Biotechnological approaches for producing aryltetralin lignans from Linum species

0438180 - ÚEB 2015 RIV NL eng J - Journal Article
Malik, S. - Bíba, Ondřej - Grúz, Jiří - Arroo, R.R.J. - Strnad, Miroslav
Biotechnological approaches for producing aryltetralin lignans from Linum species.
Phytochemistry Reviews. Roč. 13, č. 4 (2014), s. 893-913. ISSN 1568-7767. E-ISSN 1572-980X
R&D Projects: GA ČR GA14-19590S
Grant - others:GA MŠk(CZ) ED0007/01/01
Program: ED
Institutional support: RVO:61389030
Keywords : 6-Methoxypodophyllotoxin * Anticancer drugs * In vitro cultures
Subject RIV: FD - Oncology ; Hematology
Impact factor: 2.407, year: 2014

The genus Linum includes more than 230 globally distributed species, which have attracted great interest as they grow rapidly and are already sources of commercially important products, e.g. flax and linseed oil. Furthermore, they contain lignans such as podophyllotoxin (PTOX), deoxypodophyllotoxin (a precursor of both PTOX and 6-methoxypodophyllotoxin, the latter via beta-peltatin, and beta-peltatin-A-methyl ether) and various derivatives. Lignans are natural compounds derived from two 8,8'-linked C6C3 (propylbenzene) units. PTOX is an aryltetralin-lignan with strong cytotoxic and antiviral activities. Thus, it is used as a starting material for producing various semisynthetic derivatives that are widely used in chemotherapy, such as etoposide, teniposide and etopophos. It is currently produced largely from Podophyllum hexandrum and P. peltatum, slow-growing endangered species of the Berberidaceae. Hence, the possibility of producing it from Linum, especially members of section Syllinum under either in vitro or ex vitro conditions is highly attractive. This review summarizes related research, focusing on in vitro production of aryltetralin lignans from various Linum species and possible biotechnological strategies to improve their production. The key pathways, enzymes and genes involved are highlighted and future challenges that must be met to allow viable, large-scale production of this anticancer drug lead are discussed.
Permanent Link: http://hdl.handle.net/11104/0241645