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Metabolic Engineering of Saccharomyces cerevisiae for the Production of Bensylisoquinoline Alkaloids

Citation

Hawkins, Kristy Michelle (2009) Metabolic Engineering of Saccharomyces cerevisiae for the Production of Bensylisoquinoline Alkaloids. Dissertation (Ph.D.), California Institute of Technology. doi:10.7907/BQF7-QZ35. https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechETD:etd-10302008-210903

Abstract

The engineering of synthetic metabolic pathways in microbial hosts holds much promise for the synthesis of new chemicals and materials, including a variety of natural and non-natural products. The benzylisoquinoline alkaloids (BIAs) represent a large and structurally diverse class of plant secondary metabolites that exhibit a broad range of pharmacological activities. The reconstitution of a BIA biosynthetic pathway in an engineered microbial host offers several advantages over isolation from plants, including the targeted production of key intermediate molecules, rapid biomass accumulation, ease of purification, and the availability of genetic tools for strain engineering and pathway optimization.

Here we describe the development of a synthetic BIA pathway in an engineered yeast host which incorporates heterologous enzymes from a variety of organisms. The BIA backbone is derived from two molecules of tyrosine and is assembled through a heterologous pathway comprising enzymatic activities from plants, bacteria, and humans. Simultaneous efforts have focused on the downstream portion of this pathway to convert a commercially available substrate to the major branch point intermediate reticuline. By synthesizing both stereoisomers of reticuline from a racemic substrate, we have demonstrated production of BIA metabolites along the diversified sanguinarine/berberine and morphinan branches. Further optimization, scale-up, and a combination of bioconversions and chemical synthesis will potentially revolutionize drug discovery and manufacturing of these compounds.

Item Type:Thesis (Dissertation (Ph.D.))
Subject Keywords:benzylisoquinoline alkaloid; GAL promoter; metabolic engineering; Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Degree Grantor:California Institute of Technology
Division:Chemistry and Chemical Engineering
Major Option:Chemical Engineering
Minor Option:Biology
Thesis Availability:Public (worldwide access)
Research Advisor(s):
  • Smolke, Christina D.
Thesis Committee:
  • Smolke, Christina D. (chair)
  • Asthagiri, Anand R.
  • Arnold, Frances Hamilton
  • Mayo, Stephen L.
Defense Date:28 October 2008
Record Number:CaltechETD:etd-10302008-210903
Persistent URL:https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechETD:etd-10302008-210903
DOI:10.7907/BQF7-QZ35
Default Usage Policy:No commercial reproduction, distribution, display or performance rights in this work are provided.
ID Code:4335
Collection:CaltechTHESIS
Deposited By: Imported from ETD-db
Deposited On:13 May 2009
Last Modified:26 Nov 2019 20:37

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