Unravelling enzyme pathway of Taxol precursor brings synthetic production of cancer medicine closer
Expression of nine genes in tobacco plants led to formation of complex precursor of drug
Synthetic production of the naturally occurring anti-cancer medicine paclitaxel may be one step closer with the discovery of the enzymes responsible for producing baccatin III, a complex precursor in the biosynthesis of the drug. Previous methods for synthesising paclitaxel in the lab take up to 30 steps, the use of hazardous reagents and sourcing of baccatin III from yew trees or plant cell culture. Now a team of researchers in China report just nine genes are needed to produce baccatin III in tobacco plants.