1
|
Bian H, Song P, Gao Y, Deng Z, Huang C, Yu L, Wang H, Ye B, Cai Z, Pan Y, Wang F, Liu J, Gao X, Chen K, Jia G, Klee HJ, Zhang B. The m 6A reader SlYTH2 negatively regulates tomato fruit aroma by impeding the translation process. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2405100121. [PMID: 38950372 PMCID: PMC11253005 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2405100121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 07/03/2024] Open
Abstract
N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is a fundamentally important RNA modification for gene regulation, whose function is achieved through m6A readers. However, whether and how m6A readers play regulatory roles during fruit ripening and quality formation remains unclear. Here, we characterized SlYTH2 as a tomato m6A reader protein and profiled the binding sites of SlYTH2 at the transcriptome-wide level. SlYTH2 undergoes liquid-liquid phase separation and promotes RNA-protein condensate formation. The target mRNAs of SlYTH2, namely m6A-modified SlHPL and SlCCD1B associated with volatile synthesis, are enriched in SlYTH2-induced condensates. Through polysome profiling assays and proteomic analysis, we demonstrate that knockout of SlYTH2 expedites the translation process of SlHPL and SlCCD1B, resulting in augmented production of aroma-associated volatiles. This aroma enrichment significantly increased consumer preferences for CRISPR-edited fruit over wild type. These findings shed light on the underlying mechanisms of m6A in plant RNA metabolism and provided a promising strategy to generate fruits that are more attractive to consumers.
Collapse
|
2
|
Deng ZA, Zhao Z, Shen C, Cai Z, Wu D, Zhu B, Chen K. Preparation of amphiphilic polyquaternium nanofiber films with antibacterial activity via environmentally friendly microfluidic-blow-spinning for green food packaging applications. Food Chem 2024; 444:138632. [PMID: 38330606 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2024.138632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 01/28/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
Green food packaging plays an important role in environmental protection and sustainable development. Therefore, it is advisable to employ low-energy consumption manufacturing techniques, select environmentally friendly materials, and focus on cost-effectiveness with high production yields during the production process. In this study, an amphiphilic polyquaternium called PBzCl was proposed and synthesized by free radical polymerization of cost-efficient quaternary ammonium salts and methacrylate monomers. Then, biodegradable PCL and PVP were used to rapidly prepare the PBzCl@PCL/PVP nanofiber films via environmentally friendly microfluidic-blow-spinning (MBS). The best antibacterial effect was observed at a PBzCl loading concentration of 13.5%, and the PBzCl@PCL/PVP nanofiber films had 91% and 100% antibacterial rates against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, respectively. Besides, the loading of PBzCl improved the water stability of the PCL/PVP nanofiber films, and the films also showed excellent biocompatibility. Overall, PBzCl@PCL/PVP nanofibre films have promising food packaging potential.
Collapse
|
3
|
Cai Z, Huang W, Zhong J, Jin J, Wu D, Chen K. Methyl jasmonate-loaded composite biofilm sustainably alleviates chilling lignification of loquat fruit during postharvest storage. Food Chem 2024; 444:138602. [PMID: 38310778 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2024.138602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/06/2024]
Abstract
In this work, the MeJA-loaded gelatin/pullulan/chitosan composite biofilm was prepared to inhibit the chilling lignification of the loquat fruit during storage at 0 °C. The firmness and lignin content were decreased by 89 % and 81.77 % after MeJA-loaded biofilm treatment. Malondialdehyde (MDA) production was almost completely suppressed and chilling injury of loquat fruit was significantly reduced. Enzyme activity results show that the biofilm alleviated chilling lignification mainly by inhibiting peroxidase (POD) activity in the phenylpropanoid pathway (PCCs = 0.715, with lignin content). Also, the conventional MeJA vapor treatment only alleviated lignification on day 3, but the biofilm treatment had a better and more sustained effect throughout the whole storage due to its sustained release ability. Besides, the biofilm had good mechanical properties, transparency and water vapor transmission rate. This work indicates that loading preservatives into biofilms has a promising application prospect for inhibiting the postharvest quality deterioration of fruit and vegetables.
