Chemistry – A European Journal, 25(4), 897-903, January 2019
https://doi.org/10.1002/chem.201802758
Authors
- Janis Fricke – Department Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Hans-Knöll-Institute Friedrich-Schiller-Universität, Beutenbergstrasse 11a, 07745, Jena, Germany
- Claudius Lenz – Department Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Hans-Knöll-Institute Friedrich-Schiller-Universität, Beutenbergstrasse 11a, 07745, Jena, Germany
- Jonas Wick – Department Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Hans-Knöll-Institute Friedrich-Schiller-Universität, Beutenbergstrasse 11a, 07745, Jena, Germany
Abstract
The fungal genus Psilocybe and other genera comprise numerous mushroom species that biosynthesize psilocybin (4-phosphoryloxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine). It represents the prodrug to its dephosphorylated psychotropic analogue, psilocin. The colloquial term “magic mushrooms” for these fungi alludes to their hallucinogenic effects and to their use as recreational drugs. However, clinical trials have recognized psilocybin as a valuable candidate to be developed into a medication against depression and anxiety. We here highlight its recently elucidated biosynthesis, the concurrently developed concept of enzymatic in vitro and heterologous in vivo production, along with previous synthetic routes. The prospect of psilocybin as a promising therapeutic may entail an increased demand, which can be met by biotechnological production. Therefore, we also briefly touch on psilocybin’s therapeutic relevance and pharmacology.More
Acknowledgements
We are grateful to Robert Kargbo (Usona Institute, Madison, WI) for valuable comments on the manuscript. C.L. acknowledges a doctoral fellowship by the International Leibniz Research School (ILRS) for Microbial Interactions. Work in D.H.’s laboratory on psilocybin biosynthesis is supported by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG, grant HO2515/7‐1). D.H. is also supported by the Collaborative Research Center ChemBioSys (grant SFB1127) and by the excellence graduate school Jena School for Microbial Communication (JSMC).