A tree that makes a rare anticancer compound is near extinction. Chinese scientists may have an answer

Chinese scientists have deciphered the biosynthetic pathway of a rare, naturally occurring anticancer drug, and reproduced it for the first time – in tobacco.

Paclitaxel – sold under the brand name Taxol – is a well-known anticancer compound. First discovered in the Pacific yew tree in 1962, paclitaxel is an FDA-approved anticancer drug used to treat breast, ovarian and lung cancer. The drug disturbs the division of cancer cells and in turn blocks cell cycle progression.