The group of Akihiko KONDO at Kobe University has used computer simulations, newly designed metabolic pathways and introduction of an engineered silkworm enzyme into E. coli to produce tetrahydropapaveroline (THP), a precursor compound of various benzylisoquinoline alkaloids which are used as analgesics. The project was carried out within NEDO’s “smart cell industry” program.
NEDO news release, May 7, 2019
Nature Communications (2019) DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-09610-2
High yield production of tetrahydropapaveroline, a pharmaceutical raw material, using synthetic biology and metabolic engineering