They decode the poppy genome
These scientists from the University of York have managed to identify the DNA code of the opium poppy genome – more than 70% – and to decipher the main stages in the evolution of the plant. A real roadmap that could allow the development of new pharmaceutical compounds for pain relief and palliative care, capable of reducing the risk of resistance and dependence. This work is to be published in the journal Science.
The York researchers, in partnership with the Wellcome Sanger Institute (UK) and other international research institutes, have thus discovered the genetic pathway which in the plant leads to the production of noscapine, morphine and codeine. Biochemists have been curious for decades about how plants have evolved to become one of the richest sources of chemical diversity, our study helps to understand this process in the opium poppy, a plant source of painkillers among more effective for pain relief and palliative care.
Synthetic biology-based approaches
for the manufacture of compounds such as noscapine, codeine and morphine are being developed. Plant genes are integrated into microbial systems such as yeast to enable production in industrial fermenters. However, the opium poppy remains today the most economical commercial source and therefore the only source of these pharmaceutical compounds.
These scientists identify 15 genes coding
for enzymes involved in two distinct biosynthetic pathways involved in the production of noscapine and compounds leading to codeine and morphine. They decipher how plants have the ability to replicate their genomes and when this happens, how duplicated genes are free to evolve to perform other functions. They arrive at a first model of genome assembly and the identification of ancestral and major genes that allow the fusion of a gene, STORR, responsible for the first major step in the morphine and codeine pathway.
According to the lead author, Professor Zemin Ning of the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, "The combination of different sequencing technologies has resulted in a high-quality model for the opium poppy genome."
"We 'have' today 70.9% of the genome".
What is the biological source of opium poppy?
Sources. Opium is the dried milky exudate derived from the unripe seed capsules of the poppy plant, Papaver somniferum. Opium contains 24 alkaloids including morphine, codeine, and thebaine (dimethylmorphine). Raw opium consists of at least 10% morphine, but variability exists by growing region.
What part of the poppy does morphine come from?
Papaver somniferum L. is an herbaceous plant which is harvested for its latex 5–10 days after the flowering petals fall from the plant (Schiff, 2002). The dried latex product is called opium from which morphine and other alkaloid compounds can be extracted.
Are opioids still made from poppies?
Some opioids are plant-based and come from the opium poppy (opiates), while others are synthetic or 'man-made'.
What is a opioid poppy?
The opium poppy is the key source for many narcotics, including morphine, codeine, and heroin. WHAT IS ITS ORIGIN? The poppy plant, Papaver somniferum, is the source of opium. It was grown in the Mediterranean region as early as 5000 B.C., and has since been cultivated in a number of countries throughout the world.
Why is the opium poppy important to medicine?
The flowers of the field poppy have long been used as a painkiller for soothing mild aches and pains (e.g. toothache, earache and sore throat), a mild sedative/relaxant, an expectorant for treating catarrh and coughs, as a digestive, and even for reducing the appearance of wrinkles and in lipstick.
What is the natural source of opioids?
In contrast, natural opioids are naturally occurring substances extracted from the seed pod of certain varieties of poppy plants. Some synthetic opioids, such as fentanyl and methadone, have been approved for medical use.
What drugs can replace opioids?
What are some alternatives to opioids? There are many non-opioid pain medications that are available over the counter or by prescription, such as ibuprofen (Motrin), acetaminophen (Tylenol), aspirin (Bayer), and steroids, and some patients find that these are all they need.
How much opioid is in poppy seeds?
Poppy seeds from different origins contain a wide variation of morphine (2-251 micro g/g) and codeine (0.4-57.1 micro g/g) content. No other opiate could be detected. After ingestion a large interindividual variation of excretion of opiates exists.
