The Experts below are selected from a list of 66 Experts worldwide ranked by ideXlab platform

Paul Tudzynski - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • comparison of ergot alkaloid biosynthesis gene clusters in Claviceps species indicates loss of late pathway steps in evolution of c fusiformis
    2007
    Co-Authors: Nicole Lorenz, Caroline Machado, Christopher L Schardl, Ella V Wilson, Paul Tudzynski
    Abstract:

    The grass parasites Claviceps purpurea and Claviceps fusiformis produce ergot alkaloids (EA) in planta and in submerged culture. Whereas EA synthesis (EAS) in C. purpurea proceeds via clavine intermediates to lysergic acid and the complex ergopeptines, C. fusiformis produces only agroclavine and elymoclavine. In C. purpurea the EAS gene (EAS) cluster includes dmaW (encoding the first pathway step), cloA (elymoclavine oxidation to lysergic acid), and the lpsA/lpsB genes (ergopeptine formation). We analyzed the corresponding C. fusiformis EAS cluster to investigate the evolutionary basis for chemotypic differences between the Claviceps species. Other than three peptide synthetase genes (lpsC and the tandem paralogues lpsA1 and lpsA2), homologues of all C. purpurea EAS genes were identified in C. fusiformis, including homologues of lpsB and cloA, which in C. purpurea encode enzymes for steps after clavine synthesis. Rearrangement of the cluster was evident around lpsB, which is truncated in C. fusiformis. This and several frameshift mutations render CflpsB a pseudogene (CflpsBΨ). No obvious inactivating mutation was identified in CfcloA. All C. fusiformis EAS genes, including CflpsBΨ and CfcloA, were expressed in culture. Cross-complementation analyses demonstrated that CfcloA and CflpsBΨ were expressed in C. purpurea but did not encode functional enzymes. In contrast, CpcloA catalyzed lysergic acid biosynthesis in C. fusiformis, indicating that C. fusiformis terminates its EAS pathway at elymoclavine because the cloA gene product is inactive. We propose that the C. fusiformis EAS cluster evolved from a more complete cluster by loss of some lps genes and by rearrangements and mutations inactivating lpsB and cloA.

  • comparison of ergot alkaloid biosynthesis gene clusters in Claviceps species indicates loss of late pathway steps in evolution of c fusiformis
    2007
    Co-Authors: Nicole Lorenz, Caroline Machado, Christopher L Schardl, Ella V Wilson, Paul Tudzynski
    Abstract:

    The grass parasites Claviceps purpurea and Claviceps fusiformis produce ergot alkaloids (EA) in planta and in submerged culture. Whereas EA synthesis (EAS) in C. purpurea proceeds via clavine intermediates to lysergic acid and the complex ergopeptines, C. fusiformis produces only agroclavine and elymoclavine. In C. purpurea the EAS gene (EAS) cluster includes dmaW (encoding the first pathway step), cloA (elymoclavine oxidation to lysergic acid), and the lpsA/lpsB genes (ergopeptine formation). We analyzed the corresponding C. fusiformis EAS cluster to investigate the evolutionary basis for chemotypic differences between the Claviceps species. Other than three peptide synthetase genes (lpsC and the tandem paralogues lpsA1 and lpsA2), homologues of all C. purpurea EAS genes were identified in C. fusiformis, including homologues of lpsB and cloA, which in C. purpurea encode enzymes for steps after clavine synthesis. Rearrangement of the cluster was evident around lpsB, which is truncated in C. fusiformis. This and several frameshift mutations render CflpsB a pseudogene (CflpsBΨ). No obvious inactivating mutation was identified in CfcloA. All C. fusiformis EAS genes, including CflpsBΨ and CfcloA, were expressed in culture. Cross-complementation analyses demonstrated that CfcloA and CflpsBΨ were expressed in C. purpurea but did not encode functional enzymes. In contrast, CpcloA catalyzed lysergic acid biosynthesis in C. fusiformis, indicating that C. fusiformis terminates its EAS pathway at elymoclavine because the cloA gene product is inactive. We propose that the C. fusiformis EAS cluster evolved from a more complete cluster by loss of some lps genes and by rearrangements and mutations inactivating lpsB and cloA.

