Dr Daniel Panaccione

Daniel Panaccione is the Davis-Michael Professor of Plant and Soil Sciences at West Virginia University. His research focuses on the biosynthesis and significance of ergot alkaloids in fungi. Ergot alkaloids are a large group of specialized metabolites produced at least two different lineages of fungi. They have impacted humankind for millennia as contaminants of grain crops and as the foundations of several pharmaceuticals. Two different classes of ergot alkaloids contribute to the virulence of Aspergillus species in insect models of aspergillosis.

Abstract:

Aspergillus fumigatus produces fumigaclavines from one branch of the ergot alkaloid pathway, whereas Aspergillus leporis produces lysergic acid amides typical of the ergot alkaloids infamous for contaminating grain. Gene knockout studies indicate both classes of ergot alkaloids help pre-adapt their producing fungus to virulence in the model insect Galleria mellonella.