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Zhuang H, Qin M, Liu B, Li R, Li Z. Combination of transcriptomics, metabolomics and physiological traits reveals the effects of polystyrene microplastics on photosynthesis, carbon and nitrogen metabolism in cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.). PLANT PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY : PPB 2023; 205:108201. [PMID: 37995577 DOI: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2023.108201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
Although microplastic pollution has been widely studied, the mechanism by which they influence plant photosynthesis and carbon and nitrogen metabolism remains unclear. We aimed to explore the effects of polystyrene microplastics (PS) on photosynthesis and carbon and nitrogen metabolism in cucumber using 5 μm and 0.1 μm PS particles. The PS treatments significantly reduced the stability of cucumber mesophyll cells and photosynthetic parameters and increased the soluble sugar content in cucumber leaves. The 5 μm PS affected the photosynthetic pathway by changing the expression of enzyme genes required for the synthesis of NADPH and ATP, which decreased the photosynthetic capacity in cucumber leaves. However, 0.1 μm PS altered the genes expression of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (PEPC), which affected the intercellular CO2 concentration and attenuated the negative effects on photosynthetic efficiency. Additionally, PS reduced the expression levels of nitrate/nitrite transporter (NRT) and nitrate reductase (NR), reducing the nitrogen use efficiency in cucumber leaves and mesophyll cells damage through increased accumulation of reduced glutathione (GSH), γ-glutamylcysteine (γ-GC), and citrulline. This study provides a new scientific basis for exploring the effects of microplastics on plant photosynthesis and carbon and nitrogen metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haoran Zhuang
- College of Horticulture and Landscape, Henan Institute of Science and Technology, Xinxiang, Henan, 453003, China
| | - Mengru Qin
- College of Horticulture and Landscape, Henan Institute of Science and Technology, Xinxiang, Henan, 453003, China
| | - Bo Liu
- College of Horticulture and Landscape, Henan Institute of Science and Technology, Xinxiang, Henan, 453003, China
| | - Ruijing Li
- College of Horticulture and Landscape, Henan Institute of Science and Technology, Xinxiang, Henan, 453003, China
| | - Zhenxia Li
- College of Horticulture and Landscape, Henan Institute of Science and Technology, Xinxiang, Henan, 453003, China; Henan Province Engineering Research Center of Horticultural Plant Resource Utilization and Germplasm Enhancement, Xinxiang, Henan, 453003, China.
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Shahwar D, Ahn N, Kim D, Ahn W, Park Y. Mutagenesis-based plant breeding approaches and genome engineering: A review focused on tomato. MUTATION RESEARCH. REVIEWS IN MUTATION RESEARCH 2023; 792:108473. [PMID: 37716439 DOI: 10.1016/j.mrrev.2023.108473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Revised: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/18/2023]
Abstract
Breeding is the most important and efficient method for crop improvement involving repeated modification of the genetic makeup of a plant population over many generations. In this review, various accessible breeding approaches, such as conventional breeding and mutation breeding (physical and chemical mutagenesis and insertional mutagenesis), are discussed with respect to the actual impact of research on the economic improvement of tomato agriculture. Tomatoes are among the most economically important fruit crops consumed worldwide because of their high nutritional content and health-related benefits. Additionally, we summarize mutation-based mapping approaches, including Mutmap and MutChromeSeq, for the efficient mapping of several genes identified by random indel mutations that are beneficial for crop improvement. Difficulties and challenges in the adaptation of new genome editing techniques that provide opportunities to demonstrate precise mutations are also addressed. Lastly, this review focuses on various effective and convenient genome editing tools, such as RNA interference (RNAi), zinc finger nucleases (ZFNs), transcription activator-like effector nucleases (TALENs), and clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR/Cas9), and their potential for the improvement of numerous desirable traits to allow the development of better varieties of tomato and other horticultural crops.
