Cannabinoids Synthase Systems as a Model for Bioengineering and Optimization of the Cannabinoids Production
Cannabinoids Synthase Systems as a Model for Bioengineering and Optimization of the Cannabinoids Production
Cannabinoids have been demonstrated as potential pharmacological mediators for pathways including CB1-CB2 signaling systems. So far, around 100 identified cannabinoids from Cannabis sativa have been reported. However, little data is available regarding the catalysis mechanisms undergone by the different cannabinoid’s synthases (THCA synthase and CBDA synthase, etc). Cannabonoid’s synthases are a set of at least four variants showing several point mutations. These enzymes catalyze the oxidative cyclization of the monoterpene moiety (GGDP) in cannabigerolic acid (CBGA) or cannabinerolic acid as substrate, producing ∆9-tetrahydrocannabinolate (THCA), the major cannabioid in drug-type Cannabis plants. Recent structural and dynamic data (unpublished data) show that one system could catalyse a variety of cannabinoids. These data insinuate the occurrence of a multiple catalysis mechanisms within the same enzyme system and thus, this project aims at:
- In silico directed mutagenesis experiments and directed mutagenesis of the wild-type cannabinoid’s synthase genes,
- heterologous expression/purification of the constructed enzymes
- assessment of the enzymatic activities and kinetics.
Cannabonoid’s synthases, C. sativa, C. indica, directed mutagenesis, cannabinoids, bio-and chemoinformatics
- Master’s degree in microbiology and/or molecular biology, or master’s degree in plant biotechnology, or equivalent.
- Relevant knowledge in bio- and chemo-informatics.
Please send the application before September 30, 2024 to:
Cedoc.admission@ueuromed.org & j.anissi@ueuromed.org