Hairy Roots of Catharanthus roseus: Efficient Routes to Monomeric Indole Alkaloid Production

Vinblastine, an efficient antineoplastic drug produced in Catharanthus roseus, can be semi-synthesized in vitro by coupling catharanthine and vindoline. Highly differentiated hairy root cultures are potentially able to produce all of the precursors found in the natural roots. We have established hairy root clones from Catharanthus explants and analysed terpenoid indole alkaloids by thin-layer chromatography, spectrofluorometry and high performance liquid chromatography. Among 441 hairy root clones developing on solid medium, 73 fast-growing clones were transferred into liquid culture, from which 28 wellestablished clones could be obtained. Six of these hairy root clones, elicited or not elicited by methyl jasmonate, biosynthesized ajmalicine, serpentine, catharanthine, tabersonine and vindolinine.