Prof. Luo Xiaozhou from the Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology (SIAT) and Prof. Jay D. Keasling from the University of California, Berkeley, have collaborated on a groundbreaking research project. Their team has successfully engineered yeast cells to produce essential plant hormones called jasmonates. These hormones include jasmonic acid, as well as its derivatives methyl jasmonate and jasmonoyl isoleucine.
The significance of this achievement cannot be overstated. Jasmonates play a vital role in various biological processes in plants, such as growth regulation, defense against pests and pathogens, and response to environmental stressors. They have also been found to improve crop yield and enhance the production of valuable secondary metabolites with pharmaceutical applications.
By harnessing the power of synthetic biology, the research team has devised a method to introduce genes responsible for jasmonate synthesis into yeast cells. The engineered yeast cells are then able to produce these plant hormones, providing a sustainable and scalable platform for their production.
One key advantage of using yeast as a host organism is its well-established industrial fermentation processes, making it an ideal candidate for large-scale production. Additionally, yeast offers excellent compatibility with genetic engineering techniques, allowing for precise control and manipulation of the metabolic pathways involved in jasmonate synthesis.
The successful development of this engineered yeast strain opens up new possibilities for the cost-effective production of jasmonates on a commercial scale. This breakthrough could significantly impact various industries, including agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics, which rely on jasmonates for their applications.
In agriculture, jasmonates have the potential to revolutionize crop protection strategies by enhancing plant defenses against pests and diseases. Their ability to regulate plant growth and development can also contribute to improving crop yields and overall agricultural productivity.
In the pharmaceutical industry, jasmonates and their derivatives have shown promising therapeutic properties. They exhibit antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer activities, making them attractive candidates for drug development.
Furthermore, jasmonates have found applications in the cosmetics industry. Their ability to stimulate the production of secondary metabolites, such as antioxidants and pigments, can be utilized to develop innovative skincare and cosmetic products.
The collaborative efforts of Prof. Luo Xiaozhou and Prof. Jay D. Keasling have paved the way for further research and development in the field of jasmonate production. With their engineered yeast strain, the production of these vital plant hormones can be scaled up and optimized, which may lead to a wide range of practical applications across various industries.
This achievement exemplifies the potential of synthetic biology to address pressing challenges and open up new avenues for sustainable solutions. As researchers continue to explore the possibilities offered by this breakthrough, we can anticipate exciting advancements in agriculture, medicine, and beyond.
