Production of pharmacological relevant triterpens with plant cell cultures in the case of oleanolic and ursolic acid

In the course of this project, we will undertake the first systematic investigations regarding the production of pharmaceutically promising triterpenes oleanolic acid and ursolic acid out of plant cell cultures and the biotransformation of those acids. Through targeted molecular-genetic modifications we intend to increase the caloric in-take capacity of plant cells as well as maximize the distribution of dioxide and the yield of triterpenes. It is the aim of this undertaking, to come up with an innovative procedure, which permits us to produce a high yield, allows us to develop the products in situ, and to then make it available for a subsequent biotransformation. Until now, terpenes are usually isolated out of various plant materials and if need be modified for pharmaceutical use. But this procedure has resulted in several drawbacks. So for instance it results in great fluctuations in quantity and quality of the supply of raw materials, since the planting of medicinal plants is highly dependent on the weather. The culture technique permits a continuous production of consistent quality and quantity, independent of climatic conditions and other environmental influences. In addition, the course of chemical modification seems to result in many undesired secondary products, which it is expensive to separate from the product. Furthermore chemical modifications are in some cases hardly to realise. A transfer of plant cell and tissue cultures is thus of great significance.

Financing of the project:

DFG

Contact:

Haas, Steingroewer, Bley