  • Identification and characterization of a tri-partite hydrophobin from Claviceps fusiformis. A novel type of class II hydrophobin.
    1999
    Co-Authors: Sabine Moore, Claudia Arntz, Paul Tudzynski
    Abstract:

    A new type of hydrophobin is encoded by an abundant mRNA of Claviceps fusiformis. The predicted amino-acid sequence of the protein, dubbed CFTH1, shows a putative signal sequence for secretion, followed by three class II hydrophobin domains each preceded by glycine/asparagine rich regions. SDS/PAGE analysis of 60% ethanol extractions of C. fusiformis mycelia from shaken cultures showed CFTH1 at the 50-55-kDa position. N-terminal sequencing of both untreated mature CFTH1 and of a fragment obtained by trypsin digestion revealed that CFTH1 is not processed between the hydrophobin domains. Mass spectroscopy showed a mass of about 36 500 Da, which is about 1500 Da higher than the mass predicted from the constituent amino acids, indicating post-translational modification but not glycosylation. Purified CFTH1 self-assembled at hydrophilic/hydrophobic interfaces and, after assembly at a water/air interface, it was found to be highly surface active. Antibodies raised against CFTH1 localized the protein in a mucilageous coat surrounding submerged vegetative hyphae in liquid shaken culture and, as a discrete layer of about 10 nm thickness at the surface of aerial hyphae of standing cultures, suggesting a role in the formation of aerial hyphae.

Christopher L Schardl - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • comparison of ergot alkaloid biosynthesis gene clusters in Claviceps species indicates loss of late pathway steps in evolution of c fusiformis
    2007
    Co-Authors: Nicole Lorenz, Caroline Machado, Christopher L Schardl, Ella V Wilson, Paul Tudzynski
    Abstract:

    The grass parasites Claviceps purpurea and Claviceps fusiformis produce ergot alkaloids (EA) in planta and in submerged culture. Whereas EA synthesis (EAS) in C. purpurea proceeds via clavine intermediates to lysergic acid and the complex ergopeptines, C. fusiformis produces only agroclavine and elymoclavine. In C. purpurea the EAS gene (EAS) cluster includes dmaW (encoding the first pathway step), cloA (elymoclavine oxidation to lysergic acid), and the lpsA/lpsB genes (ergopeptine formation). We analyzed the corresponding C. fusiformis EAS cluster to investigate the evolutionary basis for chemotypic differences between the Claviceps species. Other than three peptide synthetase genes (lpsC and the tandem paralogues lpsA1 and lpsA2), homologues of all C. purpurea EAS genes were identified in C. fusiformis, including homologues of lpsB and cloA, which in C. purpurea encode enzymes for steps after clavine synthesis. Rearrangement of the cluster was evident around lpsB, which is truncated in C. fusiformis. This and several frameshift mutations render CflpsB a pseudogene (CflpsBΨ). No obvious inactivating mutation was identified in CfcloA. All C. fusiformis EAS genes, including CflpsBΨ and CfcloA, were expressed in culture. Cross-complementation analyses demonstrated that CfcloA and CflpsBΨ were expressed in C. purpurea but did not encode functional enzymes. In contrast, CpcloA catalyzed lysergic acid biosynthesis in C. fusiformis, indicating that C. fusiformis terminates its EAS pathway at elymoclavine because the cloA gene product is inactive. We propose that the C. fusiformis EAS cluster evolved from a more complete cluster by loss of some lps genes and by rearrangements and mutations inactivating lpsB and cloA.

