Stability of alkaloid production in cell suspension cultures of Tabernaemontana divaricata during long-term subculture

Abstract

Two cell lines of Tabernaemontana divaricata cell suspension culture with different growth and alkaloid production profiles were transferred to the same medium. During 30 subcultures the changes in growth and alkaloid production were followed and compared to those of the original cell lines. The presence of NAA and BAP in the medium resulted in an increase of biomass and alkaloid yield. The effect on the growth proved to be stable during these 30 subcultures. Alkaloid production showed a maximum in the 4th subculture after the change of the medium, and stabilized on a higher level than found in the original cell lines. During some growth cycles also the activities of tryptophan decarboxylase (TDC), strictosidine synthase (SSS), and phenylalanineammonia-lyase (PAL) were measured. In both the original cell lines and the derived cell lines, growth and alkaloid production proved to be stable all through the experiment, although the derived cell lines had a period of adaptation to the new medium with increased productivity.

Taxol production in suspension cultures of Taxus baccata

“…The fact that the loss of productivity was not irreversible is intriguing and suggests an epigenetictype of instability. Instability of product formation is well-documented in the literature (Deus-Neumann & Zenk, 1984;Sierra et al, 1992;Schripsema & Verpoorte, 1992). As demonstrated by Schripsema & Verpoorte (1992) changes in productivity in totally independent cultures is reproducible (same value at same time), but productivity can change with time showing multiple valleys and peaks.…”

Pinoresinol from Ipomoea Cairica Cell Cultures

“…Present results confirm our earlier findings about butyrolactone lignans [1] and seem to be characteristic to lignan family. While several authors warn about using 2,4-D for secondary metabolite production [16][17][18], because of its inhibitory effects, lignan production on the contrary is enhanced by higher 2,4-D and NAA levels. 2,4-D was more favorable for Ipomoea culture growth irrespective of other auxins.…”

In Vitro Studies and Biotechnology of Taiwan Native Species of the Gentianaceae

“…The cells eventually become stabilized (Morris 1986) in their "new" regime, after which products accumulate in the first month after culture initiation but may no longer be synthesized and accumulated. Similarly, the effect of medium changes can also be observed only after several subcultures (Sierra et al 1992). Therefore, it is essential to allow cell cultures to stabilize before studying the production of desired compounds.…”