Flavonoids: from cell cycle regulation to biotechnology

Biotechnol Lett. 2005 Mar;27(6):365-74. doi: 10.1007/s10529-005-1521-7.

Abstract

Flavonoids have been proposed to play diverse roles in plant growth and development, including defense, symbiosis, pollen development and male fertility, polar auxin transport, and protection against ultraviolet radiation. Recently, a new role in cell cycle regulation has emerged. Genetic alteration of glucuronide metabolism by altered expression of a Pisum sativum UDP-glucuronosyltransferase (PsUGT1) results in an altered cell cycle in pea, alfalfa, and Arabidopsis. In alfalfa, altered expression of PsUGT1 results in accumulation of a flavonoid-like compound that suppresses growth of cultured cells. The results are consistent with the hypothesis that PsUGT1 functions by controlling cellular levels of a factor controlling cell cycle (FCC).

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Biotechnology / methods*
  • Biotechnology / trends
  • Cell Cycle / physiology*
  • Cell Proliferation
  • Flavonoids / metabolism*
  • Flavonoids / pharmacology*
  • Indoleacetic Acids / metabolism
  • Medicago sativa / metabolism
  • Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Plants / metabolism*
  • Plants, Genetically Modified
  • Pollen
  • Symbiosis

Substances

  • Flavonoids
  • Indoleacetic Acids