Early signaling events in grapevine cells elicited with cyclodextrins and methyl jasmonate

The use of cyclic oligosaccharides like cyclodextrins (CDs), alone or combined with methyl jasmonate (MJ), as elicitors has proved very effective in stimulating the production of trans-resveratrol (trans-R) in Vitis vinifera suspension-cultured cells (SCC). Since elicitors can be used to increase trans-R production, understanding the molecular mechanisms involved would improve the management of grapevine cells as factories of this compound. The results obtained in this study provide evidence for a role of Ca2+ in mediating elicitor-induced trans-R production in grapevine SCC. The Ca2+ elevation was promoted by an uptake of Ca2+ from the extracellular medium, and by Ca2+ mobilization from intracellular organelles. Moreover, protein phosphorylation/dephosphorylation events seem to be involved in the signal transduction pathways triggered by CDs separately or in combination with MJ since trans-R production is dependent on both, the phosphorylation status of several proteins through mitogen-activated kinase pathway and the activity of tyrosine phosphatases. Our results also suggest that H2O2 and NO participated in the production of trans-R triggered by both elicitors in grapevine SCC. Finally, a fast alkalinization of the extracellular medium is induced in the presence of CDs and/or MJ.

► Ca2+ is essential for the activation of the biosynthesis of resveratrol.
► Phosphorylation/desphosphorylation events are essentials in resveratrol production.
► NO and H2O2 are involved in the signal transduction pathways induced by elicitors.
► Elicitors induce an alkalinization of the extracellular medium.