  • comparison of ergot alkaloid biosynthesis gene clusters in Claviceps species indicates loss of late pathway steps in evolution of c fusiformis
    2007
    Co-Authors: Nicole Lorenz, Caroline Machado, Christopher L Schardl, Ella V Wilson, Paul Tudzynski
    Abstract:

    The grass parasites Claviceps purpurea and Claviceps fusiformis produce ergot alkaloids (EA) in planta and in submerged culture. Whereas EA synthesis (EAS) in C. purpurea proceeds via clavine intermediates to lysergic acid and the complex ergopeptines, C. fusiformis produces only agroclavine and elymoclavine. In C. purpurea the EAS gene (EAS) cluster includes dmaW (encoding the first pathway step), cloA (elymoclavine oxidation to lysergic acid), and the lpsA/lpsB genes (ergopeptine formation). We analyzed the corresponding C. fusiformis EAS cluster to investigate the evolutionary basis for chemotypic differences between the Claviceps species. Other than three peptide synthetase genes (lpsC and the tandem paralogues lpsA1 and lpsA2), homologues of all C. purpurea EAS genes were identified in C. fusiformis, including homologues of lpsB and cloA, which in C. purpurea encode enzymes for steps after clavine synthesis. Rearrangement of the cluster was evident around lpsB, which is truncated in C. fusiformis. This and several frameshift mutations render CflpsB a pseudogene (CflpsBΨ). No obvious inactivating mutation was identified in CfcloA. All C. fusiformis EAS genes, including CflpsBΨ and CfcloA, were expressed in culture. Cross-complementation analyses demonstrated that CfcloA and CflpsBΨ were expressed in C. purpurea but did not encode functional enzymes. In contrast, CpcloA catalyzed lysergic acid biosynthesis in C. fusiformis, indicating that C. fusiformis terminates its EAS pathway at elymoclavine because the cloA gene product is inactive. We propose that the C. fusiformis EAS cluster evolved from a more complete cluster by loss of some lps genes and by rearrangements and mutations inactivating lpsB and cloA.

  • the determinant step in ergot alkaloid biosynthesis by an endophyte of perennial ryegrass
    2004
    Co-Authors: Jinghong Wang, Caroline Machado, Daniel G Panaccione, Hueifung Tsai, Christopher L Schardl
    Abstract:

    Many cool-season grasses harbor fungal endophytes in the genus Neotyphodium, which enhance host fitness, but some also produce metabolites--such as ergovaline--believed to cause livestock toxicoses. In Claviceps species the first step in ergot alkaloid biosynthesis is thought to be dimethylallyltryptophan (DMAT) synthase, encoded by dmaW, previously cloned from Claviceps fusiformis. Here we report the cloning and characterization of dmaW from Neotyphodium sp. isolate Lp1, an endophyte of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne). The gene was then disrupted, and the mutant failed to produce any detectable ergovaline or simpler ergot and clavine alkaloids. The disruption was complemented with the C. fusiformis gene, which restored ergovaline production. Thus, the biosynthetic role of DMAT synthase was confirmed, and a mutant was generated for future studies of the ecological and agricultural importance of ergot alkaloids in endophytes of grasses.

S. B. King - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • Identification and utilization of ergot resistance in pearl millet.
    1993
    Co-Authors: R. P. Thakur, S. B. King
    Abstract:

    Ergot (Claviceps fusiformis) is an important disease affecting pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum). Host-plant resistance has been central to the disease management strategies at ICRISAT Center, and accordingly the identification, utilization, and deployment of resistance to ergot has been a major objective of pearl millet improvement research. This bulletin summarizes research work done at ICRISAT since 1977, which has led to the development of an effective field screening technique, based on a proper understanding of pathogen biology and disease epidemiology, and the role of pollination in ergot infection and resistance identification; development of ergot-resistance sources; determination of the stability of resistance; and utilization of some of these sources of resistance to breed agronomically elite ergot-resistant materials, especially hybrid seed parents. More than 11 100 pearl millet entries were screened, and plants with

  • influence of temperature and wetness duration on infection of pearl millet by Claviceps fusiformis
    1991
    Co-Authors: R. P. Thakur, V P Rao, S. B. King
    Abstract:

