Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinolicacid synthase production in Pichia pastoris enables chemical synthesis of cannabinoids.

“Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is of increasing interest as a pharmaceutical and bioactive compound.

Chemical synthesis of THC uses a laborious procedure and does not satisfy the market demand.

The implementation of biocatalysts for specific synthesis steps might be beneficial for making natural product availability independent from the plant.

Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinolicacid synthase (THCAS) from C. sativa L. catalyzes the cyclization of cannabigerolic acid (CBGA) to Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA), which is non-enzymatically decarboxylated to THC.

In conclusion, production of THCAS in Pichia pastoris MutS KM71 KE1, subsequent isolation, and its application in a two-liquid phase setup enables the synthesis of THCA on a mg scale.”

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26197418