Currently, individuals with neurodegenerative diseases are rising each year, and the prevalence of these diseases among the elderly population is also increasing. As public concern regarding this issue grows, so does the demand for the measures. Therefore, we aim to provide a more environmentally friendly and convenient source of medicine through plant synthetic biology.
Nicotiana benthamiana is hypersusceptible and can co-express multiple genes. Therefore, we have chosen this plant as our chassis.
Using Nicotiana benthamiana as our chassis, we will express ADH, AD6, and P19 through Agrobacterium infection. ADH catalyzes the conversion of arogenate to tyrosine, increasing the number of precursors needed for the production of levodopa. AD6 is able to convert tyrosine into levodopa allowing the Nicotiana benthamiana to synthesize our desired product. P19 is the RNA silencing suppressor, enhancing the capability of Agrobacterium infection. Ultimately, we have successfully produced high yields of L-DOPA through plant synthesis.