Objective Coleus forskholii is a shrub of the Lamiaceae family, used as an ayurverdic medicinal plant. The roots of this plant are producing a labdane type diterpene named forskolin, known mainly for its pharmaceutical activity for protection against heart failure problems, hypertension treatment as it acts as vasodilator, anti-inflammatory properties and its effects in treating respiratory track problems. The medicinal activities of forskolin are due to its ability to activate the enzyme adenylyl cyclase and therefore to increase the levels of cyclic AMP (cAMP) in the cells. Today it is known that forskolin is produced exclusively by the roots of the species Coleus forskohlii, together with a plethora of different diterpenes, hence its availability is restricted. Thus, the aim of this research proposal is to set the base for the elucidation of the coleus diterpenoids pathways and second to generate production platforms for the controlled biotechnological synthesis of the metabolites of interest. This will be achieved using state of the art technologies and methodologies. New generation sequencing will be used for deep sequencing of the root bark transcriptome (the specialized root tissue responsible for the synthesis and accumulation of forskolin). Genes involved in forskolin and other diterpenoids production will be identified from the generated data bases, will be cloned and functionally characterized for identifying their exact role in the pathways. Upon characterization, selected genes will be expressed in the microbe yeast and/or in the moss Physcomitrella (a novel plant based terpenoid production platform, exhibiting numerous advantages in comparison with microbial systems) for the sustainable production of pure bioactive diterpenoids, which will enable the studies of the therapeutical properties of these metabolites but also the future scalable-up applications to meet pharmaceutical/commercial interests. Fields of science medical and health sciencesbasic medicinepharmacology and pharmacypharmaceutical drugsmedical and health sciencesclinical medicinecardiologysocial scienceseconomics and businesseconomicssustainable economynatural sciencesbiological sciencesbiochemistrybiomoleculesproteinsenzymes Programme(s) FP7-PEOPLE - Specific programme "People" implementing the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007 to 2013) Topic(s) FP7-PEOPLE-2012-IEF - Marie-Curie Action: "Intra-European fellowships for career development" Call for proposal FP7-PEOPLE-2012-IEF See other projects for this call Funding Scheme MC-IEF - Intra-European Fellowships (IEF) Coordinator KOBENHAVNS UNIVERSITET EU contribution € 298 932,60 Address NORREGADE 10 1165 Kobenhavn Denmark See on map Region Danmark Hovedstaden Byen København Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Administrative Contact Ivan Kristoffersen (Mr.) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Total cost No data