Infections by the Zika virus have brought the attention of the scientific community due to the high incidence rate in several countries of Africa, Asia and America. Nevertheless, no treatment is available until the moment. It is known that alkaloids like hippeastrine inhibit the infections caused by the virus Zika in rats. This molecule, among others that present pharmacology activity, is present in tissues of plants in the family Amaryllidaceae. However, its extraction using chemical methods gives low yields, as well as organic synthesis. Both mentioned methods entail the use of organic reagents that are highly polluting, and the extraction implies the destruction of the plant. Nature offers a solution for the problem of obtaining these molecules, and its through enzymes. These molecules are biosynthesized for the plant itself using these molecular machines but until the moment, it is unknown what enzymes are involved in this process. Previous studies have determinate that P450 enzymes are the ones involved in this pathway. To identify possible enzymes, samples of the plant tissues were collected at Universidad Icesi. The plants correspond to Hymenocallis litoralis and Crinum. RNA was extracted from bulbs and leaves. Bioinformatics methods were carried to determinate possible sequences. Seven candidates were obtained using computational methods and fragments of the genes were amplified using PCR to determinate their absence or presence in the plants. Also, two genes (N4OMT and NBS) that are important in the biosynthetic pathway were incorporated into the list of candidates. Until the moment, the sequences that amplified are in the process to be sequenced. This project aims to offer the first bases to create biotechnological platforms to biosynthesize alkaloids in a cleaner and easier way.

Identification of genes involved in the biosynthetic route of alkaloids in plants of Amaryllidaceae

Macromolecular Chemistry: The Second Century

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ACS Spring 2020 National Meeting & Expo

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.