Application of CRISPR-CAS9 to Optimize Opium Alkaloids Extraction to Eliminate Addictive Chemicals

Study Rationale:

Opium poppy (Papaver somniferum) is a species of flowering plant used for opium alkaloids extraction. Since the major chemical components of opium extract include morphine and codeine, opium poppy is utilized to derive opiates and opioids, which are natural and synthetic pain-relief narcotic drugs, respectively. Due to their depressing effects on the central nervous system, opium demonstrates useful applications in medicine. However, opium is addictive. The abuse of opium can lead to substance dependence, overdose, and death. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 115 people in the United States die of opium overdose every day, and about 2 million U.S. citizens suffer from substance use disorders associated with prescription opioid pain relievers.

Study Impact and Next Steps:

Opioid pain medication inhibits pain signals transmitted from the body to the brain. Despite the addictive effects of opioids, the use of pain medication undoubtedly facilitates the treatment of acute moderate to severe pain caused by an injury, illness, or surgery. 

Therefore, for the next 15 weeks, we invite you to join me and investigate the possibility of utilizing CRISPR-Cas9, a powerful genome-engineering technology, to separate pain-relieving chemicals from addictive substances in opium. Optimistically, eliminating the addictive chemicals in opium during the extraction process could enhance the application of pain relievers in medical procedures.