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  • Title: [Use of polymerase chain reaction for searching for producers of ergot alkaloids from among microscopic fungi].
    Author: Boĭchenko LV, Boĭchenko DM, Vinokurova NG, Reshetilova TA, Arinbasarov MU.
    Journal: Mikrobiologiia; 2001; 70(3):360-4. PubMed ID: 11450458.
    Abstract:
    The potential of the polymerase chain reaction for the detection of ergot alkaloid producers among microscopic fungi of the genera Penicillium and Claviceps was evaluated. Twenty-three strains of various species of fungi with a previously studied capacity for alkaloid production were used. The internal fragment of the gene encoding 4-dimethylallyltryptophan synthase, the enzyme catalyzing the first step in the biosynthesis of ergot alkaloids, was amplified using degenerated primers. This approach revealed an about 1.2-kb specific DNA fragment in micromycetes synthesizing ergot alkaloids with complete tetracyclic ergoline system. Microorganisms that produce alkaloids with modified C or D ergoline rings, as well as alpha-cyclopiazonic acid, did not yield the PCR fragment of the expected size. This fragment was also not found in fungi incapable of ergot alkaloid production.
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