The genes and enzymes involved in making psilocybin

Mushrooms from several genera, including Psilocybe and Inocybe, independently evolved the ability to produce psilocybin.

• Psilocybin is a prodrug that transforms into the psychotropic compound psilocin, which alters perception.
• Advanced clinical trials indicate that psilocybin may serve as a treatment for depression and anxiety.
• The review details the biosynthetic enzymes and metabolic processes that lead to psilocybin production in fungi.
• Independent evolution of psilocybin biosynthesis involves distantly related or unrelated genes and enzymes.
• The article outlines potential methods for biocatalytic production of psilocybin in laboratory settings.

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