Articles
Revisiting transgenic hops for sustainable resveratrol production and potential applications in brewing and pharmacology
Article number
1454_63
Pages
461 – 466
Language
English
Abstract
Hops (Humulus lupulus L.) are cultivated primarily for brewing, yet declining beer sales and growing interest in plant-derived bioactive compounds highlight the need for alternative applications.
Resveratrol, a well-known phytoalexin with antioxidant and cardioprotective properties, has significant commercial potential in nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics.
While Japanese knotweed (Fallopia japonica) remains the primary commercial source of resveratrol, transgenic hops expressing a stilbene synthase (STS) gene from grapevine (Vitis vinifera) could serve as a regionally produced alternative.
This study revisits transgenic STS plants after 25 years of cultivation to evaluate the stability of the transgene and its impact on stilbene biosynthesis.
PCR analysis confirmed the stable integration of the STS gene, with detectable expression in all the transgenic lines.
High-performance liquid chromatography analysis revealed that trans-resveratrol was undetectable in leaves, whereas its glycosylated form, trans-polydatin (syn. piceid, polydatin), accumulated in substantial amounts.
These results indicate that, despite 25 years of cultivation, the transgene remains functional and actively contributes to stilbene biosynthesis.
Although the polydatin levels in the transgenic hop leaves were lower than those reported for Japanese knotweed, hop cultivation offers advantages in terms of localized production, supply chain security, and bioeconomic integration into existing agricultural systems.
Future research should focus on optimizing extraction techniques, increasing polydatin yields, and evaluating enzymatic conversion strategies to improve the commercial viability of hop-derived stilbenes.
Resveratrol, a well-known phytoalexin with antioxidant and cardioprotective properties, has significant commercial potential in nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics.
While Japanese knotweed (Fallopia japonica) remains the primary commercial source of resveratrol, transgenic hops expressing a stilbene synthase (STS) gene from grapevine (Vitis vinifera) could serve as a regionally produced alternative.
This study revisits transgenic STS plants after 25 years of cultivation to evaluate the stability of the transgene and its impact on stilbene biosynthesis.
PCR analysis confirmed the stable integration of the STS gene, with detectable expression in all the transgenic lines.
High-performance liquid chromatography analysis revealed that trans-resveratrol was undetectable in leaves, whereas its glycosylated form, trans-polydatin (syn. piceid, polydatin), accumulated in substantial amounts.
These results indicate that, despite 25 years of cultivation, the transgene remains functional and actively contributes to stilbene biosynthesis.
Although the polydatin levels in the transgenic hop leaves were lower than those reported for Japanese knotweed, hop cultivation offers advantages in terms of localized production, supply chain security, and bioeconomic integration into existing agricultural systems.
Future research should focus on optimizing extraction techniques, increasing polydatin yields, and evaluating enzymatic conversion strategies to improve the commercial viability of hop-derived stilbenes.
Authors
M.H. Hagemann, C. Zörb
Keywords
genetic modification, phytopharmaceuticals, stilbene synthase, bioeconomy, antioxidants
Groups involved
- Division Plant Genetic Resources, Breeding and Biotechnology
- Working Group Genetic Transformation and Gene Editing
- Working Group Horticultural Biotechnology and Breeding
- Division Ornamental Plants
- Division Vegetables, Roots and Tubers
- Division Temperate Tree Fruits
- Division Vine and Berry Fruits
- Division Horticulture for Development
Online Articles (75)