Selection of Callus Cultures of Taxus baccata L. as a Potential Source of Paclitaxel Production

The discovery of paclitaxel, a diterpene pseudalkaloid with antineoplastic properties has started a new medicinal use of yew. Although the ability of plant cell cultures to produce paclitaxel is well established, the manipulation of nutritional and environmental conditions, as well as the selection and cloning of new cell lines with appropriate genetic, biochemical and physiological properties is a crucial point for the future biotechnological production of taxanes.