1 Article by Yongpeng Yao
De Novo Biosynthesis of Antidepressant Psilocybin in Escherichia coli.
Microbial biotechnology – April 01, 2025
Summary
Psilocybin, a promising treatment for depression, can now be sustainably produced in E. coli. By engineering the cytochrome P450 enzyme and optimizing the electron transfer chain, researchers achieved a remarkable 100-fold increase in psilocybin yield. This innovative pathway engineering opens doors for efficient, heterologous production of this vital tryptamine-derived alkaloid.
Abstract
Psilocybin, a tryptamine-derived alkaloid, has been granted Breakthrough Therapy designation by the U.S. FDA for treatment-resistant depression, un...