Boldenone and Testosterone Production from Phytosterol via One-Pot Cascade Biotransformations
- Author: mycolabadmin
- 11/28/2024
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Summary
Scientists developed an efficient biological process to produce testosterone and boldenone (important medical steroids) from plant sterols using two microorganisms working together. The fungus Curvularia converts the intermediate products produced by bacteria into the desired compounds. This green biotechnology approach avoids chemical synthesis and could provide a more sustainable way to produce these widely-used medicines for humans and animals.
Background
Testosterone and boldenone are valuable steroid compounds used in medicine and veterinary science. Current production methods rely on chemical synthesis or enzymatic conversion from phytosterol. This study explores green production methods using fungal and bacterial biotransformations.
Objective
To develop efficient cascade biotransformations using Curvularia sp. and Mycolicibacterium neoaurum strains to produce testosterone and boldenone from phytosterol. The study aimed to optimize conditions for 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity and identify candidate genes responsible for steroid transformations.
Results
Curvularia sp. achieved 97% conversion of androstadienedione to boldenone at 4 g/L concentration. Cascade biotransformation of phytosterol (5-10 g/L) produced testosterone and boldenone with >90% efficiency. Transcriptome analysis revealed six candidate 17β-HSD genes. The fungus accumulated 7α-hydroxytestosterone as major product unless protein synthesis was inhibited with cycloheximide.
Conclusion
The cascade biotransformation system demonstrates high biotechnological potential for producing valuable C17-reduced and 7-hydroxylated steroids from phytosterol. The approach provides a green alternative to chemical synthesis and opens prospects for advanced sustainable steroid production technology.
- Published in:Journal of Fungi,
- Study Type:Experimental Study,
- Source: PMID: 39728326