaction solutions are shown in FIG. 42.
[0629] As a result, the turbidity increases (i.e. the DNA synthesis
and amplification reactions) were observed from about 40 minutes
after the initiation of the reaction only in the systems where the
genomic DNAs of Talaromyces flavus and Talaromyces trachyspermus
were used as templates.
[0630] On the other hand, in the systems where the genomic DNAs of
the fungi other than Talaromyces flavus and Talaromyces
trachyspermus were used, the turbidity increases in the reaction
solutions were not observed for 45 minutes after the initiation of
the reaction. It should be noted that, in the systems including
genomic DNAs of the fungi other than Talaromyces flavus and
Talaromyces trachyspermus, increases in the turbidity of the
reaction solutions were observed from about 50 minutes after the
start of the reaction. This is caused by amplification by reactions
of the primers or annealing of a small amount of primers to
sequences other than the target sequences due to a longer reaction
time.
[0631] As is apparent from the above results, according to the
present invention, it is possible to detect Talaromyces flavus and
Talaromyces trachyspermus easily, rapidly, and specifically.
[0632] As shown in Examples 6 to 9, it is possible to detect the
fungi of the genus Talaromyces at species level according to the
method of the present invention.
[0633] Having described our invention as related to the present
embodiments, it is our intention that the invention not be limited
by any of the details of the description, unless otherwise
specified, but rather be construed broadly within its spirit and
scope as set out in the accompanying claims.
[0634] This non-provisional application claims priority under 35
U.S.C. .sctn. 119 (a) on Patent Application No. 2008-139995 filed
in Japan on May 28, 2008, Patent Application No. 2008-139996 filed
in Japan on May 28, 2008, Patent Application No. 2008-139997 filed
in Japan on May 28, 2008, Patent Application No. 2008-139998 filed
in Japan on May 28, 2008, Patent Application No. 2008-139999 filed
in Japan on May 28, 2008, and Patent Application No. 2008-141499
filed in Japan on May 29, 2008, each of which is entirely herein
incorporated by reference.
SEQUENCE LISTING
P2008-1007WO00.ST25.txt
Sequence CWU 1
1
88120DNAArtificial sequenceSynthesized 1ttgggaccaa acaagagaca
20220DNAArtificial sequenceSynthesized 2tgtgcactta cacaccagca
20320DNAArtificial sequenceSynthesized 3tgctgctttc tggtgagttt
20420DNAArtificial sequenceSynthesized 4ggagatgatt tgcctggaaa
20521DNAArtificial sequenceSynthesized 5tgatggatcc ggcatgtgag t
21622DNAArtificial sequenceSynthesized 6tacttgttgc cgctagccta ta