Collapse
|
4
|
Wang Y, Li S, Shi Y, Lv S, Zhu C, Xu C, Zhang B, Allan AC, Grierson D, Chen K. The R2R3 MYB Ruby1 is activated by two cold responsive ethylene response factors, via the retrotransposon in its promoter, to positively regulate anthocyanin biosynthesis in citrus. THE PLANT JOURNAL : FOR CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2024. [PMID: 38922743 DOI: 10.1111/tpj.16866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
Anthocyanins are natural pigments and dietary antioxidants that play multiple biological roles in plants and are important in animal and human nutrition. Low temperature (LT) promotes anthocyanin biosynthesis in many species including blood orange. A retrotransposon in the promoter of Ruby1, which encodes an R2R3 MYB transcription factor, controls cold-induced anthocyanin accumulation in blood orange flesh. However, the specific mechanism remains unclear. In this study, we characterized two LT-induced ETHYLENE RESPONSE FACTORS (CsERF054 and CsERF061). Both CsERF054 and CsERF061 can activate the expression of CsRuby1 by directly binding to a DRE/CRT cis-element within the retrotransposon in the promoter of CsRuby1, thereby positively regulating anthocyanin biosynthesis. Further investigation indicated that CsERF061 also forms a protein complex with CsRuby1 to co-activate the expression of anthocyanin biosynthetic genes, providing a dual mechanism for the upregulation of the anthocyanin pathway. These results provide insights into how LT mediates anthocyanin biosynthesis and increase the understanding of the regulatory network of anthocyanin biosynthesis in blood orange.
Collapse
|
5
|
Sun Y, Yang X, Wu R, Lv S, Li Y, Jia H, Yang Y, Li B, Chen W, Allan AC, Jiang G, Shi YN, Chen K. DNA methylation controlling abscisic acid catabolism responds to light to mediate strawberry fruit ripening. JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE PLANT BIOLOGY 2024. [PMID: 38896078 DOI: 10.1111/jipb.13681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
Phytohormones, epigenetic regulation and environmental factors regulate fruit ripening but their interplay during strawberry fruit ripening remains to be determined. In this study, bagged strawberry fruit exhibited delayed ripening compared with fruit grown in normal light, correlating with reduced abscisic acid (ABA) accumulation. Transcription of the key ABA catabolism gene, ABA 8'-hydroxylase FaCYP707A4, was induced in bagged fruit. With light exclusion whole genome DNA methylation levels were up-regulated, corresponding to a delayed ripening process, while DNA methylation levels in the promoter of FaCYP707A4 were suppressed, correlating with increases in transcript and decreased ABA content. Experiments indicated FaCRY1, a blue light receptor repressed in bagged fruit and FaAGO4, a key protein involved in RNA-directed DNA methylation, could bind to the promoter of FaCYP707A4. The interaction between FaCRY1 and FaAGO4, and an increased enrichment of FaAGO4 directed to the FaCYP707A4 promoter in fruit grown under light suggests FaCRY1 may influence FaAGO4 to modulate the DNA methylation status of the FaCYP707A4 promoter. Furthermore, transient overexpression of FaCRY1, or an increase in FaCRY1 transcription by blue light treatment, increases the methylation level of the FaCYP707A4 promoter, while transient RNA interference of FaCRY1 displayed opposite phenotypes. These findings reveal a mechanism by which DNA methylation influences ABA catabolism, and participates in light-mediated strawberry ripening.
Collapse
|
6
|
Miao C, Wu Y, Wang L, Zhao S, Grierson D, Xu C, Chen W, Chen K. Haplotype-resolved chromosome-level genome assembly of Huyou (Citrus changshanensis). Sci Data 2024; 11:605. [PMID: 38849389 PMCID: PMC11161639 DOI: 10.1038/s41597-024-03437-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Huyou (Citrus changshanensis) is a significant citrus species that originated in Zhejiang Province, China, where it is also primarily cultivated. It is valued for its distinctive flavor and notable health benefits, owing to its high content of bioactive compounds like naringin and limonin. However, the absence of a high quality reference genome has limited the exploration of these health-promoting compounds in Huyou and hindered research into the mechanisms behind its medicinal properties. In this study, we present a phased chromosome-level genome assembly of Huyou. By combining PacBio and Hi-C sequencing, we generated a primary genome assembly and two haplotypes, comprising nine pseudo-chromosomes, with sizes of 339.91 Mb, 323.51 Mb, and 311.89 Mb, respectively. By integrating transcriptome data and annotations of homologous species, we identified a total of 29,775 protein-coding genes in the genome of Huyou. Additionally, we detected lots of structural variants between the two haplotypes. This represents the first reference genome of Huyou, providing a valuable resource for future studies on its agricultural characteristics and medicinal applications.
Collapse
|
7
|
Wang W, Ouyang J, Li Y, Zhai C, He B, Si H, Chen K, Rose JKC, Jia W. A signaling cascade mediating fruit trait development via phosphorylation-modulated nuclear accumulation of JAZ repressor. JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE PLANT BIOLOGY 2024; 66:1106-1125. [PMID: 38558522 DOI: 10.1111/jipb.13654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
It is generally accepted that jasmonate-ZIM domain (JAZ) repressors act to mediate jasmonate (JA) signaling via CORONATINE-INSENSITIVE1 (COI1)-mediated degradation. Here, we report a cryptic signaling cascade where a JAZ repressor, FvJAZ12, mediates multiple signaling inputs via phosphorylation-modulated subcellular translocation rather than the COI1-mediated degradation mechanism in strawberry (Fragaria vesca). FvJAZ12 acts to regulate flavor metabolism and defense response, and was found to be the target of FvMPK6, a mitogen-activated protein kinase that is capable of responding to multiple signal stimuli. FvMPK6 phosphorylates FvJAZ12 at the amino acid residues S179 and T183 adjacent to the PY residues, thereby attenuating its nuclear accumulation and relieving its repression for FvMYC2, which acts to control the expression of lipoxygenase 3 (FvLOX3), an important gene involved in JA biosynthesis and a diverse array of cellular metabolisms. Our data reveal a previously unreported mechanism for JA signaling and decipher a signaling cascade that links multiple signaling inputs with fruit trait development.
