Biochemical and Genetic Characterization of Ergot Alkaloid Biosynthesis in Aspergillus aspearensis.

ABSTRACT: Ergot alkaloids derived from lysergic acid have impacted humankind significantly as toxins in agriculture and as the foundations of several pharmaceuticals. Few fungi capable of producing lysergic acid derivatives have been found outside the family Clavicipitaceae. Based on its phylogenetic placement, we hypothesized the recently described fungus Aspergillus aspearensis (Aspergillaceae) would synthesize lysergic acid amides. Cultures of A. aspearensis produced abundant lysergic acid α-hydroxyethylamide (LAH) and lesser amounts of other lysergic acid derivatives. Conidia contained high concentrations of ergot alkaloids, whereas sclerotia contained significantly less. Approximately half of the ergot alkaloids produced were secreted into the culture medium. When spores of A.

SUBMITTER: Fuss JL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12846141 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature