Developing a Genetically Engineered Yeast for Faster Opioid Production
August 19, 2015| |
A study conducted by Stanford researchers led by Christina Smolke developed a technique that can hasten the production of hydrocodone. Hydrocodone and its chemical relatives, such as morphine and oxycodone are opioids. Opioids are used in painkilling drugs and are produced from the opium poppy. However, it takes a longer period of time to produce opioids from the plant opium poppy.
In the study, the researchers successfully created genetically engineered (GE) yeast that has the ability to produce opioids in just 3 to 5 days. This was done by identifying more than 20 genes from five different organisms: California poppy plant, opium poppy plant, goldthread plant, rat, and bacteria. These genes were associated with the production of hydrocodone and were engineered to the genome of baker's yeast.
The development of the GE yeast will not only hasten the production of opioids but will also help to further improve the field of medicine.
More details of the study can be read from the news release by Stanford University.
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