Collapse
|
8
|
Wu M, Deng ZA, Shen C, Yang Z, Cai Z, Wu D, Chen K. Fabrication of antimicrobial PCL/EC nanofibrous films containing natamycin and trans-cinnamic acid by microfluidic blow spinning for fruit preservation. Food Chem 2024; 442:138436. [PMID: 38244441 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2024.138436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 01/22/2024]
Abstract
Fruit is susceptible to various postharvest pathogens; thus, the development of multifunctional preservation materials that can achieve the broad-spectrum inhibition of different pathogens is a current research hotspot. Here, microfluidic blow spinning was used to create a biodegradable polycaprolactone/ethyl cellulose (PCL/EC) nanofibrous film that incorporated two naturally-sourced compounds, natamycin and trans-cinnamic acid, resulting in multi-microbial inhibition. The PCL/EC-based film had a smooth and even morphology, indicating the favorable integration of PCL and EC. After the incorporation of ingredients, the film exhibited good inhibitory activity against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Botrytis cinerea, and it had finer fiber diameters, higher permeability, and antioxidant properties. We further demonstrated that strawberries that were padded with the film had good resistance to Botrytis cinerea. Also, the film did not interference with the qualities of the strawberries during storage. The study demonstrates a promising application for multi-antimicrobial and bio-friendly packaging materials in postharvest fruit preservation.
Collapse
|
9
|
Xue L, Liu X, Wang W, Huang D, Ren C, Huang X, Yin X, Lin-Wang K, Allan AC, Chen K, Xu C. MYB transcription factors encoded by diversified tandem gene clusters cause varied Morella rubra fruit color. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY 2024; 195:598-616. [PMID: 38319742 DOI: 10.1093/plphys/kiae063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
Chinese bayberry (Morella rubra) is a fruit tree with a remarkable variation in fruit color, ranging from white to dark red as determined by anthocyanin content. In dark red "Biqi" (BQ), red "Dongkui" (DK), pink "Fenhong" (FH), and white "Shuijing" (SJ), we identified an anthocyanin-related MYB transcription factor-encoding gene cluster of four members, i.e. MrMYB1.1, MrMYB1.2, MrMYB1.3, and MrMYB2. Collinear analysis revealed that the MYB tandem cluster may have occurred in a highly conserved region of many eudicot genomes. Two alleles of MrMYB1.1 were observed; MrMYB1.1-1 (MrMYB1.1n) was a full-length allele and homozygous in "BQ", MrMYB1.1-2 (MrMYB1.1d) was a nonfunctional allele with a single base deletion and homozygous in "SJ", and MrMYB1.1n/MrMYB1.1d were heterozygous in "DK" and "FH". In these four cultivars, expression of MrMYB1.1, MrMYB1.2, and MrMYB2 was enhanced during ripening. Both alleles were equally expressed in MrMYB1.1n/MrMYB1.1d heterozygous cultivars as revealed by a cleaved amplified polymorphic sequence marker. Expression of MrMYB1.3 was restricted to some dark red cultivars only. Functional characterization revealed that MrMYB1.1n and MrMYB1.3 can induce anthocyanin accumulation while MrMYB1.1d, MrMYB1.2, and MrMYB2 cannot. DNA-protein interaction assays indicated that MrMYB1.1n and MrMYB1.3 can directly bind to and activate the promoters of anthocyanin-related genes via interaction with a MYC-like basic helix-loop-helix protein MrbHLH1. We concluded that the specific genotype of MrMYB1.1 alleles, as well as the exclusive expression of MrMYB1.3 in some dark red cultivars, contributes to fruit color variation. The study provides insights into the mechanisms for regulation of plant anthocyanin accumulation by MYB tandem clusters.
