Media.Player

Identification of the Gene for Amatoxin and Phallatoxin

Detailed Technology Description

Executive Summary Amatoxins and phallotoxins, natural products found in poisonous mushrooms, are deadly in high concentrations. However, there is increased research activity to explore possible clinical applications of these toxins and other cyclic peptides. Because cyclic peptides have not been successfully produced in large amounts in the laboratory or in cultivation, the only source is the scarce wild mushrooms themselves.  Our technology is a stable, scalable, and cost-effective production platform of these bioactive compounds to feed growing demands in pharmaceutical research applications.  The platform additionally allows for engineering and production of a wide range of cyclic peptides.   Description of Technology By isolating the mycotoxin biosynthetic genes and introducing these genes into other organisms for biosynthetic production, this novel technology creates a platform for a scalable supply of desired cyclic peptides, including alpha-amanitin and phallatoxin.  This cyclic peptide production platform provides a stable, less costly source of these biologically active compounds for pharmaceutical research.  Additionally, the isolated genes can be used to make PCR primers for mycotoxin poisoning diagnostics.   Key BenefitsEnable cost-effective, scalable biosynthetic production of rare, complex natural productsProvide reliable supply for clinical researchProvide effective tool for the diagnosis of mycotoxin poisoning  ApplicationsResearch tool: production of alpha-amanitin, an RNA polymerase 2 inhibitors and cytological actin markerTherapeutics Cyclic peptide production Patent Status:  US Patent 9,273,100, 14/933,239 Licensing Rights Available Full licensing rights available. Inventors: Dr. Jonathan Walton, Dr. Heather Hallen, Dr. John Scott-Craig Tech ID: TEC2012-0019

*Abstract

None

*Principal Investigator

Name: Jonathan Walton, Professor

Department: Plant Research Laboratory

Name: Heather Hallen-Adams, Assistant Instructor

Department: Plant Biology

Name: John Scott-Craig, Research Associate

Department: GLBRC

Name: Hong Luo, Sr. Research Associate

Department: Plant Research Laboratory

Country/Region

USA