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Yeast Has Been Genetically Engineered To produce Opiates
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A new study shows that by altering the genetic code of yeast the researchers were able to produce synthetic opioids, a ‘breakthrough’ that could lead to more effective pain killers and cheaper drugs.
There are concerns, however, that this latest ‘breakthrough may also open the door to “home-brewed” heroin.
Opioids, until now, have only been derived only from the opium poppy.
RT reports: A team of US scientists announced Thursday that they had genetically engineered yeast to convert sugar into hydrocodone, an opioid in the same chemical family as morphine, in just three to five days. Their work
World Health Organization estimates show that 5.5 billion people suffer from pain and have limited or no access to relief, so the development could find significant application in the future.
“This is the most complicated chemical synthesis ever engineered in yeast,” said senior author Christina Smolke, an associate professor of bioengineering at Stanford, in a statement.
Smolke’s team “found and fine-tuned snippets of DNA from other plants, bacteria and even rats,” which produce enzymes necessary for the yeast cells to convert sugar into hydrocodone, a compound that deactivates pain receptors in the brain.
The discovery is an important step toward engineering painkillers from yeast, but it’s just the beginning as the team had to use 4,400 gallons of yeast to create a single dose of painkiller.
“The techniques we developed and demonstrate for opioid pain relievers can be adapted to produce many plant-derived compounds to fight cancers, infectious diseases and chronic conditions such as high blood pressure and arthritis,” Smolke said.
Source: http://truthisscary.com/2015/08/yeast-has-been-genetically-engineered-to-produce-opiates/
