Biochemistry/Molecular Biology

Saturated aminopyrrolizidine alkaloids, such as LOLINE, are important protective alkaloids in many grass-endophyte mutualisms. These alkaloids are synthesized by the endophyte at levels up to 2% of the biomass. Ongoing projects address their ecological roles and the molecular biology of their biosynthesis.

The first step of ergot alkaloid biosynthesis: dimethylallyltryptophan synthase

A problem to livestock farmers is that endophytes can produce toxic ergot alkaloids. These compounts include the halucinogen, lysergic acid amide (precursor of LSD) and neurotoxic ergopeptines. To reduce the incidence of livestock toxicosis, the gene for this enzyme step is being targeted. Genetic engineering techniques have been adapted to the endophytes with the aim of knocking out this step, thus preventing synthesis of these toxins.