22720DNAArtificial sequenceSynthesized 7ttgaaaggga agcgttggcc
20819DNAArtificial sequenceSynthesized 8ccccgggcta taaggcacc
19921DNAArtificial sequenceSynthesized 9gttgaaaggg aagcgttgtc c
211021DNAArtificial sequenceSynthesized 10tgatggatcc ggartstgag t
211121DNAArtificial sequenceSynthesized 11cttgttgccg ctagcctata t
211220DNAArtificial sequenceSynthesized 12gtcatgggta tcagctaaca
201320DNAArtificial sequenceSynthesized 13ctttctcaat tgggaggata
201420DNAArtificial sequenceSynthesized 14ggctctggcc agtaagttcg
201520DNAArtificial sequenceSynthesized 15ttgtcaccgt tggcctagta
201620DNAArtificial sequenceSynthesized 16tcaggccagc ggtaacaagt
201720DNAArtificial sequenceSynthesized 17ggaagagctg gccaaaagga
201820DNAArtificial sequenceSynthesized 18gtaaccaaat cggtgctgct
201920DNAArtificial sequenceSynthesized 19aaagcgtggg ttgcacttac
202020DNAArtificial sequenceSynthesized 20ctccggtgtg taagtgcaac
202120DNAArtificial sequenceSynthesized 21gccaggctcg agatcgacca
202222DNAArtificial sequenceSynthesized 22gatgacgggt gattgggatc tc
222323DNAArtificial sequenceSynthesized 23gcgtccgctt cttccttgtt ttc
2324511DNAByssochlamys nivea 24ggtaacccaa atcggtgctg ctttctggta
tgttgggacc aaacaagaga caggaagagc 60ctggatgtct atttggagtg tggaaggctc
gaggtgtgag attgaggatg ctaacaattc 120tacaggcaga ccatctccgg
tgagcacggt ctcgacggtg ctggtgtgta agtgcacacg 180atgttttggc
gtctatgaga tgaggaatcg agagtgactg acgctaattt agctacaatg
240gctcctccga cctccagctg gagcgcatga acgtctactt caacgaggtt
gttgttgact 300tccctgatga tcgcgataag acgctccata tgctgaccct
cctcctaggc tgccggcaag 360aagtatgttc cccgtgccgt cctcgtcgac
cttgagcctg gtaccatgga cgctgtccgt 420gccggtcctt tcggccagca
cttccgccat gacaacttcg tcttcggtca gtccggtgct 480ggtaacaact
gggccaaggg tcactacact g 511251122DNAByssochlamys fulva 25gtggcccaac
ctcccacccg tgttgaccga cacctgttgc ttcggcgggc ccgccagggc 60tcccgcccgg
ccgccggggg gccccgtcgc ccccgggccc gcgcccgccg aagacccctc
120gaacgctgcc tcgaaggttg ccgtctgagt atgaaatcaa tcgttaaaac
tttcaacaac 180ggatctcttg gttccggcat cgatgaagaa cgcagcgaaa
tgcgataagt aatgtgaatt 240gcagaattcc gtgaatcatc gaatctttga
acgcacattg cgccccctgg cattccgggg 300ggcatgcctg tccgagcgtc
attgctaacc ctccagcccg gctggtgtgt tgggccgccg 360tcccctccgg
gggacgggcc cgaaaggcag cggcggcgcc gcgtccggtc ctcgagcgta
420tggggctttg tcacgcgctc tggtaggccc ggccggcttg ctggccaacg
acctcacggt 480cacctaactt ctctcttagg ttgacctcgg atcaggtagg
gatacccgct gaacttaagc 540atatcaataa gcggaggaaa agaaaccaac
agggattgcc ccagtaacgg cgagtgaagc 600ggcaagagct caaatttgaa
atctggcccc tccggggtcc gagttgtaat ttgcagagga 660tgcttcgggt
gcggtcccca tctaagtgcc ctggaacggg ccgtcataga gggtgagaat
720cccgtctggg atgggcggcc gtgcccgtgt gaagctcctt cgacgagtcg
agttgtttgg 780gaatgcagct ctaaatgggt ggtaaatttc atctaaagct
