Use of a nonhomologous end joining deficient strain (Δku70) of the ergot fungus Claviceps purpurea for identification of a nonribosomal peptide synthetase gene involved in ergotamine biosynthesis

The ergot fungus Claviceps purpurea uses mainly the nonhomologous-end-joining (NHEJ) system for integration of exogenous DNA, leading to a low frequency of homologous integration (1–2%). To improve gene targeting efficiency we deleted the C. purpurea ku70 gene in two different strains: the pathogenic strain 20.1 and the apathogenic, ergot alkaloid producing strain P1. The mutants were not impaired in vegetative and pathogenic development nor alkaloid production. Gene targeting efficiency was significantly increased (50–60%) in the Δku70 mutants. The P1 Δku70 strain (producing ergotamine and ergocryptine) was used for targeted deletion of lpsA1, one of the two trimodular NRPS genes present in the alkaloid gene cluster, encoding d-lysergyl peptide synthetases involved in formation of the tripeptide moiety of ergopeptines. Mutants lacking the lpsA1 gene were shown to be incapable of producing ergotamine but were still able to produce ergocryptine, proving that LpsA1 is involved in ergotamine biosynthesis.