MSU Technologies

Identification of the Gene for Amatoxin and Phallatoxin

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 Benefits

Enable cost-effective, scalable biosynthetic production of rare, complex natural products
Provide reliable supply for clinical research
Provide effective tool for the diagnosis of mycotoxin poisoning

Applications