Claviceps Genome sequencing and assembly

Claviceps spp. produce a wide spectrum of mycotoxins namely ergot alkaloids (EA). These myco-toxins are the causes of gruesome toxicity known as ergotism in humans and animals, which had significant health, social and economic concerns historically. On the other hand, EA also provided potential cures for various stubborn diseases. Molecular biology brought to light the ergot alkaloid synthesis genes (EAS) and pathways responsible for the production of these compounds. The presence and absence of certain EAS genes can be used to predict different sets of EA produced by different species. The variance of gene sequences could be used to develop DNA-based assays to predict the production of EA substrates. The objective of this study is to examine the sequence variances and to understand the evolutionary patterns of ergot alkaloid genes of Claviceps purpurea and close relatives to provide background knowledge for developing DNA-based detection tools. We also look into the genes responsible for other classes of alkaloid production.