Collapse
|
10
|
Cao Y, Mei Y, Zhang R, Zhong Z, Yang X, Xu C, Chen K, Li X. Transcriptional regulation of flavonol biosynthesis in plants. HORTICULTURE RESEARCH 2024; 11:uhae043. [PMID: 38623072 PMCID: PMC11017525 DOI: 10.1093/hr/uhae043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
Flavonols are a class of flavonoids that play a crucial role in regulating plant growth and promoting stress resistance. They are also important dietary components in horticultural crops due to their benefits for human health. In past decades, research on the transcriptional regulation of flavonol biosynthesis in plants has increased rapidly. This review summarizes recent progress in flavonol-specific transcriptional regulation in plants, encompassing characterization of different categories of transcription factors (TFs) and microRNAs as well as elucidation of different transcriptional mechanisms, including direct and cascade transcriptional regulation. Direct transcriptional regulation involves TFs, such as MYB, AP2/ERF, and WRKY, which can directly target the key flavonol synthase gene or other early genes in flavonoid biosynthesis. In addition, different regulation modules in cascade transcriptional regulation involve microRNAs targeting TFs, regulation between activators, interaction between activators and repressors, and degradation of activators or repressors induced by UV-B light or plant hormones. Such sophisticated regulation of the flavonol biosynthetic pathway in response to UV-B radiation or hormones may allow plants to fine-tune flavonol homeostasis, thereby balancing plant growth and stress responses in a timely manner. Based on orchestrated regulation, molecular design strategies will be applied to breed horticultural crops with excellent health-promoting effects and high resistance.
Collapse
|
11
|
Cao X, Li X, Su Y, Zhang C, Wei C, Chen K, Grierson D, Zhang B. Transcription factor PpNAC1 and DNA demethylase PpDML1 synergistically regulate peach fruit ripening. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY 2024; 194:2049-2068. [PMID: 37992120 DOI: 10.1093/plphys/kiad627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023]
Abstract
Fruit ripening is accompanied by dramatic changes in color, texture, and flavor and is regulated by transcription factors (TFs) and epigenetic factors. However, the detailed regulatory mechanism remains unclear. Gene expression patterns suggest that PpNAC1 (NAM/ATAF1/2/CUC) TF plays a major role in peach (Prunus persica) fruit ripening. DNA affinity purification (DAP)-seq combined with transactivation tests demonstrated that PpNAC1 can directly activate the expression of multiple ripening-related genes, including ACC synthase1 (PpACS1) and ACC oxidase1 (PpACO1) involved in ethylene biosynthesis, pectinesterase1 (PpPME1), pectate lyase1 (PpPL1), and polygalacturonase1 (PpPG1) related to cell wall modification, and lipase1 (PpLIP1), fatty acid desaturase (PpFAD3-1), and alcohol acyltransferase1 (PpAAT1) involved in volatiles synthesis. Overexpression of PpNAC1 in the tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) nor (nonripening) mutant restored fruit ripening, and its transient overexpression in peach fruit induced target gene expression, supporting a positive role of PpNAC1 in fruit ripening. The enhanced transcript levels of PpNAC1 and its target genes were associated with decreases in their promoter mCG methylation during ripening. Declining DNA methylation was negatively associated with increased transcripts of DNA demethylase1 (PpDML1), whose promoter is recognized and activated by PpNAC1. We propose that decreased methylation of the promoter region of PpNAC1 leads to a subsequent decrease in DNA methylation levels and enhanced transcription of ripening-related genes. These results indicate that positive feedback between PpNAC1 and PpDML1 plays an important role in directly regulating expression of multiple genes required for peach ripening and quality formation.
Collapse
|
12
|
Su G, Lin Y, Wang C, Lu J, Liu Z, He Z, Shu X, Chen W, Wu R, Li B, Zhu C, Rose JKC, Grierson D, Giovannoni JJ, Shi Y, Chen K. Expansin SlExp1 and endoglucanase SlCel2 synergistically promote fruit softening and cell wall disassembly in tomato. THE PLANT CELL 2024; 36:709-726. [PMID: 38000892 PMCID: PMC10896287 DOI: 10.1093/plcell/koad291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/04/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023]
Abstract
Fruit softening, an irreversible process that occurs during fruit ripening, can lead to losses and waste during postharvest transportation and storage. Cell wall disassembly is the main factor leading to loss of fruit firmness, and several ripening-associated cell wall genes have been targeted for genetic modification, particularly pectin modifiers. However, individual knockdown of most cell wall-related genes has had minimal influence on cell wall integrity and fruit firmness, with the notable exception of pectate lyase. Compared to pectin disassembly, studies of the cell wall matrix, the xyloglucan-cellulose framework, and underlying mechanisms during fruit softening are limited. Here, a tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) fruit ripening-associated α-expansin (SlExpansin1/SlExp1) and an endoglucanase (SlCellulase2/SlCel2), which function in the cell wall matrix, were knocked out individually and together using clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated nuclease 9-mediated genome editing. Simultaneous knockout of SlExp1 and SlCel2 enhanced fruit firmness, reduced depolymerization of homogalacturonan-type pectin and xyloglucan, and increased cell adhesion. In contrast, single knockouts of either SlExp1 or SlCel2 did not substantially change fruit firmness, while simultaneous overexpression of SlExp1 and SlCel2 promoted early fruit softening. Collectively, our results demonstrate that SlExp1 and SlCel2 synergistically regulate cell wall disassembly and fruit softening in tomato.