    The influence of temperature and wetness duration on infection of susceptible, moderately resistant, and resistant genotypes of pearl millet by Claviceps fusiformis was studied. In greenhouse and field experiments, panicles of pearl millet inoculated with C. fusiformis were subjected to various regimes of temperature (14–35 C) and wetness (95% relative humidity) duration (0–64 h) for a 15-day period. These environmental conditions influenced the level of ergot severity, but the relative ergot reactions of the genotypes were not changed. In susceptible genotypes, temperatures in the range of 14–35 C, with 8 h/day at less than 20 C and 4.6 h/day at greater than 30 C, were more favorable to ergot infection (70–72% severity; 32–49% sclerotial formation) than a temperature range of 21–35 C, with 6.4 h/day at greater than 30 C (53% severity; 23% sclerotial formation). Results indicated that the minimum temperature is more critical for ergot infection than the maximum temperature. In both greenhouse and field experiments, panicle wetness duration of 16–24 h favored ergot infection. In controlled environment experiments, temperature and the interaction of temperature and wetness duration were significant for latent period (P = 0.001). Wetness duration and the interaction of temperature and wetness duration were significant for ergot severity (P = 0.05). Maximum ergot severity (60.5%) and minimum latent period (117 h) were obtained at a 30 C day/25 C night temperature regimes with 24–96 h of panicle wetness.

  • influence of flowering event factors in cytoplasmic male sterile lines and f1 hybrids on infection by Claviceps fusiformis in pearl millet
    1991
    Co-Authors: R. P. Thakur, V P Rao, S. B. King
    Abstract:

    The influence of flowering event factors, such as length of protogyny period, and time between full protogyny (FP) and anthesis initiation (AI) on infection by Claviceps fusiformis was studied in seven cytoplasmic male sterile (CMS) lines (A lines), their corresponding maintainer lines (B lines), nine pollinator lines (R lines), and their 64 F1 hybrids (A × R and B × R) of pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum). Three of the seven A lines had significantly longer protogyny than their corresponding B lines. The protogyny periods in R lines (range 38–84 hr) were shorter than in B lines (range 45–135 hr). Significant positive correlations were found between protogyny, the FP-AI period, and ergot severity in susceptible A or B lines and their F1 hybrids, regardless of the susceptibility or resistance of R lines, but not in resistant A, B, and R lines and their hybrids. Seed set was generally more in B × R hybrids than in A × R hybrids, indicating poor restoration ability of R lines. Stigmas were longer in susceptible lines and their hybrids than in resistant lines and hybrids. The susceptibility of F1 hybrids was closely associated with flowering event factors of susceptible A lines. No such relationship was found in resistant lines. This indicates that there may be a factor or factors independent of flowering events governing resistance in A lines and their hybrids.

Caroline Machado - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • comparison of ergot alkaloid biosynthesis gene clusters in Claviceps species indicates loss of late pathway steps in evolution of c fusiformis
    2007
    Co-Authors: Nicole Lorenz, Caroline Machado, Christopher L Schardl, Ella V Wilson, Paul Tudzynski
    Abstract:

    The grass parasites Claviceps purpurea and Claviceps fusiformis produce ergot alkaloids (EA) in planta and in submerged culture. Whereas EA synthesis (EAS) in C. purpurea proceeds via clavine intermediates to lysergic acid and the complex ergopeptines, C. fusiformis produces only agroclavine and elymoclavine. In C. purpurea the EAS gene (EAS) cluster includes dmaW (encoding the first pathway step), cloA (elymoclavine oxidation to lysergic acid), and the lpsA/lpsB genes (ergopeptine formation). We analyzed the corresponding C. fusiformis EAS cluster to investigate the evolutionary basis for chemotypic differences between the Claviceps species. Other than three peptide synthetase genes (lpsC and the tandem paralogues lpsA1 and lpsA2), homologues of all C. purpurea EAS genes were identified in C. fusiformis, including homologues of lpsB and cloA, which in C. purpurea encode enzymes for steps after clavine synthesis. Rearrangement of the cluster was evident around lpsB, which is truncated in C. fusiformis. This and several frameshift mutations render CflpsB a pseudogene (CflpsBΨ). No obvious inactivating mutation was identified in CfcloA. All C. fusiformis EAS genes, including CflpsBΨ and CfcloA, were expressed in culture. Cross-complementation analyses demonstrated that CfcloA and CflpsBΨ were expressed in C. purpurea but did not encode functional enzymes. In contrast, CpcloA catalyzed lysergic acid biosynthesis in C. fusiformis, indicating that C. fusiformis terminates its EAS pathway at elymoclavine because the cloA gene product is inactive. We propose that the C. fusiformis EAS cluster evolved from a more complete cluster by loss of some lps genes and by rearrangements and mutations inactivating lpsB and cloA.

