Activity of the cytochrome P450 enzyme geraniol 10-hydroxylase and alkaloid production in plant cell cultures

摘要

Cell cultures of three different plant families well known for their terpenoid biosynthesis (Apocynaceae. Diervillaceae and Rubiaceae) were compared with respect to their activity of the cytochrome P450 enzyme geraniol 10-hydroxylase (G10H). G10H activity was only detected in cell cultures of species belonging to the Apocynaceae family. The highest levels of G10H activity (240 pkatal/mg protein) were found in cell cultures of Catharanthus roseus. Further increase of G10H activity (335 pkatal/mg protein) could be achieved by transferring the C. roseus cell culture to an induction medium known to enhance alkaloid production. It was shown that G10H activity is correlated to the ability of the cells to accumulate terpenoid indole alkaloids, although it seemed that increased G10H is not the only requirement for increased alkaloid accumulation.