Scientists genetically modify tobacco plant that makes cocaine

Source:

Not sure if this is alarming... but something inside me says it ought to be.

The modified plants produced 25% of the amount of coc aine made by coca plants, weight per weight.

THIS IS NOT ABOUT THE ILLICIT DRUG TRADE

Researchers at the Chinese Academy of Sciences have not only identified two missing enzymes for the biosynthesis of the tropane skeleton in coc aine but also inserted the corresponding genes that express these enzymes into Nicotiana benthamiana, a close relative of the tobacco plant native to Australia.

This is kind of weird to me... it smacks of Jurassic Park-style theater... inserting gene expressions and filling the gaps with likely matches.

Tropane alkaloids like coc aine are mainly produced by two families of plants: Solanaceae (tomato, tobacco, potato relatives) and Erythroxylaceae (coca). These highly complex chemical compounds are highly valued by the pharmaceutical industry due to their anticholinergic properties that inhibit actions called parasympathetic nerve impulses. Blocking acetylcholine signals can decrease involuntary muscle movement, digestion, and mucus secretion. And since tropane alkaloids also serve as the lead compounds to generate more effective drugs, they are listed in the World Health Organization’s list of essential medicines and are available in the market with FDA approval.

Ugh! Why did they have to bring up the WHO? I suppose its clickbait for certain users after all.

Once these genetically modified tobacco plants reached maturity, the researchers were stunned to find 400 nanograms of coc aine per milligram of dried leaf. That’s approximately 25% of the amount found in the natural coca plant. What’s more, the researchers mention that this chemical pathway isn’t limited to N. benthamiana. Theoretically, they could add these genes to high-growth rate microorganisms like the bacterium E. coli and the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae to produce tropane alkaloids in industrial quantities inside bioreactor tanks.

Now, I wonder why - if they need this substance for the advancement of medicine - can't they just use the plant that produces it naturally? Because it's not patentable - that's why.

PS - How soon before we see coc aine smokes on our streets? I know, I know.. I said I was going to "go there."

Two birds with one stone! Although 25% by weight would probably kill you if you smoked a cigarette of it.

Sounds like meth labs are old news. crispr Coc bacterium farm is new best friend.

Jokes aside could have some pretty far reaching impact on drug manufacturing and could reduce costs substantially.
a reply to: Maxmars

a reply to: Athetos

I think giving CRISPR tech to these scientists could end up like giving a loaded weapon to a child. Somebody always gets hurt.

But, let's not characterize it that way until it comes to pass... it is also quite possible that this is for science.

a reply to: Maxmars

And here i am still waiting for that Tomacco promised by the Simpsons...

originally posted by: Maxmars


Ugh! Why did they have to bring up the WHO? I suppose its clickbait for certain users after all.

Why? Will you not get fooled again???

originally posted by: HarrisonChevy

originally posted by: Maxmars


Ugh! Why did they have to bring up the WHO? I suppose its clickbait for certain users after all.

Why? Will you not get fooled again???

Probably. It’s an eminence front.

a reply to: Maxmars

Had I better understanding of chemistry, I'd discern if the compounds @ 25% were as pure or derivative such as crack.

These researchers and scientists are likely on their way to testing and measuring application, usage and impact. Question for me is, who funds this research and why.

A new GM high yield cash crop?

I'm sorry. I just had to.