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Revision as of 06:05, 29 September 2016
How to Produce Lots of
Cancer Drugs Sustainably?
Presented by Duke iGEM
Identifying Cancer Drug in Short Supply
Our case is taxol, a famous chemotherapy drug that derives its chemistry from Pacific Yew Tree barks.
Annotated Taxol 2D Structure (3D Structure in Project Page)
PDB Citation: Bank, RCSB Protein Data. "TAXOL." RCSB PDB. N.p., n.d. Web. 27 Sept. 2016.
The lack of chemotherapy drugs risks patients' lives. Taxol is a famous and effective cancer drug whose production rests on the steady supply of Pacific Yew Trees. However, as more people develop cancer, Pacific Yew Trees are being overharvested and endangered.
In the forseeable future, there will be fewer Yew Trees. Taxol will become less affordable for patients. Worse, when Yew Trees become extinct, Taxol will lose its most essential ingredient. What can we do?
![](https://static.igem.org/mediawiki/2016/b/b1/T--Duke--taxolplant_and_.jpeg)
After an analysis of Yew Trees' genetic structure relevant to taxol production, we identified eight genetic processes. And these genes are transferrable!
Therefore, it's possible to teach someone else to produce Yew Trees' stuff. The next important step is to find the perfect replacement producer to relieve Yew Trees of their noble duty.
![](https://static.igem.org/mediawiki/2016/4/47/T--Duke--concentratingscientist_and_.jpeg)
Rethink the Production Process
Why don't we get a new producer for this essential taxol ingredient? Our solution will dramatically increase taxol production, create Pacific Yew Trees a permanent break from overharvest and danger of extinction.
Bacteria!
Bacterial Production in a controlled lab is safer and sustainable, with a dramatically larger yield!
At Duke iGEM, we have already begun the process of sequentially arranging these genes and growing bacteria with their new powers.
Therefore, it's possible to teach someone else to produce Yew Trees' stuff. The next important step is to find the perfect replacement producer to relieve Yew Trees of their noble duty.
![](https://static.igem.org/mediawiki/2016/b/bf/T--Duke--bacteria_and_.jpeg)