The effect of light on gene expression and podophyllotoxin biosynthesis in Linum album cell culture

Podophyllotoxin (PTOX) is a naturally occurring phenolic compound isolated as an active anti-tumor agent. The stimulatory influence of light on the formation of phenolic compounds has been reported, but the molecular mechanism underlying the effect of light on the expression of genes involved in phenolic biosynthesis, especially of lignans, is still not fully understood. A series of experiments was carried out using ordinary fluorescent lamps to study the influence of light irradiation on growth and PTOX accumulation in Linum album cell cultures by varying the type of light and periods of exposure. The biosynthesis of PTOX was variably affected according to the quality of light. The enhancing effects of red light on PTOX production was correlated with increased activities of the enzyme phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL), and the expression of some key genes involved in the biosynthesis of this compound, including the PAL gene itself and the cinnamoyl-CoA reductase (CCR) gene. Blue light was found to have similar effects but mainly on the expression level of CCR and pinoresinol lariciresinol reductase (PLR) genes.

► Podophyllotoxin biosynthesis was variably affected according to the light quality.
► Red light proved the most effective in increasing the expression and activity of the phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) gene without significantly reducing cell viability.