Growth inhibition in suspension-cultured soybean cells in the presence of ferulic acid is mediated through spermine accumulation

The effects of ferulic acid on the growth and polyamine levels of suspensio n-cultured soybean (GIS,cine max [L.] Merrill cv. Baek Tae) cells were inve stigated. When soybean suspension cells were cultured in the presence of fe rulic acid, cell growth was significantly inhibited. Ferulic acid treatment resulted in a higher spermine level and lower levels of putrescine and spe rmidine in soybean suspension cells. The growth of soybean cells cultured i n the presence of ferulic acid did not recover as a result of putrescine an d spermidine addition. 5'-methylthioadenosine, an inhibitor of spermine bio synthesis, caused a reduced lever of spermine in soybean suspension cells c ultured in the presence of ferulic acid. The growth of soybean cells cultur ed in the presence of ferulic acid was completely recovered after addition of MTA. Our cumulative results suggest that spermine accumulation is a fact or causing growth inhibition of suspension-cultured soybean cells in the pr esence of ferulic acid.