Stilbene production by Vitis vinifera cell suspension cultures: Methyl jasmonate induction and C-13 biolabeling

Vitis vinifera cells grown in vitro respond to methyl jasmonate (MeJa) with enhancement of phytoalexin accumulation. MeJa added during the first half of the exponential growth phase increased the intracellular accumulation of stilbenes, mainly (Z)- and (E)-piceid (3,5,4'-trihydroxystilbene-3-O-P-glu coside), in strains grown in either maintenance medium or polyphenol induct ive medium. Plant cell cultures were used to produce isotopically (C-13) la beled stilbenes by addition of C-13 phenylalanine at different time interva ls and in various concentrations. Incorporation of C-13 phenylalanine into stilbenes was measured by EA-IRMS, and three successive 2-mM phenylalanine additions provided the best result (66%). This allowed production of C-13 l abeled Vitis vinifera phenolic compounds for investigation of their absorpt ion in humans.