Beyond the semi-synthetic artemisinin: metabolic engineering of plant-derived anti-cancer drugs.

Beyond the semi-synthetic artemisinin: metabolic engineering of plant-derived anti-cancer drugs.
Curr Opin Biotechnol. 2019 Dec 13;65:17-24
Authors: Carqueijeiro I, Langley C, Grzech D, Koudounas K, Papon N, O'Connor SE, Courdavault V
Abstract
The discovery and supply of plant-derived anti-cancer compounds remain challenging given their low bioavailability and structural complexity. Reconstituting the pathways of these compounds in heterologous hosts is a promising solution; however, requires the complete elucidation of the biosynthetic genes involved and extensive metabolic engineering to optimise enzyme activity and metabolic flux. This review describes the current strategies and recent advancements in the production of these valuable therapeutic compounds, and highlights plant-derived immunomodulators as an emerging class of anti-cancer agents.
PMID: 31841858 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Source: Current Opinion in Biotechnology - December 12, 2019 Category: Biotechnology Authors: Carqueijeiro I, Langley C, Grzech D, Koudounas K, Papon N, O'Connor SE, Courdavault V Tags: Curr Opin Biotechnol Source Type: research