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Affiliation(s)
- Durre Shahwar
- Department of Horticultural Bioscience, Pusan National University, Miryang 50463, Republic of Korea
| | - Namju Ahn
- Daenong Seed Company, Hwasun-gun 58155, Republic of Korea
| | - Donghyun Kim
- Daenong Seed Company, Hwasun-gun 58155, Republic of Korea
| | - Wooseong Ahn
- Daenong Seed Company, Hwasun-gun 58155, Republic of Korea
| | - Younghoon Park
- Department of Horticultural Bioscience, Pusan National University, Miryang 50463, Republic of Korea.
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Silva-Néto RP, Bezerra GL, Araújo NRA, Silva SF, Pereira SKS, Lima LKF, Soares AA, Lopes LS. Migraine Attacks Triggered by Ingestion of Watermelon. Eur Neurol 2023; 86:250-255. [PMID: 37321194 DOI: 10.1159/000531286] [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: 03/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Ingesting some foods can trigger headache attacks in migraine patients. Diet-sourced citrulline activates the l-arginine-nitric oxide pathway, acting on the pathophysiology of migraine. METHODS The study was a clinical trial, interventional, controlled, and with group comparison. The sample was non-random, composed of 38 volunteers with migraine and 38 without headache (control). Both groups ingested a portion of watermelon to determine the onset of headache attacks. Before and after ingesting watermelon, they underwent blood collections to determine serum nitrite levels. RESULTS There were 38 volunteers diagnosed with migraine without aura and 38 controls, whose mean age was, respectively, 22.4 ± 1.5 and 22.9 ± 3.1 years (p = 0.791). Headache was triggered by watermelon ingestion after 124.3 ± 20.5 min of ingestion in 23.7% (9/38) of the migraine volunteers and in none of the controls (p = 0.002). There was an increase in serum nitrite levels, both in migraine volunteers (23.4%) and in the control group (24.3%), after watermelon ingestion. This difference was significant (p < 0.001). DISCUSSION Watermelon ingestion triggered headache attacks in migraine patients and increased serum nitrite levels, attesting to a possible activation of the l-arginine-nitric oxide pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raimundo Pereira Silva-Néto
- Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of Piauí and Department of Neurology, Federal University of the Parnaíba Delta, Parnaíba, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Luciano Silva Lopes
- Graduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of Piauí, Teresina, Brazil
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da Silva DVT, Baião DDS, Almeida CC, Paschoalin VMF. A Critical Review on Vasoactive Nutrients for the Management of Endothelial Dysfunction and Arterial Stiffness in Individuals under Cardiovascular Risk. Nutrients 2023; 15:nu15112618. [PMID: 37299579 DOI: 10.3390/nu15112618] [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: 04/23/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Pathophysiological conditions such as endothelial dysfunction and arterial stiffness, characterized by low nitric oxide bioavailability, deficient endothelium-dependent vasodilation and heart effort, predispose individuals to atherosclerotic lesions and cardiac events. Nitrate (NO3-), L-arginine, L-citrulline and potassium (K+) can mitigate arterial dysfunction and stiffness by intensifying NO bioavailability. Dietary compounds such as L-arginine, L-citrulline, NO3- and K+ exert vasoactive effects as demonstrated in clinical interventions by noninvasive flow-mediated vasodilation (FMD) and pulse-wave velocity (PWV) prognostic techniques. Daily L-arginine intakes ranging from 4.5 to 21 g lead to increased FMD and reduced PWV responses. Isolated L-citrulline intake of at least 5.6 g has a better effect compared to watermelon extract, which is only effective on endothelial function when supplemented for longer than 6 weeks and contains at least 6 g of L-citrulline. NO3- supplementation employing beetroot at doses greater than 370 mg promotes hemodynamic effects through the NO3--NO2-/NO pathway, a well-documented effect. A potassium intake of 1.5 g/day can restore endothelial function and arterial mobility, where decreased vascular tone takes place via ATPase pump/hyperpolarization and natriuresis, leading to muscle relaxation and NO release. These dietary interventions, alone or synergically, can ameliorate endothelial dysfunction and should be considered as adjuvant therapies in cardiovascular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davi Vieira Teixeira da Silva
- Instituto de Química, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciência de Alimentos e Programa de Pós-Graduação em Química, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Av. Athos da Silveira Ramos 149, sala 545, Cidade Universitária, Rio de Janeiro 21941-909, RJ, Brazil
| | - Diego Dos Santos Baião
- Instituto de Química, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciência de Alimentos e Programa de Pós-Graduação em Química, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Av. Athos da Silveira Ramos 149, sala 545, Cidade Universitária, Rio de Janeiro 21941-909, RJ, Brazil
