Dr. Magdaléna Bryksová (Palacký University Olomouc, Czech Republic)

The Story of Cytokinin Derivatives: From Plant Hormones to Anti-Aging Compounds

Cytokinins are multifunctional phytohormones that regulate essential plant processes, including cell division, meristem formation, photosynthesis, senescence, nutrient uptake and response to biotic and abiotic stressors. In relation to crop productivity, these processes include tillering, grain setting, filling, nutrient uptake, pathogen resistance, and leaf senescence.

Based on their chemical structure, cytokinins are adenine derivatives that carry an isoprene-derived or an aromatic side chain at the N6 position of the purine. The substitutional possibilies of adenine moiety allows functionalization at several positions, such as N1, C2, N3, N6, N7, C8, and N9 and their combination opens up possibilities for preparing a wide range of these derivatives with targeted biological applications.

The recent cytokinin research provided several utilizations, not only in plant biotechnology and agriculture, but also in pharmacology and cosmetic applications. Studies have shown that they can also have diverse effects on animal cells and tissues, including their ability to protect against various forms of cellular stress and mitigate certain aspects of cell aging.