Abstract: Genetically-modified cell capable of producing UD CA, cholic acid, and/or another UDCA precursor comprising at least one heterologous polynucleotide encoding an enzyme involved in a metabolic pathway that converts sugar to UDCA, cholic acid, and/or another UDCA precursor. Method of making UDCA, cholic acid, and/or another UDCA precursor using such a cell. Use of UDCA or UDCA precursor produced using such a method for the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment of a disease or symptom of a disease. Medicament comprising UDCA or UDCA precursor made using such a method. Method of treating a disease or symptom of a disease comprising administering UDCA or a UDCA precursor made using such a method. Isolated nucleic acid encoding at least one enzyme involved in a metabolic pathway that converts sugar to UDCA, cholic acid, and/or another UDCA precursor.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods that may be used for the synthesis of benzylisoquinoline alkaloids (“BIAs”) such as thebaine and morphine and their derivatives. The methods disclosed can be used to produce thebaine, oripavine, codeine, morphine, oxycodone, hydrocodone, oxymorphone, hydromorphone, naltrexone, naloxone, hydroxycodeinone, neopinone, and/or buprenorphine. Compositions and organisms useful for the synthesis of BIAs, including thebaine synthases and polynucleotides encoding the same, are provided. Further, methods of adjusting pH to optimize the reaction are disclosed.