When I hear the word “morphine” or “codeine,” the first thought that comes to mind is not that of a flower.  Although these two drugs may fall under the classification of some of the strongest pain medications on the market, people often fail to acknowledge the source of morphine and codeine: the opium poppy.  On the contrary, scientists from the University of Calgary have not only acknowledged the opium poppy as the maker of these potent analgesics, but they have actually uncovered the genes responsible for codeine and morphine production.

After sorting through some 23,000 different genes, researchers discovered the codeine O-dementhylase (CODM) gene, which produces the plant enzyme responsible for the converting codeine into morphine.  Until this scientific breakthrough, plant biochemists could not successfully identify the enzymes encoded by the flower’s genes responsible for making these drugs.

Codeine, one the world’s most popular opiates and painkillers, is produced from the more abundant morphine found in the opium poppy.  Once in the human body, an enzyme in the liver will convert the codeine into morphine, the active painkiller and a naturally occurring compound in the body.  As opposed to making codeine from morphine, researchers believe that the discovery of CODM will allow them to create plants that have the ability to cease production at codeine.

By exploiting the genetic power of the opium poppy, scientists can employ new methods for producing opiate drugs and other pharmaceuticals.  The next step by Professor Peter Facchini’s research team is to utilize the codeine gene to produce pharmaceuticals via microorganisms, such as yeast or bacteria.  (Photo Credit: Picture It Now)

Discussion Question: How will the discovery of new methods for producing codeine affect the opiate market?  Will this result in a even wider usage of the drug?

News Article: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/03/100314150916.htm
Abstract: http://www.nature.com/nchembio/journal/v6/n4/full/nchembio.334.html