The ergot alkaloid gene cluster: Functional analyses and evolutionary aspects

0334798 - MBÚ 2010 RIV GB eng J - Journal Article
Lorenz, N. - Haarmann, T. - Pažoutová, Sylvie - Jung, M. - Tudzynski, P.
The ergot alkaloid gene cluster: Functional analyses and evolutionary aspects.
Phytochemistry. Roč. 70, 15-16 (2009), s. 1822-1832. ISSN 0031-9422. E-ISSN 1873-3700
Institutional research plan: CEZ:AV0Z50200510
Keywords : Claviceps purpurea * Ergot fungus * Ergot alkaloid gene cluster
Subject RIV: EE - Microbiology, Virology
Impact factor: 3.104, year: 2009

Ergot alkaloids and their derivatives have been traditionally used as therapeutic agents in migraine, blood pressure regulation and help in childbirth and abortion. Their production in submerse culture is a long established biotechnological process. Ergot alkaloids are produced mainly by members of the genus Claviceps, with Claviceps purpurea as best investigated species concerning the biochemistry of ergot alkaloid synthesis (EAS). Genes encoding enzymes involved in EAS have been shown to be clustered; functional analyses of EAS cluster genes have allowed to assign specific functions to several gene products. Various Claviceps species differ with respect to their host specificity and their alkaloid content; comparison of the ergot alkaloid clusters in these species (and of clavine alkaloid clusters in other genera) yields interesting insights into the evolution of cluster structure
Permanent Link: http://hdl.handle.net/11104/0179430