Collapse
|
13
|
Shen C, Yang X, Wang D, Li J, Zhu C, Wu D, Chen K. Carboxymethyl chitosan and polycaprolactone-based rapid in-situ packaging for fruit preservation by solution blow spinning. Carbohydr Polym 2024; 326:121636. [PMID: 38142080 DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2023.121636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Revised: 11/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/25/2023]
Abstract
Nanofiber packaging has not yet gained practical application in fruit preservation because of some limitations, such as low production rate and utilization, and failure due to poor adhesion to the fruit. Herein, to solve this issue, a novel fruit packaging method based on solution blow spinning (SBS), called in-situ packaging, was pioneered. Specifically, carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCH) and polycaprolactone (PCL) were chosen as substrate materials and cherry tomatoes were selected as demonstration subjects. CMCH/PCL nanofibers were deposited directly onto the surface of cherry tomatoes by SBS, forming a tightly adherent and stable fiber coating in 8 min. Also, this in-situ packaging could be easily peeled off by hand. The in-situ packaging was an excellent carrier for active substances and was effective in inhibiting gray mold on cherry tomatoes. The in-situ packaging film formed a barrier on the surface of cherry tomatoes to limit moisture penetration, resulting in reduced respiration of fruits, which led to reduced weight and firmness loss. In addition, metabolomics and color analysis revealed that the in-situ packaging delayed ripening of cherry tomatoes after harvest. Overall, the in-situ packaging method developed in the present work provides a new solution for post-harvest fruit preservation.
Collapse
|
14
|
Yang Z, Lin M, Yang X, Wu D, Chen K. Comprehensive analysis of transcriptome and metabolome provides insights into the stress response mechanisms of apple fruit to postharvest impact damage. FOOD CHEMISTRY. MOLECULAR SCIENCES 2023; 7:100176. [PMID: 37457816 PMCID: PMC10344661 DOI: 10.1016/j.fochms.2023.100176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/01/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
An integrated analysis of the transcriptome and metabolome was conducted to investigate the underlying mechanisms of apple fruit response to impact damage stress. During the post-damage storage, a total of 124 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified, which were mainly annotated in 13 pathways, including phenylpropanoid biosynthesis. Besides, 175 differentially expressed metabolites (DEMs), including 142 up-regulated and 33 down-regulated metabolites, exhibited significant alteration after impact damage. The DEGs and DEMs were simultaneously annotated in 7 metabolic pathways, including flavonoid biosynthesis. Key genes in the volatile esters and flavonoid biosynthesis pathways were revealed, which may play a crucial role in the coping mechanisms of apple fruit under impact damage stress. Moreover, 13 ABC transporters were significantly upregulated, indicating that ABC transporters may contribute to the transportation of secondary metabolites associated with response to impact damage stress. The results may elucidate the comprehension of metabolic networks and molecular mechanisms in apple fruits that have undergone impact damage.
Collapse
|
15
|
Yang Z, Lin M, Yang X, Zhu C, Wu D, Chen K. Mechanisms of the response of apple fruit to postharvest compression damage analyzed by integrated transcriptome and metabolome. Food Chem X 2023; 20:100972. [PMID: 38144847 PMCID: PMC10740140 DOI: 10.1016/j.fochx.2023.100972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Apple fruit is susceptible to compression damage within the postharvest supply chain given its thin peels and brittle texture, which can result in decay and deterioration and have a substantial impact on its marketability and competitiveness. Thorough bioinformatics investigations are lacking on postharvest compression damage stress-induced alterations in genes and metabolic regulatory networks in fruits. In the present study, a comprehensive analysis of both the transcriptome and metabolome was conducted on 'Red Fuji' apples experiencing compression-induced damage. During the storage after damage has occurred, the gene expression of MdOFUT19, MdWRKY48, MdCBP60E, MdCYP450 and MdSM-like of the damaged apples was consistently higher than that of the control group. The damaged apples also had higher contents of some metabolites such as procyanidin A1, Dl-2-Aminooctanoic acid, 5-O-p-Coumaroyl shikimic acid and 5,7-Dihydroxy-3',4',5'-trimethoxyflavone. Analysis of genes and metabolites with distinct expressions on the common annotation pathway suggested that the fruit may respond to compression stress by promoting volatile ester and lignin synthesis. The above results can deepen the comprehension of the response mechanisms in apple fruits undergoing compression-induced damage.
