Scientists engineered baker's yeast to synthesize Opioids

Fig. Stanford team members, from the left are: postdoctoral researcher Isis Trenchard, associate professor of bioengineering Christina Smolke, chemistry graduate student Stephanie Galanie and research associate Kate Thodey. (Rod Searcey)

Scientists have engineered simple baker's yeast to synthesize pain killer component like hydrocodone without the help of poppies from sugar. Their smolke yeast contains 23 engineered genes from plants, bacteria and rats is capable of making a direct conversion from sugar to hydrocodone, as well as from sugar to thebaine, a precursor of opioid compounds that would essentially take the place of poppies in the production of pain medication. Engineered smolke yeast can produce hydrocodone in just three to five days. Bioengineered yeast is already used to produce the anti-malarial drug artemisinin.

Ref: Stephanie Galanie et al., 2015, Science.

DOI: 10.1126/science.aac9373

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