Provided are non-naturally occurring polynucleotide sequences that encode for polypeptides useful in ergoline biosynthesis, as well as the non-naturally occurring polypeptide sequences. Also provided are recombinant host cell and methods for microbial biosynthesis of an ergoline, or a precursor or metabolite thereof, using the recombinant host cell.

Modified cells suitable for the production of ergot alkaloids include engineered recombinant cells having one or more genes that code for one or more enzymes in the biosynthetic pathway from tryptophan to D-lysergic acid (DLA). Methods of culturing the engineered recombinant cells can be used for the production of DLA and other ergot alkaloids.