Investigation of citrinin and monacolin K gene clusters variation among pigment producer Monascus species.

The filamentous fungi Monascus spp. have been widely used in the production of food colorants. However, the presence of mycotoxin citrinin and the antihypercholestrolemia agent monacolin K in Monascus-fermented products (MFPs) has raised food safety concerns. Here we de novo-sequenced the genomes of 26 Monascus species and proposed an unprecedented classification system, consist of sections A, B and C, according to the biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) distribution and phylogeny results. Based on the absence of citrinin gene cluster, section B species were genetically incapable of synthesizing citrinin. A distinguished section A strain named Monascus sanguineus was believed to be a promising food-pigment-producer particularly owing to the simultaneous inactivation of citrinin and monacolin K clusters. Interestingly, gene losses within Monascus secondary metabolism gene clusters were broadly discovered, which may convey a selective advantage in nutrients and energy competition to support the strong pigment-producing ability. Overall, our sectional delimitation system will reshape the industrial strategies for this economically important fungus.