Enhancement of flavone levels through overexpression of chalcone isomerase in hairy root cultures of Scutellaria baicalensis

Funct Integr Genomics. 2011 Sep;11(3):491-6. doi: 10.1007/s10142-011-0229-0. Epub 2011 May 3.

Abstract

A complementary DNA (cDNA) encoding Scutellaria baicalensis chalcone isomerase (SbCHI) was isolated using rapid amplification of cDNA ends polymerase chain reaction. After the treatment of wounding or methyl jasmonate, SbCHI transcripts were increased in S. baicalensis cell suspensions. SbCHI-overexpressed and SbCH-silenced transgenic hairy root lines were established by using an Agrobacterium rhizogenes-mediated system. SbCHI-overexpressed hairy root lines not only enhanced SbCHI gene expression but also produced more flavones (i.e., baicalin, baicalein, and wogonin) than the control hairy root line. In contrast, SbCHI-silenced hairy root lines reduced SbCHI transcripts and flavone production compared to those of the control hairy roots. In addition, the amount of wogonin in all hairy root cultures was increased compared to that of wild-type roots of S. baicalensis. Finally, this study showed the importance of CHI in flavone biosynthesis and the efficiency of metabolic engineering in S. baicalensis hairy roots.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • DNA, Complementary / genetics
  • DNA, Complementary / isolation & purification
  • Flavanones / biosynthesis*
  • Intramolecular Lyases / genetics
  • Intramolecular Lyases / metabolism*
  • Plant Roots / enzymology*
  • Plant Roots / genetics
  • Plant Roots / metabolism
  • RNA Interference
  • Recombinant Proteins / genetics
  • Recombinant Proteins / metabolism*
  • Scutellaria baicalensis / enzymology*
  • Scutellaria baicalensis / genetics
  • Scutellaria baicalensis / metabolism
  • Sequence Analysis, DNA
  • Transcription, Genetic

Substances

  • DNA, Complementary
  • Flavanones
  • Recombinant Proteins
  • baicalein
  • Intramolecular Lyases
  • chalcone isomerase