aaatattggc cggagaccga 840tagcgcacaa gtagagtgat cgaaagatga
aaagaacttt gaaaagagag ttaaacagca 900cgtgaaattg ttgaaaggga
agcgcttgcg accagactcg cccgcggggg ttcagccggt 960actcgtaccg
gtgtactccc ccgggggcgg gccagcgtcg gtttgggcgg ccggtcaaag
1020gcccccggaa tgtgtcgcct ctcggggcgt cttatagccg ggggtgcaat
gcggccagcc 1080tggaccgagg aacgcgcttc ggcacggacg ctggcgtaat gg
112226457DNATalaromyces flavus 26ggtaaccaaa tcggtgctgc tttctggtga
gtttgactct cgaccgaaac tctcaattgt 60cgcgacaaca cgctgacttt tccaggcaaa
tcatctccgc tgagcacggt ctggacggct 120ccggtgtgta agtattacac
gattcaaatc cagattacga tccaacaata tctgataatc 180aacagctaca
atggctcctc cgacctccag ttggagcgta tgaacgttta cttcaacgag
240gtgcgtcaaa ccactccacc taataaacgg aagacaaact catgatcgat
ataggcttcc 300ggcaacaaat atgtccctcg tgctgtcctc gtcgacttgg
agcccggtac catggacgcc 360gtccgcgctg gtccctttgg tcagctcttc
cgtcccgaca actttgtttt cggtcagtcc 420ggtgctggta acaactgggc
caagggtcac tacactg 45727471DNATalaromyces luteus 27ggtaaccaaa
tcggtgctgc gtcctggtaa gctattgatg aacctgggaa cggtacaaaa 60tcaacatatc
agaagaaata tttactgaca tagattgtct tctaggcaaa ctatctccgg
120cgagcacggt cttgatggat ccggcatgtg agtgaggtag ctcgacactc
gacgaatcac 180cactgatggg aaaatagtta caatggctct tccgacctcc
agttagagcg gatgaacgtc 240tatttcaacg aggtccgtca attgtgaatc
attaccgacc gacagcacga attcttacgg 300tcatataggc tagcggcaac
aagtacgtcc ctcgtgccgt cctcatcgat ctggagcccg 360gtactatgga
tgctgtccgt gctggtcctt tcggtcagct cttccgtccc gacaacttcg
420tcttcggcca gtccggtgcc ggtaacaact gggccaaggg tcactacact g
47128549DNATalaromyces wortmannii 28aacggcgagt gaagcggcaa
gagctcaaat ttgaaatctg gctccttcgg ggcccgagtt 60gtaatttgga gaggatgctt
cgggcgtggc ccctatctaa gtgccctgga acgggccgtc 120atagagggtg
agaatcccgt ctgggatagg tggtcccgcc cgtgtgaagc tccttcgaag
180agtcgagttg tttgggaatg cagctctaag agggtggtaa atttcatcta
aagctaaata 240ttggccggag accgatagcg cacaagtaga gtgatcgaaa
gatgaaaagc actttgaaaa 300gagagttaaa cagcacgtga aattgttgaa
agggaagcat tggcaaccag acttgcttgg 360ggaggctcag ccggcacgtg
tgccggtgca ctcctccccg gcaggccagc gtcggtttgg 420gcggtcggtc
aaaggccctg ggaatgtagc actcttcggg gtgccttata gcccggggtg
480ccatgcgacc tgcccggacc gaggaacgcg cttcggctcg gacgctggcg
taatggttgt 540caatggccc 54929634DNATalaromyces wortmannii
29ttaatacgac tcactatagg gcgaattggg cccgacgtcg catgctcccg gccgccatgg
60cggccgcggg aattcgattg gtaaccaaat cggtgctgct ttctggtgag ttgcggataa
120acaatggcac aaaaaaacat tcgttaacgt tgtacaggca aactatctct
ggcgagcacg 180gcctcgatgg ctccggaatg tgagttatag tgattttcaa
aatttcgaca tcccaccctg 240atcatttcca gttacaatgg cacctccgac
ctccagttgg agcgtatgaa cgtctacttc 300aacgaggtgc gtggaatctg
ccccgcgaca ttcggaaata tactcatatc gtataggcta 360gcggcaacaa
gtacgtcccc cgtgccgtcc tcgtcgattt ggagcctggc accatggacg
