Influence of mild -irradiation on growth and paclitaxel biosynthesis in hazel (Corylus avellana L.) in vitro culture

Incorporating in vitro culture systems and innovative strategies holds significant promise for enhancing the yield of valuable bioactive compounds, including paclitaxel, an antitumoral agent. Among angiosperm plants, hazel uniquely synthesizes paclitaxel and taxanes. This investigation involved exposing hazel calli, initiated from fresh cotyledons, to low-dose gamma-radiation (10, 20, and 30 Gy) for 3, 9, and 15 s, respectively, alongside non-irradiated controls. After 2 weeks, the effects on callus growth and biochemical parameters, notably paclitaxel production, were assessed. The results showed that biomass alterations, cell viability, and phytochemicals content were prompted by radiation. Elevated radiation exposure levels were correlated with increased antioxidant potential, phenylalanine ammonia-lyase enzyme activity, and phytochemicals biosynthesis, including paclitaxel. However, this increase showed an inverse relationship with callus biomass. gamma-irradiation spurred paclitaxel biosynthesis, leading to 4.25-fold, 10.92-fold, and 13.88-fold higher content at 10, 20, and 30 Gy, respectively. Notably, 30 Gy radiation facilitated a new high-paclitaxel-content callus line with stability across extended cultures. It seems that gamma-radiation elicited cellular responses, ameliorating hazel callus culture metabolism, thus offering a viable strategy for elevated paclitaxel and taxane production.