Collapse
|
16
|
Yang X, Rao J, Shen C, Lian H, Wang D, Wu D, Chen K. Natamycin-Loaded Ethyl Cellulose/PVP Films Developed by Microfluidic Spinning for Active Packaging. Foods 2023; 13:132. [PMID: 38201160 PMCID: PMC10778406 DOI: 10.3390/foods13010132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The preparation of active packaging loaded with antimicrobial, antioxidant, and other functional agents has become a hot topic for food preservation in recent years. In this field, active fiber films based on spinning methods have attracted the interest of researchers owing to their high specific surface area, high porosity, high loading capacity, and good controlled release capacity. In the present work, neatly arranged ethyl cellulose (EC)/polyvinyl-pyrrolidone (PVP) fibrous films loaded with natamycin as an antimicrobial agent were prepared by microfluidic spinning. The encapsulation efficiency of natamycin was more than 90% in each group and the loading increased with increasing natamycin content. According to the characterization results of the natamycin-loaded EC/PVP fibrous films, hydrogen bonding was formed between natamycin and EC and PVP in the fibrous films. Meanwhile, the water contact angle of the fibrous films was increased, suggesting the improved hydrophobicity of the films. In the in vitro bacterial inhibition experiments, the active fiber films loaded with natamycin showed good antimicrobial activity, which could significantly inhibit the growth of gray mold. In conclusion, N-EC/PVP fibrous films with antimicrobial activity prepared by microfluidic spinning showed good potential in the field of active packaging.
Collapse
|
17
|
Liu XF, Teng R, Xiang L, Li F, Chen K. Sucrose-delaying flower color fading associated with delaying anthocyanin accumulation decrease in cut chrysanthemum. PeerJ 2023; 11:e16520. [PMID: 38099310 PMCID: PMC10720401 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.16520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
As fresh ornamental crops, vase life and post-harvested quality of cut flowers have attracted much attention. Flower color fading is the prominent defect in red and purple cut flowers, especially in cut chrysanthemum which have a relative long vase life. Here, the effect of sucrose on change in anthocyanin contents during the vase life of 'Dante Purple' cut chrysanthemum was studied. Results showed that 500 mM sucrose as holding solution could significantly delay the decrease in anthocyanin content and maintain the ornamental value for as long as 38 vase days. Moreover, the sucrose also increased the flower diameter, soluble sugar contents and total antioxidant capacity, while decreasing the malondialdehyde contents. Further studies suggested that the transcript levels of anthocyanin biosynthetic genes and transcription factors, CmMYB6 and CmMYB#7, had continuously decreased during the vase life. The changes in these genes expression patterns was retarded by the sucrose treatment, except for CmMYB#7 which is a repressor of anthocyanin biosynthesis gene expression. The decline in relative expression of CmMYB#7 was accelerated by sucrose. These results have supplied clues to study the mechanism whereby sucrose serves as a signal molecule to regulate anthocyanin biosynthesis.
Collapse
|
18
|
Meng ZQ, Yan SP, Xu Y, Chen KS. [Ovarian myxoma and sclerosing stromal tumor: report of a case]. ZHONGHUA BING LI XUE ZA ZHI = CHINESE JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2023; 52:1177-1179. [PMID: 37899331 DOI: 10.3760/cma.j.cn112151-20230304-00171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2023]
|
19
|
Duan W, Yang C, Cao X, Wei C, Chen K, Li X, Zhang B. Chilling-induced peach flavor loss is associated with expression and DNA methylation of functional genes. J Adv Res 2023; 53:17-31. [PMID: 36496174 PMCID: PMC10658238 DOI: 10.1016/j.jare.2022.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2022] [Revised: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Flavor is a major contributor to consumer preference. Despite being effective at extending the fruit's commercial life, cold storage also results in a significant loss of flavor volatiles. To date, there has been few studies on the metabolic dynamics and the mechanism underlying the regulatory networks that modulate flavor loss during cold storage for fruit. METHODS The volatile contents were detected by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometer (GC-MS). Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was used to identify structure genes and transcription factors (TFs). DNA methylation was analyzed by whole-genome methylation sequencing during cold storage. RESULTS We generated a temporal map, over hourly to weekly timescales, for the effects of chilling on flavor volatiles by combining metabolome, transcriptome, and DNA methylome in peach fruit. Based on the big data analysis, we developed a regulatory network for volatile formation and found that a decrease in volatiles during cold storage was significantly correlated with a decrease in the expression of synthesis genes. Moreover, TFs associated with these structure genes were identified. Expression of genes involved in ethylene biosynthesis was reduced while cold tolerance pathway was activated in response to low temperature. Functions of those genes were confirmed through transgenic experiments and across peach cultivars, suggesting our dataset is a useful tool for elucidating regulatory factors that have not yet been clarified in relation to flavor and cold tolerance. Genome wide DNA methylation was induced by chilling and peaked at 7 d followed by a decline during 28 d cold storage. Reduction of gene expression was accompanied by major changes in the methylation status of their promoters, including PpACS1, PpAAT1, PpTPS3 and PpMADS2. CONCLUSION Our study revealed the mechanism for chilling-induced flavor loss of peach fruit through time-course transcriptome and DNA methylome analysis.
