Construction of Artificial Biosynthetic Pathways for Resveratrol Glucoside Derivatives

Resveratrol, which is a polyphenolic antioxidant, is dose-dependent when used to provide health benefits, to enhance stress resistance, and to extend lifespans. However, even though resveratrol has therapeutic benefits, its clinical therapeutic effect is limited owing to its low oral bioavailability. An Escherichia coli system was developed that contains an artificial biosynthetic pathway that produces resveratrol glucoside derivatives, such as resveratrol-3-O-glucoside (piceid) and resveratrol-4'-O-glucoside (resveratroloside), from simple carbon sources. This artificial biosynthetic pathway contains a glycosyltransferase addition (YjiC from Bacillus) with resveratrol biosynthetic genes. The produced glucoside compounds were verified through the presence of a product peak(s) and also through LC/MS analyses. The strategy used in this research demonstrates the first harnessing of E. coli for de novo synthesis of resveratrol glucoside derivatives from a simple sugar medium.