Topic: Biology

Researchers at UBC Okanagan discovered how plants create mitraphylline, a rare compound that can fight cancer. They found two key enzymes involved in its production.

Plants are amazing natural chemists. Scientists have long studied the unique compounds they produce, but one mystery remained: how do plants make mitraphylline? This rare compound has attracted attention for its potential to fight cancer. A team at UBC Okanagan's Irving K. Barber Faculty of Science led by Dr. Thu-Thuy Dang made a breakthrough discovery in 2023. They identified the first plant enzyme capable of twisting molecules into the distinctive spiro shape found in mitraphylline. This was like finding the missing link in an assembly line, answering a long-standing question about how nature builds complex molecules.

Building on this earlier finding, doctoral student Tuan-Anh Nguyen led new research that uncovered two critical enzymes involved in mitraphylline production. One enzyme organizes the molecule into its correct three-dimensional structure, while the second transforms it into mitraphylline itself. This discovery gives scientists a clearer path toward producing the compound and related molecules in more sustainable ways.

Mitraphylline is one of those rare substances found only in tiny amounts inside plants. It exists only in trace quantities in tropical trees like Mitragyna (kratom) and Uncaria (cat's claw), both members of the coffee family. Now that researchers have identified the enzymes responsible for shaping and assembling mitraphylline, they can work towards producing it more sustainably.

The project brought together Dr. Dang's laboratory at UBC Okanagan and Dr. Satya Nadakuduti's research group at the University of Florida. Funding came from Canada's Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council's Alliance International Collaboration program, the Canada Foundation for Innovation, and the Michael Smith Health Research BC Scholar Program.

Why It Matters

This discovery can lead to more sustainable ways of producing cancer-fighting compounds. This is important because many promising natural compounds are found only in tiny amounts inside plants, making them difficult and expensive to recreate in laboratories.

Key Facts

• Researchers at UBC Okanagan discovered how plants create mitraphylline, a rare compound that can fight cancer.
• They found two key enzymes involved in its production: one organizes the molecule into its correct three-dimensional structure, while the second transforms it into mitraphylline itself.
• Mitraphylline exists only in trace quantities in tropical trees like Mitragyna (kratom) and Uncaria (cat's claw), both members of the coffee family.
• The project brought together researchers from UBC Okanagan and the University of Florida, with funding from various organizations.

Key Terms

Spirooxindole alkaloids

A unique class of plant chemicals recognized for their powerful biological effects, including anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor activity.

Implications

This discovery can lead to more sustainable ways of producing cancer-fighting compounds. This is important because many promising natural compounds are found only in tiny amounts inside plants, making them difficult and expensive to recreate in laboratories.