Collapse
|
20
|
Huang W, Hua MZ, Li S, Chen K, Lu X, Wu D. Application of atomic force microscopy in the characterization of fruits and vegetables and associated substances toward improvement in quality, preservation, and processing: nanoscale structure and mechanics perspectives. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2023:1-29. [PMID: 37585698 DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2023.2242944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/18/2023]
Abstract
Fruits and vegetables are essential horticultural crops for humans. The quality of fruits and vegetables is critical in determining their nutritional value and edibility, which are decisive to their commercial value. Besides, it is also important to understand the changes in key substances involved in the preservation and processing of fruits and vegetables. Atomic force microscopy (AFM), a powerful technique for investigating biological surfaces, has been widely used to characterize the quality of fruits and vegetables and the substances involved in their preservation and processing from the perspective of nanoscale structure and mechanics. This review summarizes the applications of AFM to investigate the texture, appearance, and nutrients of fruits and vegetables based on structural imaging and force measurements. Additionally, the review highlights the application of AFM in characterizing the morphological and mechanical properties of nanomaterials involved in preserving and processing fruits and vegetables, including films and coatings for preservation, bioactive compounds for processing purposes, nanofiltration membrane for concentration, and nanoencapsulation for delivery of bioactive compounds. Furthermore, the strengths and weaknesses of AFM for characterizing the quality of fruits and vegetables and the substances involved in their preservation and processing are examined, followed by a discussion on the prospects of AFM in this field.
Collapse
|
21
|
Li Y, Shi Y, Li Y, Lu J, Sun Y, Zhang Y, Chen W, Yang X, Grierson D, Lang Z, Jiang G, Chen K. DNA methylation mediated by RdDM pathway and demethylation affects furanone accumulation through regulation of QUINONE OXIDOREDUCTASE in strawberry. HORTICULTURE RESEARCH 2023; 10:uhad131. [PMID: 37560014 PMCID: PMC10407599 DOI: 10.1093/hr/uhad131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023]
Abstract
Recently, increasing evidence suggests that DNA methylation plays a crucial role in fruit ripening. However, the role of DNA methylation in regulating specific traits, such as flavor, remains unclear. Here, we report a role of DNA methylation in affecting furanone biosynthesis in strawberry. Strawberry quinone oxidoreductase (FaQR) is a key enzyme in furanone biosynthesis. There are four FaQR homologs in strawberry cultivar 'Yuexin', and one of them, FaQR3, contributes ~50% of FaQR transcripts, indicating a major role of FaQR3 in furanone biosynthesis. Through characterization of levels of DNA methylation and FaQR3 transcript and furanone contents during fruit ripening and after the application of DNA methylation inhibitor, we found that the DNA methylation level of the FaQR3 promoter was negatively correlated with FaQR3 expression and furanone accumulation, suggesting that DNA methylation may be involved in furanone biosynthesis through adjusting FaQR3 expression, and responded to different temperatures consistently. In addition, transient expression of a gene in the RNA-directed DNA methylation (RdDM) pathway, FaAGO4, and enrichment analysis of the 24-nucleotide siRNAs suggested that DNA methylation in the FaQR3 promoter is mediated by the RdDM pathway. Transient RNA interference (RNAi) of FaDML indicated that the demethylation pathway may be involved in regulating furanone accumulation. These findings provide new insights into the role of DNA methylation and demethylation in affecting flavor quality in strawberry during fruit ripening.
Collapse
|
22
|
Fang H, Shi Y, Liu S, Jin R, Sun J, Grierson D, Li S, Chen K. The transcription factor CitZAT5 modifies sugar accumulation and hexose proportion in citrus fruit. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY 2023; 192:1858-1876. [PMID: 36911987 PMCID: PMC10315291 DOI: 10.1093/plphys/kiad156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Sugars are fundamental to plant developmental processes. For fruits, the accumulation and proportion of sugars play crucial roles in the development of quality and attractiveness. In citrus (Citrus reticulata Blanco.), we found that the difference in sweetness between mature fruits of "Gongchuan" and its bud sport "Youliang" is related to hexose contents. Expression of a SuS (sucrose synthase) gene CitSUS5 and a SWEET (sugars will eventually be exported transporter) gene CitSWEET6, characterized by transcriptome analysis at different developmental stages of these 2 varieties, revealed higher expression levels in "Youliang" fruit. The roles of CitSUS5 and CitSWEET6 were investigated by enzyme activity and transient assays. CitSUS5 promoted the cleavage of sucrose to hexoses, and CitSWEET6 was identified as a fructose transporter. Further investigation identified the transcription factor CitZAT5 (ZINC FINGER OF ARABIDOPSIS THALIANA) that contributes to sucrose metabolism and fructose transportation by positively regulating CitSUS5 and CitSWEET6. The role of CitZAT5 in fruit sugar accumulation and hexose proportion was investigated by homologous transient CitZAT5 overexpression, -VIGS, and -RNAi. CitZAT5 modulates the hexose proportion in citrus by mediating CitSUS5 and CitSWEET6 expression, and the molecular mechanism explained the differences in sugar composition of "Youliang" and "Gongchuan" fruit.
