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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 11, 2026

A Customizable Approach for the Enzymatic Production and Purification of Diterpenoid Natural Products

A Customizable Approach for the Enzymatic Production and Purification of Diterpenoid Natural Products

Published on: October 4, 2019

Taxol biosynthesis and molecular genetics.

Rodney Croteau¹, Raymond E B Ketchum, Robert M Long

¹Institute of Biological Chemistry, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, 99164-6340, USA.

Phytochemistry Reviews : Proceedings of the Phytochemical Society of Europe

|September 28, 2011

Summary

Researchers investigated the biosynthesis of the anticancer drug Taxol in yew species. They identified key enzymes and genes, paving the way for improved Taxol production through genetic engineering.

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Area of Science:

Biochemistry
Plant Biotechnology
Natural Product Synthesis

Background:

Taxol (paclitaxel) is a crucial anticancer drug derived from Taxus species.
Its biosynthesis is a complex, multi-step process involving numerous enzymes.
Understanding this pathway is vital for improving Taxol production.

Purpose of the Study:

To elucidate the intricate biosynthetic pathway of Taxol in yew.
To identify enzymes and genes involved in Taxol production.
To explore strategies for enhancing Taxol biosynthesis through genetic engineering.

Main Methods:

Utilized Taxus suspension cell cultures induced with methyl jasmonate.
Conducted feeding studies to trace metabolic intermediates.
Employed cell-free enzymology and cDNA library construction for gene identification.

Main Results:

Elucidated early and late segments of the Taxol biosynthetic pathway.
Isolated and characterized over 50% of the pathway's enzymes and genes.
Identified candidate cDNAs for remaining pathway steps.

Conclusions:

Significant progress has been made in understanding Taxol biosynthesis.
Numerous targets for genetic engineering of Taxol production have been identified.
This research facilitates more efficient production of Taxol and its precursors.