Enhanced Bioproduction and Extraction of Taxanes

Several groups of methods of enhanced bioproduction and extraction of taxanes have been invented. Taxanes (see figure) have exhibited potential as drugs for treatment of cancer and congenital polycystic kidney disease. One taxane — paclitaxel (more widely known under the trade name Taxol™) — has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for treatment of several types of cancer. Currently, paclitaxel and other taxanes are produced by extraction and by semisynthesis from precursor taxanes isolated from Taxus sp. The present inventive methods are intended to enable the production of taxanes and related products in quantities sufficient for testing them as potential anticancer drugs, without destroying Taxus trees. In addition, the methods afford versatile capabilities for tailoring the chemical structures of taxanes and related products to maximize their beneficial effects.