青蒿素是从中药青蒿中分离出来的一种倍半萜内酯类化合物, 也是目前最有效的抗疟疾药物, 对人类健康意义重大。该文通过对青蒿素生物合成途径及其相关酶的介绍, 综述了利用异源生物通过组合生物合成途径生产青蒿素及其前体的最新研究进展。

Artemisinin, a sesquiterpene endoperoxide lactone extracted from the traditional Chinese herb Artemisia annua, is an effective drug against the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum and has many positive effects on human health. We explored the possibility of producing artemisinin and its precursors by heterologous systems including Escherichia coli, Sacchromyces cerevisiae and tobacco. We also discuss recent progress in the artemisinin biosynthetic pathway and new genes and enzymes involved in artemisinin biosynthesis.