Mitragyna speciosa, or kratom, is a tree belonging to the coffee family. The tree’s leaves produce unique compounds called monoterpene indole alkaloids, which are known for various beneficial pharmaceutical uses. Mitragynine, for example, has shown promise for treating pain, opioid use disorder and opioid withdrawal, and it does so without demonstrating addiction potential. Spirooxindole mitraphylline, another kratom alkaloid, is known for promoting anti-tumor activity.

But how kratom produces these alkaloids is unknown. Satya Swathi Nadakuduti, an assistant professor of plant biotechnology and biochemistry in the UF/IFAS environmental horticulture department, will lead a team of interdisciplinary researchers seeking to identify the genes involved and to decipher the multi-step process through which the plant produces the alkaloids. The team will do so by studying the kratom plant’s genome, gene expression and metabolites.

“Monoterpene indole alkaloids serve as an important source for potential drug discovery,” Nadakuduti said. “Understanding their biosynthesis makes it possible to support drug development, and they could meet emerging and future markets as a solution to the opioid crisis.”

Rumbaugh and a team of scientists from the institute have been awarded a five-year grant from the National Institute of Mental Health worth $7.7 million to work toward a treatment. Their goal is to create a pill that restores healthy SYNGAP1 gene production, thereby boosting neuroplasticity, or the ability of the brain to form circuits and connections. The scientists’ hope is that their work will improve the quality of life for both children and adults with the disorder, Rumbaugh said. Collaborators on the grant include Wertheim UF Scripps scientists Courtney Miller, Ph.D., and Ted Kamenecka, Ph.D..

“Seizures can be induced in these children by something as simple as eating the wrong texture of food,” Rumbaugh said. “The benefit of a medication you could take as a pill is that the dose could be adjusted as the children grow.”