Oxidative stress and production of bioactive monoterpene indole alkaloids: biotechnological implications.
Monoterpene indole alkaloids (MIAs) encompass plant natural products with important pharmacological relevance. They include the anti-tumoral MIAs found in Catharanthus roseus and Camptotheca acuminata. The often low yields of bioactive alkaloids in plants has prompted research to identify the factors regulating MIA production. Oxidative stress is a general response associated with biotic and abiotic stresses leading to several secondary responses, including elicitation of MIA production. These changes in secondary metabolism may take place directly or via second messengers, such as Ca(2+) and reactive oxygen species (ROS). H2O2 is the main ROS that participates in MIA biosynthesis. This review analyzes the links between oxidative stress, elicitation of bioactive MIA production and their potential roles in antioxidant defense, as well as exploring the implications to developing biotechnological strategies relevant for alkaloid supply.
Plant Physiology Laboratory, Department of Botany, Center for Biotechnology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), CP 15005, Porto Alegre, RS, 91501-970, Brazil, helio_nitta@yahoo.com.br.
Hélio Nitta
HN
Matsuura
Mariana Ritter
MR
Rau
Arthur Germano
AG
Fett-Neto
D018506:Gene Expression Regulation, Plant; D006861:Hydrogen Peroxide / Q000633:toxicity; D026121:Indole Alkaloids / Q000378:metabolism*; D039821:Monoterpenes / Q000378:metabolism*; D018384:Oxidative Stress; D010944:Plants / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000235:genetics; D017382:Reactive Oxygen Species / Q000378:metabolism
D026121:Indole Alkaloids; D039821:Monoterpenes; D017382:Reactive Oxygen Species; D006861:Hydrogen Peroxide