| | - Cristine Couto Almeida
- Instituto de Química, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciência de Alimentos e Programa de Pós-Graduação em Química, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Av. Athos da Silveira Ramos 149, sala 545, Cidade Universitária, Rio de Janeiro 21941-909, RJ, Brazil
| | - Vania Margaret Flosi Paschoalin
- Instituto de Química, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciência de Alimentos e Programa de Pós-Graduação em Química, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Av. Athos da Silveira Ramos 149, sala 545, Cidade Universitária, Rio de Janeiro 21941-909, RJ, Brazil
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Malambane G, Madumane K, Sewelo LT, Batlang U. Drought stress tolerance mechanisms and their potential common indicators to salinity, insights from the wild watermelon (Citrullus lanatus): A review. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2023; 13:1074395. [PMID: 36815012 PMCID: PMC9939662 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.1074395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Climate change has escalated the effect of drought on crop production as it has negatively altered the environmental condition. Wild watermelon grows abundantly in the Kgalagadi desert even though the environment is characterized by minimal rainfall, high temperatures and intense sunshine during growing season. This area is also characterized by sandy soils with low water holding capacity, thus bringing about drought stress. Drought stress affects crop productivity through its effects on development and physiological functions as dictated by molecular responses. Not only one or two physiological process or genes are responsible for drought tolerance, but a combination of various factors do work together to aid crop tolerance mechanism. Various studies have shown that wild watermelon possess superior qualities that aid its survival in unfavorable conditions. These mechanisms include resilient root growth, timely stomatal closure, chlorophyll fluorescence quenching under water deficit as key physiological responses. At biochemical and molecular level, the crop responds through citrulline accumulation and expression of genes associated with drought tolerance in this species and other plants. Previous salinity stress studies involving other plants have identified citrulline accumulation and expression of some of these genes (chloroplast APX, Type-2 metallothionein), to be associated with tolerance. Emerging evidence indicates that the upstream of functional genes are the transcription factor that regulates drought and salinity stress responses as well as adaptation. In this review we discuss the drought tolerance mechanisms in watermelons and some of its common indicators to salinity at physiological, biochemical and molecular level.
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Current Evidence of Watermelon ( Citrullus lanatus) Ingestion on Vascular Health: A Food Science and Technology Perspective. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14142913. [PMID: 35889869 PMCID: PMC9318495 DOI: 10.3390/nu14142913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Revised: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The amino acid L-arginine is crucial for nitric oxide (NO) synthesis, an important molecule regulating vascular tone. Considering that vascular dysfunction precedes cardiovascular disease, supplementation with precursors of NO synthesis (e.g., L-arginine) is warranted. However, supplementation of L-citrulline is recommended instead of L-arginine since most L-arginine is catabolized during its course to the endothelium. Given that L-citrulline, found mainly in watermelon, can be converted to L-arginine, watermelon supplementation seems to be effective in increasing plasma L-arginine and improving vascular function. Nonetheless, there are divergent findings when investigating the effect of watermelon supplementation on vascular function, which may be explained by the L-citrulline dose in watermelon products. In some instances, offering a sufficient amount of L-citrulline can be impaired by the greater volume (>700 mL) of watermelon needed to reach a proper dose of L-citrulline. Thus, food technology can be applied to reduce the watermelon volume and make supplementation more convenient. Therefore, this narrative review aims to discuss the current evidence showing the effects of watermelon ingestion on vascular health parameters, exploring the critical relevance of food technology for acceptable L-citrulline content in these products. Watermelon-derived L-citrulline appears as a supplementation that can improve vascular function, including arterial stiffness and blood pressure. Applying food technologies to concentrate bioactive compounds in a reduced volume is warranted so that its ingestion can be more convenient, improving the adherence of those who want to ingest watermelon products daily.
