The rolC gene increases caffeoylquinic acid production in transformed artichoke cells

Appl Microbiol Biotechnol. 2014 Sep;98(18):7773-80. doi: 10.1007/s00253-014-5869-2. Epub 2014 Jun 18.

Abstract

Caffeoylquinic acids are found in artichokes, and they are currently considered important therapeutic or preventive agents for treating Alzheimer's disease and diabetes. We transformed artichoke [the cultivated cardoon or Cynara cardunculus var. altilis DC (Asteraceae)] with the rolC gene, which is a known inducer of secondary metabolism. High-performance liquid chromatography with UV and high-resolution mass spectrometry (HPLC-UV-HRMS) revealed that the predominant metabolites synthesized in the transgenic calli were 1,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid, 3,4-dicaffeoylquinic acid, and chlorogenic acid. The rolC-transformed calli contained 1.5% caffeoylquinic acids by dry weight. The overall production of these metabolites was three times higher than that of the corresponding control calli. The enhancing effect of rolC remained stable over long-term cultivation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Cinnamates / metabolism
  • Cynara scolymus / cytology
  • Cynara scolymus / metabolism*
  • Plant Proteins / genetics
  • Plant Proteins / metabolism
  • Quinic Acid / analogs & derivatives*
  • Quinic Acid / metabolism

Substances

  • Cinnamates
  • Plant Proteins
  • caffeoylquinic acid
  • Quinic Acid
  • cynarine