Cell and Tissue Journal

Abstract Aim: The aim of this study was the evaluation of possible genetic and protein pattern changes of callus and of Artemisia plant. Material and Methods: In this study, 2 weeks old shoot buds and shoots grown in MS medium were exposed to gamma radiation with 50,100 and 200 Gy. Then five RAPD_PCR primers, five ISSR-PCR primers for evaluation of somaclonal variation and SDS-PAGE for electrophoresis pattern of proteins in callus of Artemisia plants were studies. Results: Results showed that the evaluation of DNA bands amplified in the callus and plant samples treated with gamma ray compared to the untreated samples using OPA20 in plant and FPK105 and (GATA)4 in callus in PCR products was obvious but no difference was observed using other primers.  In electrophoresis of protein of plant increasing of protein bands due to application of 50 and 200 Gy were observed. Conclusion: Due to the possible effects by free radicals and reactive oxygen species produced by gamma radiation caused changes in genetic and gene expression.

Abstract Aim: Artemisinin, an outstanding cumpound in genus Artemisia, is the most important anti malaria medicine. Therefore, plant cell culture of Artemisia aucheri Bioss was established and production of artemisinin was studied on plant, callus, and cell suspension culture.
Material and Methods: Artemisia aucheri aerial parts and seeds were obtained. Seedling was prepared and transferred on solid MS medium containing different growth regulators and callus was established. Fresh callus was transferred to liquid MS medium and suspension culture was obtained. For detection of artemisinin, the dichloromethanolic extract of callus, suspension and seeds of the plant was analysed by TLC and GC methods. Biotransformation was studied by feeding cholesterol, bisabolol and artemisia ketone to suspension culture.
Results: MS medium supplemented with kinetin (0.5 mg/l), 2, 4-D (0.5 mg/l), NAA (1 mg/l) and BA (0.25 mg/l), NAA (0.05 mg/l) was suitable for establishment of callus. Light showed positive effect on calli growth. No artemisinin was detected on plant aerial part. It seems, however, that callus and suspension culture of A. aucheri produced artemisinin. Also, Cholesterol, bisabolol and artemisinin keton feeding did not influence artemisinin production. Therefore, it seems these precursors are not proper for biotransformation experiments. 
Conclusion: Despite of undetected artemisinin in aerial parts of the A. aucheri, the production of artemisinin using new methods such as in vitro culture of A. aucheri is a promising result.