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Lee S, Park G, Choi Y, Park S, Kim H, Lee O, Kim T, Park Y. Whole-Genome Resequencing of Near-Isogenic Lines Reveals a Genomic Region Associated with High Trans-Lycopene Contents in Watermelon. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2021; 11:8. [PMID: 35009012 PMCID: PMC8747524 DOI: 10.3390/plants11010008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2021] [Revised: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Trans-lycopene is a functional phytochemical abundant in red-fleshed watermelons, and its contents vary among cultivars. In this study, the genetic basis of high trans-lycopene contents in scarlet red flesh was evaluated. Three near-isogenic lines (NILs) with high trans-lycopene contents were derived from the scarlet red-fleshed donor parent DRD and three coral red-fleshed (low trans-lycopene contents) recurrent parents. The lycopene contents of DRD (589.4 ± 71.8 µg/g) were two times higher than that of the recurrent parents, and values for NILs were intermediate between those of the parents. Coral red-fleshed lines and F1 cultivars showed low trans-lycopene contents (135.7 ± 18.0 µg/g to 213.7 ± 39.5 µg/g). Whole-genome resequencing of two NILs and their parents and an analysis of genome-wide single-nucleotide polymorphisms revealed three common introgressed regions (CIRs) on chromosomes 6, 9, and 10. Twenty-eight gene-based cleaved amplified polymorphic sequence (CAPS) markers were developed from the CIRs. The CAPS markers derived from CIR6 on chromosome 6, spanning approximately 1 Mb, were associated (R2 = 0.45-0.72) with the trans-lycopene contents, particularly CIR6-M1 and CIR6-M4. Our results imply that CIR6 is a major genomic region associated with variation in the trans-lycopene contents in red-fleshed watermelon, and CIR6-M1 and CIR6-M4 may be useful for marker-assisted selection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siyoung Lee
- Department of Horticultural Bioscience, Pusan National University, Miryang 50463, Korea; (S.L.); (G.P.); (Y.C.); (S.P.)
| | - Girim Park
- Department of Horticultural Bioscience, Pusan National University, Miryang 50463, Korea; (S.L.); (G.P.); (Y.C.); (S.P.)
| | - Yunseo Choi
- Department of Horticultural Bioscience, Pusan National University, Miryang 50463, Korea; (S.L.); (G.P.); (Y.C.); (S.P.)
| | - Seoyeon Park
- Department of Horticultural Bioscience, Pusan National University, Miryang 50463, Korea; (S.L.); (G.P.); (Y.C.); (S.P.)
| | - Hoytaek Kim
- Department of Horticulture, Sunchon National University, Sunchon 57922, Korea;
| | - Oakjin Lee
- National Institute of Horticultural and Herbal Science, Rural Development Administration, Wanju 55365, Korea; (O.L.); (T.K.)
| | - Taebok Kim
- National Institute of Horticultural and Herbal Science, Rural Development Administration, Wanju 55365, Korea; (O.L.); (T.K.)
| | - Younghoon Park
- Department of Horticultural Bioscience, Pusan National University, Miryang 50463, Korea; (S.L.); (G.P.); (Y.C.); (S.P.)