420ctgtccgcgc tggtcccttc ggtcagctct tccgtcccga caacttcgtc
ttcggccagt 480cgggtgctgg taacaactgg gccaagggtc actacactga
gggtaatcac tagtgaattc 540gcggccgcct gcaggtcgac catatgggag
agctcccaac gcgttggatg catagcttga 600gtattctata gtgtcaccta
aataatcgaa ttcc 634301098DNATalaromyces flavus 30gcggcccaac
ctcccaccct tgtctctata cacctgttgc tttggcgggc ccaccggggc 60cacctggtcg
ccgggggacg tcgtctccgg gcccgcgcct gccgaagcgc tctgtgaacc
120ctgatgaaga tgggctgtct gagtactatg aaaattgtca aaactttcaa
caatggatct 180cttggttccg gcatcgatga agaacgcagc gaaatgcgat
aagtaatgtg aattgcagaa 240ttccgtgaat catcgaatct ttgaacgcac
attgcgcccc ctggcattcc ggggggcatg 300cctgtccgag cgtcatttct
gccctcaagc acggcttgtg tgttgggtgc ggtccccccg 360gggacctgcc
caaaaggcag cggcgacgcc cgtctggtcc tcgagcgtat ggggctctgt
420cactcgctcg ggaaggacct gcgggggttg gtcacaccac tatattttac
cacggttgac 480ctcggatcag gtaggagtta cccgctgaac ttaagcatat
caataagcgg aggaaaagaa 540accaaccggg attgcctcag taacggcgag
tgaagcggca agagctcaaa tttgaaatct 600ggcccctttg gggtccgagt
tgtaatttgc agaggatgct tcgggtgcgg tccccatcta 660agtgccctgg
aacgggccgt catagagggt gagaatcccg tctgggatgg gcggccgcgc
720ccgtgtgaag ctccttcgac gagtcgagtt gtttgggaat gcagctctaa
gcgggtggta 780aatttcatct aaagctaaat actggccgga gaccgatagc
gcacaagtag agtgatcgaa 840agatgaaaag aactttgaaa agagagttaa
acagcacgtg aaattgttga aagggaagcg 900ttgtccacca gactcgcccg
ggggggttca gccggcactt gtgccggtgt actcctctcc 960gggcgggcca
gcatcggttt gggcggctgg tgaaaggccc cgggaatgta acacccctcg
1020gggtgcctta tagcccgggg tgccatacag ccagcctgga ccgaggcccg
cgcttcggcg 1080aggatgctgg cgtaatgg 1098311113DNATalaromyces
trachyspermus 31tgggcccaac ctcccacccg tgtctcttgc gtactttgtt
gctttggcgg gcccactggg 60tcactccggt cgccggggag cgctatgctc ccgggcccgt
gcccgccaga gcacccctgt 120gaaccctgat gaagagaggc tgtctgagtc
ccacgataat cgttaaaact ttcaacaatg 180gatctcttgg ttccggcatc
gatgaagaac gcagcgaaat gcgataagta atgtgaattg 240cagaattccg
tgaatcatcg aatctttgaa cgcacattgc gccccctggc attccggggg
300gcatgcctgt ccgagcgtca tttctgccct caagcgcggc ttgtgtgttg
ggcgtggtcc 360ccctggcttt ggcggggacc tgcccgaaag gcagcggcga
cgtcccgcct agtcctcgag 420cgtatggggc tctgtcacgc gctcgggagg
gactggtggg cgttggtcac cccttattct 480ttctacggtt gacctcggat
caggtaggag ttacccgctg aacttaagca tatcaataag 540cggaggaaaa
gaaaccaacc gggattgcct cagtaacggc gagtgaagcg gcaagagctc
600aaatttgaaa tctggccccc ccggggtccg agttgtaatt tggagaggat
gcttcgggcg 660ccgttcccgt ctaagtgccc ctggaacggg ctgtcgcaga
gggtgagaac cccgtctggg 720acgggctacg gcgcccgtgt gaagctcctt
ggacgagtct agttgtttgg gaatgcagct 780ctaagcgggt ggtaaatttc
atctaaagct aaatactggc cggagaccga tagcgcacaa 840gtagagtgat
cgaaagatga aaagcacttt gaaaatagag tcaaacagca cgtgaaattg
900ttgaaaggga agcgttggcc gccagacgcg cccgggaggg ctcagccggc
