Metabolomics, genetics and epigenetics analysis of European yew for the selection of antineoplastic taxol/taxane producing plant material in Greece

Taxus L species (yews) are the primary source of the leading anticancer agent taxol and generally of antineoplastic taxanes. As taxane demands exceed supply new sources, such as the marginal south-eastern T. baccata populations in Greece, are explored. Results of a metabolic (UPLC-MS/MS, MRM) analysis of taxane content of two populations (Mt Cholomon, Mt. Olympus) showed no significant differences in paclitaxel production, but the docetaxel and paclitaxel precursor DAB was significantly higher Mt Cholomon by 29.83%. Higher yielding paclitaxel trees (HYT) appear to be lower yielding in DAB at the population level: the 10 paclitaxel HYT of Mt. Cholomon produced 25% less that the 10 HYT of Mt. Olympus, while the 10 DAB HYT trees of the former produced 14% more than the 10 HYT of the latter. Populations presented taxane concentrations on the low end of the range reported in the literature (paclitaxel 1.1–5.7 mg 100^-1g dw; DAB 12.7-81.1 mg 100^-1g dw). Notable levels of genetic (SSR) and epigenetic (MSAP) diversity were found in both populations; the former were lower though than values reported in other relevant studies for Taxus (SSR). Preliminary analyses on the relations of genetic and epigenetic diversity to HYT and LYT for both taxanes were inconclusive. This analysis presents a first insight regarding the potential of future commercial exploitation of these genetic resources for taxol production.