Development of Catharanthus callus cell lines for indole-derived alkaloids production

Abstract

In this work, we evaluated the effect of 29 PGR combinations and photoperiods on callogenesis while analyzing the fate of calluses during a two-year period. Variation of PGR combinations in the culture medium strongly affected callogenesis in terms of growth and callus morphology. Although most PGR combinations resulted in callogenesis, only few ones supported cell survivor in long-term basis for the generation of cell lines as homogenous-looking calluses. Analysis by tandem liquid chromatography quadrupole time of flight mass spectrometry (LC-QTOF-MS/MS) revealed production of vincristine (9.25 mg/kg), vinblastine (0.17 mg/kg), and vindoline (1.02 mg/kg) in cell lines when proper combinations of PGR are employed. These callus cell lines are a promising platform to establish suspension cultures seeking production of alkaloids, particularly vincristine and vinblastine.