Ergot alkaloids, i.e. ergoline-derived toxic metabolites, are produced by a wide range of fungi, predominantly by members of the grass-parasitizing family of the Clavicipitaceae. Naturally occurring alkaloids like the D-lysergic acid amides, produced by the "ergot fungus" Claviceps purpurea, have been used as medicinal agents for a long time. The pharmacological effects of the various ergot alkaloids and their derivatives are due to the structural similarity of the tetracyclic ring system to neurotransmitters such as noradrenaline, dopamine or serotonin. In addition to "classical" indications, e.g. migraine or blood pressure regulation, there is a wide spectrum of potential new applications of this interesting group of compounds. The biotechnology of ergot alkaloids has a long tradition, and efficient parasitic and submerse production processes have been developed; the biochemistry of the pathway and the physiology of production have been worked out in detail. The recent identification of a cluster of genes involved in ergot alkaloid biosynthesis in C. purpurea and the availability of molecular genetic techniques allow the development of strategies for rational drug design of ergoline-related drugs by enzyme engineering and by biocombinatorial approaches.
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Similar content being viewed by others Explore related subjectsDiscover the latest articles and news from researchers in related subjects, suggested using machine learning. Author information Authors and AffiliationsInstitut für Botanik, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität, Schlossgarten 3, 48149 Münster, Germany, , , , ,
P. Tudzynski & T. Correia
Max-Volmer-Institut für Biophysikalische Chemie und Biochemie, Technische Universität Berlin, 10587 Berlin, , , , ,
U. Keller
Received revision: 8 August 2001
Electronic Publication
About this article Cite this articleTudzynski, .P., Correia, .T. & Keller, .U. Biotechnology and genetics of ergot alkaloids. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 57, 593–605 (2001). https://doi.org/10.1007/s002530100801
Received: 28 May 2001
Accepted: 17 August 2001
Issue Date: December 2001
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s002530100801
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