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Madeline G. Mckinney

2 papers in the library · 16 citations · publishing 2021-2025

Papers

Psilocybin biosynthesis enhancement through gene source optimization.

Metabolic Engineering April 16, 2025 Madeleine R Keller, Madeline G. Mckinney, Abhishek K. Sen et al. 8 citations

Psilocybin, the prodrug to the psychoactive compound in 'magic' mushrooms, is being studied as a treatment for depression and anxiety. Previous biosynthesis in E. coli using genes from Psilocybe cubensis achieved maximum titers of 1.16 g/L. This work tested genes from four psilocybin-producing mushroom species and found that psiD and psiK from P. cubensis performed best, while psiM from Psilocybe cyanescens increased selectivity for the intermediate baeocystin. The strain Gymdi30, with psiM from Gymnopilus dilepis, produced 1.46 ± 0.13 g/L psilocybin, the highest reported titer to date. Comparative proteomic analysis during high and low productivity identified metabolic bottlenecks. This represents a significant improvement toward a biosynthetic manufacturing route for psilocybin.

DOI: 10.1016/j.ymben.2025.04.003 (opens in new tab) Full text (opens in new tab) Gene source optimization Gymnopilus dilepis Norbaeocystin methyltransferase Promoter library +7

Homebrewed psilocybin: can new routes for pharmaceutical psilocybin production enable recreational use?

Bioengineered January 1, 2021 William E. Gibbons, Madeline G. Mckinney, Philip J. O’dell et al. 8 citations

Psilocybin, a recreational psychedelic, is being studied as a therapy for depression, anxiety, and addiction. Recent advances include biosynthesis using microorganisms. This work demonstrates production of approximately 300 mg/L of psilocybin in less than 2 days using a recombinant E. coli strain in a simple, homebrew-style setup with easily sourced equipment. The finding raises regulatory questions about preventing clandestine synthesis while allowing pharmaceutical development. The authors present their results and suggestions for addressing these regulatory concerns.

DOI: 10.1080/21655979.2021.1987090 (opens in new tab) Psilocybin Hallucinogen Pharmacology