Physiological controls and regulation of ergot alkaloid formation.

Innovation and technical development of ergot alkaloids (EA) has moved closer to scientific research. Circumstantial evidence presently links the initiation of EA metabolism to changes in a range of parameters--morphology, concentrations of enzymes and their substrates, nutrients and external stress. The biosynthesis of EA begins at the level of the genetic information apparatus and continues at the level of physiological expression. EA and their formation play a role in the physiology of the production organism. Insufficient insight into Claviceps physiology hampers the deployment of computers in the control and regulation of the EA process. Knowledge of physiological controls and genetic manipulation are the principal tools of modern EA production. In principle it is now possible to improve EA yields by a concerted breeding of the ergot fungus by sexual and parasexual genetic engineering.