Mass production of health-enhancing compound in red wine made possible

[johnny861]

Of course, reading this article repositions the question in people's minds in regards to supporting or opposing GM Foods.

While we certainly must take great precautions in GM Foods, I'm a supporter of such foods if the modifications are to provide added health benefits...





The secrets of resveratrol synthesis have been cracked, allowing for the mass production of the compound in red wine that's associated with enhanced health and longevity.

Researchers from the Salk Institute in San Diego, California have solved the three-dimensional structure of stilbene synthase, the enzyme that synthesizes resveratrol, and compared it to a similar enzyme called chalcone synthase that doesn't.

"This biotechnological advance will allow us to 'engineer' natural resveratrol production into crop plants via a small modification of that plant's own chalcone synthase gene, as occurs naturally in grapes and a few other plants," says Joseph Noel, lead author of the research.


Longevity enhancer

Resveratrol is a rare plant molecule that protects against fungus. However, in humans it seems to have a different effect: It has been shown to reduce heart disease and has been linked with an extended healthy lifespan.

It is thought that resveratrol works by affecting the absorption of unhealthy food particles in the gut by either stopping their absorption or stimulating them to break down before they can be taken up. Research also suggests that it turns on cellular self-defense mechanisms in a way that mimics the benefits, and possibly the action, of caloric restriction.

Until now, it has been a mystery to researchers why stilbene synthase produces resveratrol while its close relative, the more common chalcone synthase, does not. The two molecules have a 75% to 90% similar amino acid sequence.

All higher plants contain chalcone synthase, which plays a role in plant fertility, disease resistance and flower color. However, resveratrol, which protects plants against fungus, occurs in only a few plant species, including grapevines, peanuts, blueberries and some pine trees.

Altered alfalfa

Michael Austin, a graduate student at the Salk Institute, discovered the three-dimensional structure of resveratrol synthase and then compared it to chalcone synthase.

Austin and colleagues then used the knowledge they gained from their comparison to convert a chalcone synthase in an alfalfa plant into a resveratrol-producing synthase by changing a few amino acids.

The discovery could make resveratrol more readily available for human consumption through mass production. As well, now that the molecular structure is understood, it could lead to the development of resveratrol-like drugs.

The research is reported in the Journal of Chemistry and Biology

[Big Andy]

Neat-oh...

[Hey Bubu]

DRINK MORE RED WINE