  • comparison of ergot alkaloid biosynthesis gene clusters in Claviceps species indicates loss of late pathway steps in evolution of c fusiformis
    2007
    Co-Authors: Nicole Lorenz, Caroline Machado, Christopher L Schardl, Ella V Wilson, Paul Tudzynski
    Abstract:

    The grass parasites Claviceps purpurea and Claviceps fusiformis produce ergot alkaloids (EA) in planta and in submerged culture. Whereas EA synthesis (EAS) in C. purpurea proceeds via clavine intermediates to lysergic acid and the complex ergopeptines, C. fusiformis produces only agroclavine and elymoclavine. In C. purpurea the EAS gene (EAS) cluster includes dmaW (encoding the first pathway step), cloA (elymoclavine oxidation to lysergic acid), and the lpsA/lpsB genes (ergopeptine formation). We analyzed the corresponding C. fusiformis EAS cluster to investigate the evolutionary basis for chemotypic differences between the Claviceps species. Other than three peptide synthetase genes (lpsC and the tandem paralogues lpsA1 and lpsA2), homologues of all C. purpurea EAS genes were identified in C. fusiformis, including homologues of lpsB and cloA, which in C. purpurea encode enzymes for steps after clavine synthesis. Rearrangement of the cluster was evident around lpsB, which is truncated in C. fusiformis. This and several frameshift mutations render CflpsB a pseudogene (CflpsBΨ). No obvious inactivating mutation was identified in CfcloA. All C. fusiformis EAS genes, including CflpsBΨ and CfcloA, were expressed in culture. Cross-complementation analyses demonstrated that CfcloA and CflpsBΨ were expressed in C. purpurea but did not encode functional enzymes. In contrast, CpcloA catalyzed lysergic acid biosynthesis in C. fusiformis, indicating that C. fusiformis terminates its EAS pathway at elymoclavine because the cloA gene product is inactive. We propose that the C. fusiformis EAS cluster evolved from a more complete cluster by loss of some lps genes and by rearrangements and mutations inactivating lpsB and cloA.

  • the determinant step in ergot alkaloid biosynthesis by an endophyte of perennial ryegrass
    2004
    Co-Authors: Jinghong Wang, Caroline Machado, Daniel G Panaccione, Hueifung Tsai, Christopher L Schardl
    Abstract:

    Many cool-season grasses harbor fungal endophytes in the genus Neotyphodium, which enhance host fitness, but some also produce metabolites--such as ergovaline--believed to cause livestock toxicoses. In Claviceps species the first step in ergot alkaloid biosynthesis is thought to be dimethylallyltryptophan (DMAT) synthase, encoded by dmaW, previously cloned from Claviceps fusiformis. Here we report the cloning and characterization of dmaW from Neotyphodium sp. isolate Lp1, an endophyte of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne). The gene was then disrupted, and the mutant failed to produce any detectable ergovaline or simpler ergot and clavine alkaloids. The disruption was complemented with the C. fusiformis gene, which restored ergovaline production. Thus, the biosynthetic role of DMAT synthase was confirmed, and a mutant was generated for future studies of the ecological and agricultural importance of ergot alkaloids in endophytes of grasses.