Collapse
|
23
|
Shen C, Ma Y, Wu D, Liu P, He Y, Chen K. Preparation of covalent organic framework-based nanofibrous films with temperature-responsive release of thymol for active food packaging. Food Chem 2023; 410:135460. [PMID: 36641909 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2023.135460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Revised: 12/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Thymol (THY) is commonly used in active food packaging, however because of its high volatility, poor water solubility, and strong aromatic odor, the application of THY is facing challenges. Herein, covalent organic frameworks (COFs) were synthesized in room temperature by asymmetric monomer exchange method for THY encapsulation, and solution blow spinning was used to fabricate the THY@COF/polycaprolactone (PCL) nanofibrous films. The synthesized COFs had a large specific surface area, porous structure, and loading capacity of 30.35% for THY, and THY@COFs possessed good thermal stability. Characterization analysis showed that THY@COFs were successfully incorporated into the PCL films and increased the barrier property of the films. Besides, the films showed good biocompatibility and antibacterial activity. Moreover, THY@COF/PCL films exhibited temperature-responsive THY release profiles, which is important for practical preservation applications, especially for preserving food in warm environments. Overall, THY@COF/PCL films possess promising potential in active food packaging.
Collapse
|
24
|
Ma L, Zhao Y, Chen M, Li Y, Shen Z, Cao Y, Wu D, Yu M, Grierson D, Shi Y, Chen K. The microRNA ppe-miR393 mediates auxin-induced peach fruit softening by promoting ethylene production. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY 2023; 192:1638-1655. [PMID: 36943294 DOI: 10.1093/plphys/kiad182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Revised: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Auxin can inhibit or promote fruit ripening, depending on the species. Melting flesh (MF) peach fruit (Prunus persica L. Batsch) cultivars produce high levels of ethylene caused by high concentrations of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), which leads to rapid fruit softening at the late stage of development. In contrast, due to the low concentrations of IAA, the fruit of stony hard (SH) peach cultivars does not soften and produces little ethylene. Auxin seems necessary to trigger the biosynthesis of ethylene in peach fruit; however, the mechanism is not well understood. In this study, we identified miRNA gene family members ppe-miR393a and ppe-miR393b that are differentially expressed in SH and MF fruits. RNA ligase-mediated 5' rapid amplification of cDNA ends and transient transformation of Nicotiana benthamiana revealed TRANSPORT INHIBITOR RESPONSE 1 (PpTIR1), part of the auxin perception and response system, as a target of ppe-miR393a and b. Yeast 2-hybrid assay and bimolecular fluorescence complementation assay revealed that PpTIR1 physically interacts with an Aux/IAA protein PpIAA13. The results of yeast 1-hybrid assay, electrophoretic mobility shift assay, and dual-luciferase assay indicated that PpIAA13 could directly bind to and trans-activate the promoter of 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid synthase 1 (PpACS1), required for ethylene biosynthesis. Transient overexpression and suppression of ppe-miR393a and PpIAA13 in peach fruit induced and repressed the expression of PpACS1, confirming their regulatory role in ethylene synthesis. Gene expression analysis in developing MF and SH fruits, combined with postharvest α-naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) treatment, supports a role for a ppe-miR393-PpTIR1-PpIAA13-PpACS1 module in regulating auxin-related differences in ethylene production and softening extent in different types of peach.
Collapse
|
25
|
Shen C, Yang Z, Wu D, Chen K. The preparation, resources, applications, and future trends of nanofibers in active food packaging: a review. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2023:1-16. [PMID: 37216478 DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2023.2214819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Active packaging is a novel strategy for maintaining the shelf life of products and ensuring their safety, freshness, and integrity that has emerged with the consumer demand for safer, healthier, and higher quality food. Nanofibers have received a lot of attention for the application in active food packaging due to their high specific surface area, high porosity, and high loading capacity of active substances. Three common methods (electrospinning, solution blow spinning, and centrifugal spinning) for the preparation of nanofibers in active food packaging and their influencing parameters are presented, and advantages and disadvantages between these methods are compared. The main natural and synthetic polymeric substrate materials for the nanofiber preparation are discussed; and the application of nanofibers in active packaging is elaborated. The current limitations and future trends are also discussed. There have been many studies on the preparation of nanofibers using substrate materials from different sources for active food packaging. However, most of these studies are still in the laboratory research stage. Solving the issues of preparation efficiency and cost of nanofibers is the key to their application in commercial food packaging.
Collapse
|