Metabolic engineering of yeast and plants for the production of the biologically active hydroxystilbene, resveratrol.

Resveratrol, a stilbenic compound deriving from the phenyalanine/polymalonate route, being stilbene synthase the last and key enzyme of this pathway, recently has become the focus of a number of studies in medicine and plant physiology. Increased demand for this molecule for nutraceutical, cosmetic and possibly pharmaceutic uses, makes its production a necessity. In this context, the use of biotechnology through recombinant microorganisms and plants is particularly promising.

Biosynthesis, metabolism, molecular engineering, and biological functions of stilbene phytoalexins in plants.

Stilbenic compounds recently have become the focus of a number of studies in medicine and plant physiology as well as have emerged as promising molecules that potentially affect human health. Stilbenes are relatively simple compounds synthesized by plants and deriving from the phenyalanine/polymalonate route, the last and key enzyme of this pathway being stilbene synthase. Here, we review the biological significance of stilbenes in plants together with their biosynthesis pathway and their metabolism both by fungi and in planta.

Bioproduction of resveratrol and stilbene derivatives by plant cells and microorganisms.

Trans-resveratrol is a phenolic plant compound that has been recognized for its benefits on human health. Currently, increasing demand for trans-resveratrol for nutraceutical, cosmetic, and putatively pharmaceutic uses makes its production from sustainable sourcing a necessity. In this context, the use of biotechnology through recombinant microorganisms and plant cell suspensions is particularly promising because it represents a reliable alternative method of trans-resveratrol production under controlled conditions.