Researchers at the University of British Columbia (UBC) Okanagan have made a groundbreaking discovery in the field of plant-based pharmaceuticals. They have uncovered the process by which plants produce mitraphylline, a rare natural compound with potential cancer-fighting properties. This discovery could pave the way for sustainable production of this and related compounds, offering new hope in the fight against cancer.
Mitraphylline is part of a small group of plant molecules known as spirooxindole alkaloids, which are characterized by their unique “twisted” ring structures. These compounds are renowned for their potent effects, such as combating tumors and reducing inflammation. However, the precise molecular steps that plants use to synthesize spirooxindoles have long remained elusive.
Breakthrough in Plant Biochemistry
The breakthrough came in 2023 when Dr. Thu-Thuy Dang’s research group at the Irving K. Barber Faculty of Science identified the first plant enzyme capable of twisting a molecule into the spiro shape. Building on this discovery, doctoral student Tuan-Anh Nguyen led efforts to pinpoint a pair of enzymes responsible for setting up the molecules’ 3D configuration and transforming it into mitraphylline.
“This is similar to finding the missing links in an assembly line,” says Dr. Dang, UBC Okanagan Principal’s Research Chair in Natural Products Biotechnology. “It answers a long-standing question about how nature builds these complex molecules and gives us a new way to replicate that process.”
Natural compounds like mitraphylline are typically found in minute quantities in plants, making laboratory reproduction challenging and costly. Mitraphylline, for example, is only present in trace amounts in tropical trees such as Mitragyna (kratom) and Uncaria (cat’s claw), both members of the coffee family.
Implications for Green Chemistry
By identifying the enzymes involved in the synthesis of mitraphylline, researchers have effectively mapped out a sustainable pathway for producing these compounds. This discovery is particularly significant in the context of green chemistry, which seeks to reduce the environmental impact of chemical production.
“With this discovery, we have a green chemistry approach to accessing compounds with enormous pharmaceutical value,” says Nguyen. “This is a result of UBC Okanagan’s research environment, where students and faculty work closely to solve problems with global reach.”
Nguyen also expressed gratitude for the support and mentorship received at UBC Okanagan, highlighting the collaborative nature of the research environment. “Being part of the team that uncovered the enzymes behind spirooxindole compounds has been amazing,” Nguyen adds. “UBC Okanagan’s mentorship and support made this possible, and I’m excited to keep growing as a researcher here in Canada.”
International Collaboration and Support
This project is the result of a collaborative effort between Dr. Dang’s lab at UBC Okanagan and Dr. Satya Nadakuduti’s team at the University of Florida. The research was supported by 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. Additional support came from the United States Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture.
“We are proud of this discovery coming from UBC Okanagan. Plants are fantastic natural chemists,” Dr. Dang remarks. “Our next steps will focus on adapting their molecular tools to create a wider range of therapeutic compounds.”
Looking Ahead
The implications of this discovery extend beyond the immediate benefits of producing mitraphylline. By unlocking the molecular secrets of these plant compounds, researchers are setting the stage for the development of a new generation of plant-based drugs. This could revolutionize the pharmaceutical industry, offering more sustainable and potentially less expensive alternatives to synthetic drugs.
As the research community continues to explore the potential of plant-based compounds, the work at UBC Okanagan stands as a testament to the power of interdisciplinary collaboration and innovative thinking. The future of medicine may well be rooted in the natural world, and the discoveries made by Dr. Dang and her team could be a significant step in that direction.
