Characterization of the Gateway Decarboxylase for Psilocybin Biosynthesis
ChemBioChem November 3, 2022 Tim Schäfer, Kristina Kramer, Sebastiaan Werten et al. 20 citations
The enzyme PsiD from the mushroom Psilocybe cubensis initiates the production of psilocybin, the psychedelic compound in magic mushrooms that is being investigated as a treatment for major depressive disorder. Unlike most similar enzymes, PsiD does not require pyridoxal phosphate (PLP) and instead resembles type II phosphatidylserine decarboxylases. Through biochemical experiments and computer modeling, researchers identified and confirmed a non-standard serine protease triad that enables the enzyme to cleave itself into its active form. This finding clarifies the molecular mechanism behind the first step of psilocybin biosynthesis.