Contribution of a novel gene to lysergic acid amide synthesis in Metarhizium brunneum

Article Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology

Independent Evolution of a Lysergic Acid Amide in Aspergillus Species

Abigail M. Jones et al.

Summary: Ergot alkaloids derived from lysergic acid, impacting humanity as contaminants and pharmaceutical bases, have been found in Aspergillus species besides the Clavicipitaceae fungi. The ability to produce lysergic acid amides evolved independently in Aspergillus species and the Clavicipitaceae, suggesting selection for this metabolite. The LAH-producing Aspergillus species may offer advantages for the study and production of pharmaceutically important compounds compared to the current lysergic acid producers.

APPLIED AND ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY (2021)

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Article Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology

A Baeyer-Villiger Monooxygenase Gene Involved in the Synthesis of Lysergic Acid Amides Affects the Interaction of the Fungus Metarhizium brunneum with Insects

Chey R. Steen et al.

Summary: The study demonstrates the role of a previously unstudied gene in the synthesis of the most abundant lysergic acid amide in Merarhizium species and indicates that the resulting compound contributes to the virulence of M. brunneum on insects. Knockout of the easO gene led to the elimination of LAH and accumulation of alternate lysergic acid amides, without significantly affecting the total concentration of lysergic acid derivatives. The results suggest that LAH has biological activities different from other lysergic acid amides.

APPLIED AND ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY (2021)

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Article Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology