The role of reactive species in modulating stilbene biosynthesis in grapevine cells

Stilbene trans-resveratrol is a key specialized metabolite in grapevine (Vitis vinifera), known for its notable antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties. Its biosynthesis is primarily induced under stress conditions and can be enhanced in grapevine cell cultures using elicitors such as cyclodextrins and methyl jasmonate. However, the involvement of reactive species in this process remains poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the roles of hydrogen peroxide, nitric oxide, peroxynitrite, and hydrogen sulfide in trans-resveratrol production in grapevine suspension-cultured cells treated with cyclodextrins and/or methyl jasmonate. The exogenous application of donors and scavengers/inhibitors of these reactive species revealed differential effects on trans-resveratrol accumulation. Nitric oxide and hydrogen sulfide donors significantly increased trans-resveratrol levels, whereas the use of specific scavengers reduced its production. In contrast, the addition of peroxynitrite or hydrogen peroxide donors had no significant effect, although their scavengers decreased trans-resveratrol accumulation. Moreover, confocal microscopy analyses showed that elicitation with cyclodextrins and methyl jasmonate modulated the intracellular levels of these reactive species over time. Our findings demonstrate that the balance of hydrogen peroxide, nitric oxide, peroxynitrite, and hydrogen sulfide is regulated during elicitation and plays a crucial role in modulating trans-resveratrol biosynthesis.