Harnessing endophytes and Multi-Omics for sustainable Colchicine biosynthesis.
Semwal P, Majhi B, Shivhare R, Mishra SK, Misra S
Crispr
Researchers demonstrate how beneficial microorganisms living inside Gloriosa superba plants boost colchicine production—a drug used for gout, arthritis, and cancer. By studying this plant-microbe partnership using advanced molecular techniques and applying genetic engineering, scientists can develop sustainable, scalable manufacturing methods while protecting endangered wild populations.
Key Findings
Endophytic fungi and bacteria enhance colchicine accumulation through elicitor-mediated signaling, transcriptional reprogramming, and metabolic complementation
Integrated multi-omics analyses identified cytochrome P450-mediated oxidative ring expansion as a critical bottleneck limiting colchicine pathway flux
CRISPR-based genome editing combined with synthetic pathway reconstruction in heterologous microbial hosts enables eco-efficient, scalable colchicine production
Abstract Preview
Gloriosa superba, an endangered medicinal plant, serves as the principal natural source of colchicine, a vital alkaloid used for treating gout, arthritis, cancer, and various inflammatory disorders...
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Species Mentioned
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Gloriosa superba is a species of flowering plant in the family Colchicaceae. Common names include flame lily, climbing lily, creeping lily, glory lily, gloriosa lily, tiger claw, and fire lily.