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Volino-Souza M, de Oliveira GV, do Couto Vellozo O, Conte-Junior CA, da Silveira Alvares T. Impact of microencapsulated watermelon ( Citrullus lanatus) and beetroot ( Beta vulgaris L) on storage stability of l-citrulline and dietary nitrate. JOURNAL OF FOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY 2021; 58:4730-4737. [PMID: 34629537 PMCID: PMC8478986 DOI: 10.1007/s13197-020-04963-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Revised: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 12/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The aim the current study was to developed a watermelon rind powder (WRP), watermelon pulp powder (WPP), and beetroot powder (BP), in order to compare the stability of L-citrulline and nitrate with that of watermelon rind juice (WRJ), watermelon pulp juice (WPJ), and beetroot juice (BJ), respectively. The stability was evaluated during 32 days at 25, 4 and - 20 ºC. L-arginine and L-ornithine content were also evaluated. At day 0, a significantly higher L-citrulline and L-ornithine content in WRP was observed when compared to WPP. However, a significantly lower L-arginine content in WRP was observed when compared to WPP. L-citrulline content in WRP and WRJ was stable over 32 days in all temperatures evaluated, whereas it reduced in WPP in 32 days at 25 ºC and it is reduced in in WPJ in day 16 and day 32 at 25 °C. L-arginine content in WRP and WPP was stable over 32 days in all temperatures evaluated. A reduction was observed in WRJ at day 2, 4 and 32 at 25 °C and in WPJ at day 2, 4, 8, 16 and 32 days at 25 °C. L-ornithine content in WRP and WPP was stable over 32 days in all temperatures evaluated. An increase was observed in WRJ at day 2, 4 and 32 at 25 °C and in WPJ in day 2, 4, 8, 16 and 32 at 25 °C. Nitrate content in BP was stable over 32 days in all temperatures evaluated, while nitrate content in beetroot juice was reduced in day 2 at 25 °C and day 8 at 4 °C. In conclusion, L-citrulline of the microencapsulated watermelon rind and nitrate of the microencapsulated beetroot were stable throughout storage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mônica Volino-Souza
- Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism Research Group, Nutrition Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Macaé, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Postgraduate Program in Food Science, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Gustavo Vieira de Oliveira
- Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism Research Group, Nutrition Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Macaé, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Postgraduate Program in Bioactive products and Biosciences, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Macaé, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Otávio do Couto Vellozo
- Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism Research Group, Nutrition Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Macaé, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Carlos Adam Conte-Junior
- Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism Research Group, Nutrition Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Macaé, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Postgraduate Program in Food Science, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Thiago da Silveira Alvares
- Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism Research Group, Nutrition Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Macaé, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Postgraduate Program in Bioactive products and Biosciences, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Macaé, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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A Simple Isocratic HPLC–UV Method for the Simultaneous Determination of Citrulline and Arginine in Australian Cucurbits and Other Fruits. FOOD ANAL METHOD 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s12161-021-02110-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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Umer MJ, Bin Safdar L, Gebremeskel H, Zhao S, Yuan P, Zhu H, Kaseb MO, Anees M, Lu X, He N, Gong C, Liu W. Identification of key gene networks controlling organic acid and sugar metabolism during watermelon fruit development by integrating metabolic phenotypes and gene expression profiles. HORTICULTURE RESEARCH 2020; 7:193. [PMID: 33328462 PMCID: PMC7705761 DOI: 10.1038/s41438-020-00416-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2020] [Revised: 07/14/2020] [Accepted: 09/10/2020] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
