In the quest to produce more of the powerful anticancer drug paclitaxel, scientists have turned to the humble yew tree, Taxus baccata L., and its cell cultures. The rising demand for plant-derived medicines has led to the overexploitation of various species and ecosystem degradation, which is further worsened by climate change. This has led researchers to explore innovative ways to enhance the production of taxanes, a group of compounds that includes paclitaxel, in a sustainable and efficient manner.
A recent study published in BMC Plant Biology, led by Arman Kamali Dehghan from the Division of Biotechnology, Department of Agronomy and Plant Breeding, College of Agricultural and Natural Resources, University of Tehran, has shed new light on this challenge. The research team investigated the effects of elicitors derived from the fungus Fusarium graminearum on the production of paclitaxel and 10-deacetylbaccatin III (10-DABIII) in suspension cell cultures of T. baccata.
The study revealed that autoclaved culture filtrates (ACF) from F. graminearum significantly boosted paclitaxel production. “The highest paclitaxel production, 9.438 µg/g dry weight, was achieved with a 10% autoclaved culture filtrate treatment,” Kamali Dehghan explained. This finding is particularly exciting for the pharmaceutical industry, as paclitaxel is a critical component in cancer treatments, and increasing its production could lead to more affordable and accessible medications.
Moreover, the researchers found that autoclaved cell extracts (ACE) from the same fungus significantly enhanced the levels of 10-DABIII, a precursor to paclitaxel. “We observed a remarkable 7.38-fold increase in 10-DABIII at a 5% concentration of ACE compared to the control on day 21,” Kamali Dehghan noted. This discovery could pave the way for more efficient and cost-effective production methods for paclitaxel and other taxanes.
The study also highlighted the impact of these fungal elicitors on cell viability and growth. While the treatments did decrease cell viability, the overall enhancement in taxane production suggests that the benefits outweigh the drawbacks. The researchers also noted that the fungal elicitors initially induced the activity of phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL), an enzyme involved in the biosynthesis of various secondary metabolites, including taxanes.
This research not only offers valuable insights for biotechnological applications in the pharmaceutical and agricultural industries but also contributes to a better understanding of elicitor-mediated improvements in paclitaxel biosynthesis. As Kamali Dehghan put it, “Our findings pave the way for sustainable and efficient production in T. baccata cell cultures, which could revolutionize the way we produce this vital anticancer drug.”
The implications of this research extend beyond the pharmaceutical industry. The energy sector, which often relies on plant-derived compounds for various applications, could also benefit from more efficient and sustainable production methods. As the demand for plant-derived medicines continues to rise, so too does the need for innovative solutions that can meet this demand without further depleting our natural resources.
The study, published in BMC Plant Biology, represents a significant step forward in the quest to produce more paclitaxel and other taxanes in a sustainable and efficient manner. As researchers continue to explore the potential of fungal elicitors and other innovative approaches, the future of plant-derived medicines looks brighter than ever.