Increasing the Expression of Anticancer Alkaloids in Perwinkle
February 8, 2008| |
The rose perwinkle (Catharantus roseus), a widely cultivated ornamental plant, produces low levels of the anticancer alkaloids vincristine and vinblastine. These compounds are among the most valued agents for cancer chemotherapy. Intensive research has resulted to the elucidation of the complete biosynthetic pathway of these alkaloids. But since these compounds are produced in very minute amounts, it is estimated that half a ton of dry leaves is needed to obtain one gram of vinblastine, scientists have searched for ways to improve vincristine and vinblastine production in Catharanthus leaves.
A group of scientists from the Netherlands, Portugal and Spain has characterized a gene coding for CrPrX1, a key enzyme in the biosynthesis of the anticancer alkaloids. The scientists have demonstrated that this enzyme is localized in the plant vacuole (organelle that serves a variety of secretory, excretory, and storage functions). Increasing the expression of CrPrX1 will lead to increased accumulation of vincristine and vinblastine.
The abstract of the paper published by Plant Physiology, including links to the complete article, is available at http://www.plantphysiol.org/cgi/content/abstract/146/2/403
| |
Biotech Updates is a weekly newsletter of ISAAA, a not-for-profit organization. It is distributed for free to over 22,000 subscribers worldwide to inform them about the key developments in biosciences, especially in biotechnology. Your support will help us in our mission to feed the world with knowledge. You can help by donating as little as $10.
-
See more articles:
-
News from Around the World
- Biofortified Foods and Bioavailability
- Paper Discusses "Drivers of Change in Global Agriculture"
- Transforming Biofuels through Biotechnology
- Field Evidence of Bt Corn and Mytotoxin Reduction
- Uganda Can Take Lead in Biotech Says ABSP II EA Coordinator
- Early Detection of Diseases Using Plant Reflections
- Onion Without the Tears
- Nitrogen Pollution Increases Plant Growth in the Tropics
- Research Seeks to Identify More Productive Banana
- GM Bananas Expressing Increased Nutrient Contents
- Indian BT Cotton Ouput Reaches 66 per cent
- IPRs as an Option to Promote Excellence in Agriculture
- Monsanto's GM Soybean Receives Approvals in Asian Countries
- Oman Sets Up Plant Genetic Resources Committees
- Germany Amends Gene-Food Law
- Scientists Identify Plant Barcode Gene
-
Research Highlights
- Genome Responses Involved in Transitory Thermotolerance
- Increasing the Expression of Anticancer Alkaloids in Perwinkle
- Complete Cassava Chloroplast Genome Sequenced
- GM Tobacco Expressing Aprotinin
-
Announcements
- Tissue Culture Conference in Dhaka
- Ravello Conference on Biotechnology
-
Resources
- India's MOEF Highlights Applications of GM Crops
-
Read the latest: - Biotech Updates (April 30, 2025)
- Gene Editing Supplement (April 30, 2025)
- Gene Drive Supplement (February 22, 2023)
-
Subscribe to BU: - Share
- Tweet