The organoleptic qualities of watermelon fruit are defined by the sugar and organic acid contents, which undergo considerable variations during development and maturation. The molecular mechanisms underlying these variations remain unclear. In this study, we used transcriptome profiles to investigate the coexpression patterns of gene networks associated with sugar and organic acid metabolism. We identified 3 gene networks/modules containing 2443 genes highly correlated with sugars and organic acids. Within these modules, based on intramodular significance and Reverse Transcription Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), we identified 7 genes involved in the metabolism of sugars and organic acids. Among these genes, Cla97C01G000640, Cla97C05G087120 and Cla97C01G018840 (r2 = 0.83 with glucose content) were identified as sugar transporters (SWEET, EDR6 and STP) and Cla97C03G064990 (r2 = 0.92 with sucrose content) was identified as a sucrose synthase from information available for other crops. Similarly, Cla97C07G128420, Cla97C03G068240 and Cla97C01G008870, having strong correlations with malic (r2 = 0.75) and citric acid (r2 = 0.85), were annotated as malate and citrate transporters (ALMT7, CS, and ICDH). The expression profiles of these 7 genes in diverse watermelon genotypes revealed consistent patterns of expression variation in various types of watermelon. These findings add significantly to our existing knowledge of sugar and organic acid metabolism in watermelon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Jawad Umer
- Zhengzhou Fruit Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Henan Joint International Research Laboratory of South Asian Fruits and Cucurbits, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Luqman Bin Safdar
- Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetics Improvement of Oil Crops, Oil Crops Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Wuhan, 430062, China
| | - Haileslassie Gebremeskel
- Zhengzhou Fruit Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Henan Joint International Research Laboratory of South Asian Fruits and Cucurbits, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Shengjie Zhao
- Zhengzhou Fruit Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Henan Joint International Research Laboratory of South Asian Fruits and Cucurbits, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Pingli Yuan
- Zhengzhou Fruit Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Henan Joint International Research Laboratory of South Asian Fruits and Cucurbits, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Hongju Zhu
- Zhengzhou Fruit Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Henan Joint International Research Laboratory of South Asian Fruits and Cucurbits, Zhengzhou, China
| | - M O Kaseb
- Zhengzhou Fruit Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Henan Joint International Research Laboratory of South Asian Fruits and Cucurbits, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Muhammad Anees
- Zhengzhou Fruit Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Henan Joint International Research Laboratory of South Asian Fruits and Cucurbits, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xuqiang Lu
- Zhengzhou Fruit Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Henan Joint International Research Laboratory of South Asian Fruits and Cucurbits, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Nan He
- Zhengzhou Fruit Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Henan Joint International Research Laboratory of South Asian Fruits and Cucurbits, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Chengsheng Gong
- Zhengzhou Fruit Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Henan Joint International Research Laboratory of South Asian Fruits and Cucurbits, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Wenge Liu
- Zhengzhou Fruit Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Henan Joint International Research Laboratory of South Asian Fruits and Cucurbits, Zhengzhou, China.
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Assefa AD, Hur OS, Ro NY, Lee JE, Hwang AJ, Kim BS, Rhee JH, Yi JY, Kim JH, Lee HS, Sung JS, Kim MK, Noh JJ. Fruit Morphology, Citrulline, and Arginine Levels in Diverse Watermelon ( Citrullus lanatus) Germplasm Collections. PLANTS 2020; 9:plants9091054. [PMID: 32824928 PMCID: PMC7569901 DOI: 10.3390/plants9091054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2020] [Revised: 08/14/2020] [Accepted: 08/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) is a non-seasonal, economically important, cucurbit cultivated throughout the world, with Asia as a continent contributing the most. As part of the effort to diversify watermelon genetic resources in the already cultivated group, this study was devoted to providing baseline data on morphological quality traits and health-beneficial phytonutrients of watermelon germplasm collections, thereby promoting watermelon research and cultivation programs. To this end, we reported morphological traits, citrulline, and arginine levels of watermelon genetic resources obtained from the gene bank of Agrobiodiversity Center, Republic of Korea, and discussed the relationships between each. Diverse characteristics were observed among many of the traits, but most of the genetic resources (>90%) were either red or pink-fleshed. Korean originated fruits contained intermediate levels of soluble solid content (SSC) while the USA, Russian, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Taiwan, and Uruguay originated fruits had generally the highest levels of soluble solids. The citrulline and arginine contents determined using the High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) method ranged from 6.9 to 52.1 mg/g (average, 27.3 mg/g) and 1.8 to 21.3 mg/g (average, 9.8 mg/g), respectively. The citrulline content determined using the Citrulline Assay Kit ranged from 6.5 to 42.8 mg/g (average, 27.0 mg/g). Resources with high citrulline and arginine levels contained low SSC, whereas red- and pink-colored flesh samples had less citrulline compared to yellow and orange.
