Enhanced benzophenanthridine alkaloid production and protein expression with combined elicitor in Eschscholtzia californica suspension cultures

Production of the benzophenanthridine alkaloids in Eschscholtzia californica suspension cell cultures was optimized by adding 0.5 mg methyl jasmonate (MJ) and 0.02 mg salicylic acid (SA)/g FCW after 7 days cultivation. Sanguinarine reached 24 mg/g DCW by such treatment; 10 times higher than in control cell cultures. MJ and SA induced expression of berberine bridge enzyme and 3′-hydroxy-(S)-N-methylcoclaurine-4′-O-methyltransferase, respectively. MJ plus SA induced over-expression of both enzymes.