Evaluation of Biosynthetic Pathway and Engineered Biosynthesis of Morphine with CRISPR

Abstract

As a secondary metabolite produced by opium poppy (Papaver somniferum), morphine is a valuable subject for research and application purposes within the medical field. Thanks to the research conducted throughout the past few decades, the main pathway for the biosynthesis of morphine has been thoroughly elucidated. In addition, whole genome sequencing and evolutionary genomics of opium poppy have provided us with crucial information regarding specific details of such a pathway on the molecular level, which includes coding regions and functions of key enzymes that play vital roles in the production of specific metabolites. These advantages can be combined with the application of current genome editing techniques, such as CRISPR, to allow the regulated and optimized production of desirable metabolites through manipulating particular genes. This research focuses on the functional evaluation of key enzymes in the biosynthetic pathway of morphine in opium poppy, further exploring possibilities of regulated production of morphine with CRISPR.