acgtgtgccg 960gtgtactctc tcccgggcgg gccagcatcg gtttgggcgg
tcgctgaaag gccccgggaa 1020tgtagcaccc taccggggtg ccttatagcc
cggggcggca tgcggcccgc cgggaccgag 1080gcccgcgctt cggcgaggat
gctggcgtaa tgg 111332454DNANeosartorya glabra 32tatgtcttga
cctcaaagct tggatgacgg gtgattggga tctctcatct tagcaggcta 60cctccatggg
ttcagcctca ctgtcatggg tatcagctaa caaatctaca ggcagaccat
120ctctggtgag catggccttg acggctctgg ccagtaagtt cgacctatat
cctcccaatt 180gagaaagcgg cagaaacacg gaaaacaagg aagaagcgga
cgcgtgtctg atgggaaata 240atagctacaa tggctcctcc gatctccagc
tggagcgtat gaacgtctat ttcaacgagg 300tgtgtggatg aaactcttga
tttatactat ttcggcaaca tctcacgatc tgactcgcta 360ctaggccaac
ggtgacaaat atgttcctcg tgccgttctg gtcgatctcg agcctggtac
420catggacgct gtccgtgccg gtcccttcgg cgag 45433451DNAAspergillus
fumigatus 33tatgtcttga cctcaaagct tggatgacgg gtgattggga tctctcatct
tagcaggcta 60cctccatggg ttcagcctca ctgtcatggg tatcagctaa caaatctaca
ggcagaccat 120ctctggtgag catggcctta cggctctggc cagtaagttc
gacctatatc ctcccaattg 180agaaagcggc agaaacacgg aaaacaagga
agaagcggac gcgtgtctga tgggaaataa 240tagctacaat ggctcctccg
atctccagct ggagcgtatg aacgtctatt caacgaggtg 300tgtggatgaa
actcttgatt tatactattt cggcaacatc tcacgatctg actcgctact
360aggccaacgg tgacaaatat gttcctcgtg ccgttctggt cgatctcgag
cctggtacca 420tggacgctgt ccgtgccggt cccttcgcga g
45134562DNAAspergillus fumigatus 34agggtaacca aattggtgcc gctttctggt
atgtcttgac ctcaaagctt ggatgacggg 60tgattgggat ctctcatctt agcaggctac
ctccatgggt tcagcctcac tgtcatgggt 120atcagctaac aaatctacag
gcagaccatc tctggtgagc atggccttga cggctctggc 180cagtaagttc
gacctatatc ctcccaattg agaaagcggc ggaaacacgg aaaacaagga
240agaagcggac gcgtgtctga tgggaaataa tagctacaat ggctcctccg
atctccagct 300ggagcgtatg aacgtctatt tcaacgaggt gtgtggatga
aactcttgat ttatactatt 360tcggcaacat ctcacgatct gactcgctac
taggccaacg gtgacaaata tgttcctcgt 420gccgttctgg tcgatctcga
gcctggtacc atggacgctg tccgtgccgg tcccttcggc 480gagctattcc
gtcccgacaa cttcgtcttc ggccagtccg gtgctggtaa caactgggcc
540aagggtcact acaccgaggg cg 56235530DNAHamigera avellanea
35ggtaacccaa atcggtgctg ctttctggta cgttgacaaa tccaaacgag gagacaaaat
60aaatcccaac ttctcgaaac accaatttga gacaaattgg gtcgaagaaa aaagatctta
120tactgacaat ctttataggc agaccatctc tggcgagcac ggtcttgatg
gctccggtgt 180gtaagtgcaa cccacgcttt cggtcctgac aacaatacaa
ccagatcaat tctgatgata 240aaaacagtta caatggcacc tccgacctcc
agttggagcg tatgaacgtt tacttcaacg 300aggttcgtga attgaacatt
tggatccgac tacgacgtgt caaatgctga tatatcatca 360ggccagcggt
aacaagtatg tcccccgtgc cgtccttggt cgatctcgag cctggcacca
420tggacgccgt ccgtgccggt ccttttggcc agctcttccg ccccgacaac
ttcgttttcg 480gccagtctgg tgccggtaac aactgggcca agggtcacta
cactgagggt 5303618DNAArtificial sequenceSynthesized 36cggtcctcga