Nicole Lorenz - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • comparison of ergot alkaloid biosynthesis gene clusters in Claviceps species indicates loss of late pathway steps in evolution of c fusiformis
    2007
    Co-Authors: Nicole Lorenz, Caroline Machado, Christopher L Schardl, Ella V Wilson, Paul Tudzynski
    Abstract:

    The grass parasites Claviceps purpurea and Claviceps fusiformis produce ergot alkaloids (EA) in planta and in submerged culture. Whereas EA synthesis (EAS) in C. purpurea proceeds via clavine intermediates to lysergic acid and the complex ergopeptines, C. fusiformis produces only agroclavine and elymoclavine. In C. purpurea the EAS gene (EAS) cluster includes dmaW (encoding the first pathway step), cloA (elymoclavine oxidation to lysergic acid), and the lpsA/lpsB genes (ergopeptine formation). We analyzed the corresponding C. fusiformis EAS cluster to investigate the evolutionary basis for chemotypic differences between the Claviceps species. Other than three peptide synthetase genes (lpsC and the tandem paralogues lpsA1 and lpsA2), homologues of all C. purpurea EAS genes were identified in C. fusiformis, including homologues of lpsB and cloA, which in C. purpurea encode enzymes for steps after clavine synthesis. Rearrangement of the cluster was evident around lpsB, which is truncated in C. fusiformis. This and several frameshift mutations render CflpsB a pseudogene (CflpsBΨ). No obvious inactivating mutation was identified in CfcloA. All C. fusiformis EAS genes, including CflpsBΨ and CfcloA, were expressed in culture. Cross-complementation analyses demonstrated that CfcloA and CflpsBΨ were expressed in C. purpurea but did not encode functional enzymes. In contrast, CpcloA catalyzed lysergic acid biosynthesis in C. fusiformis, indicating that C. fusiformis terminates its EAS pathway at elymoclavine because the cloA gene product is inactive. We propose that the C. fusiformis EAS cluster evolved from a more complete cluster by loss of some lps genes and by rearrangements and mutations inactivating lpsB and cloA.

  • comparison of ergot alkaloid biosynthesis gene clusters in Claviceps species indicates loss of late pathway steps in evolution of c fusiformis
    2007
    Co-Authors: Nicole Lorenz, Caroline Machado, Christopher L Schardl, Ella V Wilson, Paul Tudzynski
    Abstract:

    The grass parasites Claviceps purpurea and Claviceps fusiformis produce ergot alkaloids (EA) in planta and in submerged culture. Whereas EA synthesis (EAS) in C. purpurea proceeds via clavine intermediates to lysergic acid and the complex ergopeptines, C. fusiformis produces only agroclavine and elymoclavine. In C. purpurea the EAS gene (EAS) cluster includes dmaW (encoding the first pathway step), cloA (elymoclavine oxidation to lysergic acid), and the lpsA/lpsB genes (ergopeptine formation). We analyzed the corresponding C. fusiformis EAS cluster to investigate the evolutionary basis for chemotypic differences between the Claviceps species. Other than three peptide synthetase genes (lpsC and the tandem paralogues lpsA1 and lpsA2), homologues of all C. purpurea EAS genes were identified in C. fusiformis, including homologues of lpsB and cloA, which in C. purpurea encode enzymes for steps after clavine synthesis. Rearrangement of the cluster was evident around lpsB, which is truncated in C. fusiformis. This and several frameshift mutations render CflpsB a pseudogene (CflpsBΨ). No obvious inactivating mutation was identified in CfcloA. All C. fusiformis EAS genes, including CflpsBΨ and CfcloA, were expressed in culture. Cross-complementation analyses demonstrated that CfcloA and CflpsBΨ were expressed in C. purpurea but did not encode functional enzymes. In contrast, CpcloA catalyzed lysergic acid biosynthesis in C. fusiformis, indicating that C. fusiformis terminates its EAS pathway at elymoclavine because the cloA gene product is inactive. We propose that the C. fusiformis EAS cluster evolved from a more complete cluster by loss of some lps genes and by rearrangements and mutations inactivating lpsB and cloA.