Modulating stilbenes in peanut cells: A novel approach with metabolic modulators

Stilbenes, including resveratrol, piceatannol and piceid, are often limited in terms of bioproduction yield. This study represents the first attempt to modulate stilbene production pathways in peanut ( Arachis hypogaea ) cells. We investigated the potential of L-phenylalanine, sodium malonate dibasic, and cerulenin as metabolic modulators to promote stilbene biosynthesis. These modulators were tested at different concentrations and time points in both peanut callus cultures and cell suspension cultures. The effects of these modulators on cell growth and stilbene production were assessed. The results revealed that metabolic modulators significantly influence the production patterns of resveratrol, piceid, and piceatannol in peanut cells. Interestingly, both static and suspension cultures displayed distinct responses, with the specific metabolite produced and its level depending on the growth phase, modulator concentration, and incubation time. Our findings showed that 0.2 µM cerulenin was the most effective modulator, resulting in more than tenfold increase in resveratrol production in callus cultures. In cell suspension cultures, 0.5 mM sodium malonate dibasic also enhanced the production of resveratrol during the lag phase whereas piceatannol and piceid were more prominently produced during the stationary phase. This effect was more significant than that observed with phenylalanine and cerulenin. This research provided valuable insights into the modulation of metabolic pathways within this novel host system and established peanut cells as a viable platform for future stilbene production.