gcgtatgg 183718DNAArtificial sequenceSynthesized 37ccgttactgg
ggcaatcc 183840DNAArtificial sequenceSynthesized 38agttaggtga
ccgtgaggtc gtctttgtca cgcgctctgg 403942DNAArtificial
sequenceSynthesized 39ggatcaggta gggatacccg ctgttggttt cttttcctcc
gc 424020DNAArtificial sequenceSynthesized 40ggcaacatct cacgatctga
204120DNAArtificial sequenceSynthesized 41ccctcagtgt agtgaccctt
204241DNAArtificial sequenceSynthesized 42atggtaccag gctcgagatc
gatactaggc caacggtgac a 414340DNAArtificial sequenceSynthesized
43gtcccttcgg cgagctcttc gttgttacca gcaccagact 404419DNAArtificial
sequenceSynthesized 44acggcacgag gaacatact 194520DNAArtificial
sequenceSynthesized 45cgataacttc gtcttcggcc 204619DNAArtificial
sequenceSynthesized 46gccgctttct ggtatgtct 194720DNAArtificial
sequenceSynthesized 47cgcttcttcc ttgttttccg 204842DNAArtificial
sequenceSynthesized 48ccatgacagt gaggctgaac cccgggtgat tgggatctct
ca 424939DNAArtificial sequenceSynthesized 49accatctctg gtgagcatgg
ctttccgccg ctttctcaa 395024DNAArtificial sequenceSynthesized
50agtaagttcg acctatatcc tccc 245120DNAArtificial
sequenceSynthesized 51ggatccgaat acgacgtgtc 205220DNAArtificial
sequenceSynthesized 52ccctcagtgt agtgaccctt 205339DNAArtificial
sequenceSynthesized 53catggtgcca ggctcgagat ccaggccagc ggtaacaag
395438DNAArtificial sequenceSynthesized 54ccggtccttt tggccagctc
tgttaccggc accagact 385517DNAArtificial sequenceSynthesized
55acggcacggg ggacata 175619DNAArtificial sequenceSynthesized
56ttccgcccag acaacttcg 195720DNAArtificial sequenceSynthesized
57ccagttggag cgtatgaacg 205820DNAArtificial sequenceSynthesized
58cccagttgtt accagcaccg 205940DNAArtificial sequenceSynthesized
59ttgttgccgg aggcctacac tttacttcaa cgaggtgcgt 406040DNAArtificial
sequenceSynthesized 60cgacttggag cccggtacca aaagttgtcg ggacggaaga
406119DNAArtificial sequenceSynthesized 61gctggtccct ttggtcagc
196219DNAArtificial sequenceSynthesized 62tggctccgga atgtgagtt
196318DNAArtificial sequenceSynthesized 63caaatcgacg aggacggc
186440DNAArtificial sequenceSynthesized 64cgctccaact ggaggtcgga
aaatttcgac atcccaccct 406539DNAArtificial sequenceSynthesized
65ggaatctgcc ccgcgacatt ccgggggacg tacttgttg 396623DNAArtificial
sequenceSynthesized 66ggtgccattg taactggaaa tga 236723DNAArtificial
sequenceSynthesized 67actcatatcg tataggctag cgg 236820DNAArtificial
sequenceSynthesized 68cgaatcacca ctgatgggaa 206920DNAArtificial
sequenceSynthesized 69gaagagctga ccgaaaggac 207042DNAArtificial
sequenceSynthesized 70ttcgtgctgt cggtcggtaa tgttccgacc tccagttaga
gc 427142DNAArtificial sequenceSynthesized 71taggctagcg gcaacaagta
cgatagtacc gggctccaga tc 427222DNAArtificial sequenceSynthesized
72acctcgttga aatagacgtt ca 227319DNAArtificial sequenceSynthesized
