Cannabinoid synthase variants and methods for their use

Abstract

The invention relates to a non-natural cannabinoid synthase comprising at least one amino acid variation as compared to a wild type cannabinoid synthase Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinolic acid synthase (THCAS), comprising three alpha helices (αA, αB and αC) where a disulfide bond is not formed between alpha helix αA and alpha helix αC, wherein the non-natural cannabinoid synthase catalyzes the oxidative cyclization of cannabigerolic acid (CBGA) into a cannabinoid. The invention further relates to a non-natural Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinolic acid synthase (THCAS), a non-natural cannabidiolic acid synthase (CBDAS), and a non-natural cannabichromenic acid synthase (CBCAS) comprising at least one amino acid variation as compared to a wild type THCAS, CBDAS, or CBCAS, respectively, comprising three alpha helices (αA, αB and αC) and wherein a disulfide bond is not formed between alpha helix αA and alpha helix αC. The invention also relates to a nucleic acid, expression construct, and engineered cell for making the non-natural THCAS, CBDAS, and/or CBCAS. Also provided are compositions comprising the non-natural THCAS, CBDAS, and/or CBCAS; isolated non-natural THCAS, CBDAS, and/or CBCAS enzymes; methods of making the isolated enzymes; cell extracts comprising cannabinoids; and methods of making cannabinoids.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.