Abstract: Disclosed herein are novel CBGA and CBGVA synthases and methods for improvement of their overall activities for the synthesis of CBGA and CBGVA from their respective precursors, olivetolic acid (OA) or divarinic acid (DVA) and GPP. Also disclosed are fusion proteins to enhance synthesis of CBGA and CBGVA. The methods described herein also increase the titer and the purity of CBGA and CBGVA made by a cell by 1) decreasing the formation of byproducts FCBGA and FCBGVA that are synthesized from the respective prenylation of OA and DVA with FPP, 2) increasing the intracellular availability of OA and DVA and 3) increasing the speed of CBGA and CBGVA formation, while reducing accumulation of intermediates.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are novel cells which are engineered to catabolize a reduced number of acyl-CoA and branched chain amino acids and methods for improved cannabinoid production using these cells. Additionally, cells which are engineered to produce rare cannabinoids, methods for producing these novel rare cannabinoids, as well as the novel rare cannabinoids compounds thus produced, are also disclosed.