73gcgtcatttc tgccctcaa 197419DNAArtificial sequenceSynthesized
74agttcagcgg gtaactcct 197538DNAArtificial sequenceSynthesized
75tacgctcgag gaccagacgg cggcttgtgt gttgggtg 387640DNAArtificial
sequenceSynthesized 76tctgtcactc gctcgggaag gacctgatcc gaggtcaacc
407719DNAArtificial sequenceSynthesized 77gctgcctttt
gggcaggtc 197825DNAArtificial sequenceSynthesized 78tggtcacacc
actatatttt accac 257924DNAArtificial sequenceSynthesized
79ggtaaccaaa tcggtgctgc tttc 248024DNAArtificial
sequenceSynthesized 80accctcagtg tagtgaccct tggc
248124DNAArtificial sequenceSynthesized 81gcatatcaat aagcggagga
aaag 248219DNAArtificial sequenceSynthesized 82ggtccgtgtt tcaagacgg
198397DNANeosartorya fischeri 83tggtaaacca aatcggtgct gctttctggt
atgtcttgac ctcaattctt ggatgacggg 60agattgggac ctgtcttagc aggctgtcct
ccatggg 978498DNANeosartorya fischeri 84cctcccaatt gagaaagcgg
cggaaacacg aaaggaagga agaagaggac gcgtgtctga 60tggggttaat agctacaatg
gctcctccga tctccagc 9885100DNANeosartorya spinosa 85tggtaaacca
aatcggtgct gctttctggt atgtctcaac ctcaatgctt ggatgatggg 60agattaggac
ctgtcatctc agcaggctgt cctccatggg 1008699DNANeosartorya spinosa
86cctcccaatt gagaaagccg ggggaaacac gaaaggcaag caggaagagg acgcgtgcct
60gacgggataa tagctacaat ggcacctccg acctccagc 9987619DNACladosporium
cladosporoides 87aggttcacct tcagaccggc cagtgtgtac gttgagcgcc
tcgatcccga tggcagtgaa 60gagctggtga ttaacatgtg caaagggcaa ccaaattggt
gctgctttct ggcagaccat 120ctccggcgag catggcctcg acggctccgg
cgtgtatgtt tacatcgcca gaaagaatac 180attgggcttc atctgacacc
tgctaggtac aatggcacgt ctgacctcca gctggagcgc 240atgaacgtct
acttcaatga ggtacaaatg gccaaggcaa tcgcatactc cgatagcacg
300cactgacctt ctgcgatttc aggcttccgg caacaagtac gtcccgcgtg
ccgtcctcgt 360cgacttggag cccggtacca tggacgctgt ccgtgccggt
cccttcggcc agctcttccg 420tcccgacaac ttcgtcttcg gccagtccgg
cgccggcaac aactgggcca agggtcacta 480cactgagggt gccgagctcg
tcgaccaagt ccttgatgtc gtccgtcgcg aggcagaggg 540ctgcgactgc
ctccagggtt tccagatcac ccactctctc ggtggtggta ccggtgccgg
600tatgggtact cttctcatc 61988559DNANeosartorya fischeri
88tggtaaacca aatcggtgct gctttctggt atgtcttgac ctcaattctt ggatgacggg
60agattgggac ctgtcttagc aggctgtcct ccatgggttc agcttcgctg tcatgggtat
120cagctaacaa atctacaggc agaccatctc tggtgagcac ggccttgacg
gctctggcca 180gtaagttcga cctatatcct cccaattgag aaagcggcgg
aaacacgaaa ggaaggaaga 240agaggacgcg tgtctgatgg ggttaatagc
tacaatggct cctccgatct ccagctggag 300cgtatgaacg tctacttcaa
cgaggtgtgt ggatgaaact ctcgactcta tactatttcg 360gcaacatctc
acgatctgac tcgctactag gccaacggtg acaagtatgt tcctcgtgcc
420gttctggtcg atctcgagcc tggtaccatg gacgctgtcc gtgccggtcc
cttcggcgag 480ctcttccgtc ccgataactt cgtcttcggc cagtctggtg
ctggtaacaa ctgggccaag 540ggtcactaca ctgaggggt 559
* * * * *