Overview

To produce components of Danshen (Salvia miltiorrhiza) with anti-inflammatory activity, such as tanshinones as well as carnosic acid, we utilized the MVA pathway of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, constructed and integrated key enzyme genes related to the synthesis of phenolic diterpenoid compounds using Golden Gate assembly method.

In this project we successfully built 18 new parts, which include essential genetic elements for the biosynthesis of tanshinone derivatives and carnosic acid using Saccharomyces cerevisiae as the chassis organism. BBa K5207020(TY9) and BBa K5207021 (TY10) are our final functional devices for tanshinone derivatives and carnosic acid synthesis.

BBa K5207020 DS-HydroxySugiol (TY9)

Role: This plasmid is engineered to synthesize tanshinone derivatives, which are key compounds derived from Salvia miltiorrhiza (Danshen) and are known for their potential therapeutic properties, particularly in cardiovascular treatments.

Function: The TY9 plasmid contains several key enzyme genes, such as SmGGPPS, SmCPS1, SmKSL, and CYP76AH1/CYP76AH3, responsible for the biosynthesis pathway. These genes allow the yeast chassis to convert precursors like GGPP into tanshinone derivatives. Please refer to the part registry page (BBa K5207020) for the detailed results.

BBa K5207021 DS-CarnosicAcid (TY10)

Role: This plasmid focuses on the synthesis of carnosic acid, another valuable compound with known antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Function: Similar to TY9, TY10 integrates genes involved in diterpenoid biosynthesis, such as CYP76AH22 and CYP76AK6. These genes are critical for the conversion of multiradiene into carnosic acid. Please refer to the part registry page (BBa K5207021) for the detailed results.

Table 1 Part list