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Affiliation(s)
- Awraris Derbie Assefa
- National Agrobiodiversity Center, National Institute of Agricultural Sciences, RDA, Jeonju 54874, Korea; (A.D.A.); (O.-S.H.); (N.-Y.R.); (J.-E.L.); (A.-J.H.); (B.-S.K.); (J.-H.R.); (J.-Y.Y.); (J.-H.K.)
| | - On-Sook Hur
- National Agrobiodiversity Center, National Institute of Agricultural Sciences, RDA, Jeonju 54874, Korea; (A.D.A.); (O.-S.H.); (N.-Y.R.); (J.-E.L.); (A.-J.H.); (B.-S.K.); (J.-H.R.); (J.-Y.Y.); (J.-H.K.)
| | - Na-Young Ro
- National Agrobiodiversity Center, National Institute of Agricultural Sciences, RDA, Jeonju 54874, Korea; (A.D.A.); (O.-S.H.); (N.-Y.R.); (J.-E.L.); (A.-J.H.); (B.-S.K.); (J.-H.R.); (J.-Y.Y.); (J.-H.K.)
| | - Jae-Eun Lee
- National Agrobiodiversity Center, National Institute of Agricultural Sciences, RDA, Jeonju 54874, Korea; (A.D.A.); (O.-S.H.); (N.-Y.R.); (J.-E.L.); (A.-J.H.); (B.-S.K.); (J.-H.R.); (J.-Y.Y.); (J.-H.K.)
| | - Ae-Jin Hwang
- National Agrobiodiversity Center, National Institute of Agricultural Sciences, RDA, Jeonju 54874, Korea; (A.D.A.); (O.-S.H.); (N.-Y.R.); (J.-E.L.); (A.-J.H.); (B.-S.K.); (J.-H.R.); (J.-Y.Y.); (J.-H.K.)
| | - Bich-Saem Kim
- National Agrobiodiversity Center, National Institute of Agricultural Sciences, RDA, Jeonju 54874, Korea; (A.D.A.); (O.-S.H.); (N.-Y.R.); (J.-E.L.); (A.-J.H.); (B.-S.K.); (J.-H.R.); (J.-Y.Y.); (J.-H.K.)
| | - Ju-Hee Rhee
- National Agrobiodiversity Center, National Institute of Agricultural Sciences, RDA, Jeonju 54874, Korea; (A.D.A.); (O.-S.H.); (N.-Y.R.); (J.-E.L.); (A.-J.H.); (B.-S.K.); (J.-H.R.); (J.-Y.Y.); (J.-H.K.)
| | - Jung-Yoon Yi
- National Agrobiodiversity Center, National Institute of Agricultural Sciences, RDA, Jeonju 54874, Korea; (A.D.A.); (O.-S.H.); (N.-Y.R.); (J.-E.L.); (A.-J.H.); (B.-S.K.); (J.-H.R.); (J.-Y.Y.); (J.-H.K.)
| | - Ji-Hyun Kim
- National Agrobiodiversity Center, National Institute of Agricultural Sciences, RDA, Jeonju 54874, Korea; (A.D.A.); (O.-S.H.); (N.-Y.R.); (J.-E.L.); (A.-J.H.); (B.-S.K.); (J.-H.R.); (J.-Y.Y.); (J.-H.K.)
| | - Ho-Sun Lee
- International Technology Cooperation Center, RDA, Jeonju 54875, Korea;
| | - Jung-Sook Sung
- Upland Crop Breeding Division, Department of Southern Area Crop Science, National Institute of Crop Science, RDA, Miryang 50424, Korea;
| | - Myung-Kon Kim
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Jeonbuk National University, Jeonju 54896, Korea;
| | - Jae-Jong Noh
- Jeonbuk Agricultural Research and Extension Services, Iksan 54591, Korea
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-63-290-6121
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12
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Abstract
Supplemental arginine has shown promise as a safe therapeutic option to improve endogenous nitric oxide (NO) regulation in cardiovascular diseases associated with endothelial dysfunction. In clinical studies in adults, L-arginine, an endogenous amino acid, was reported to improve cardiovascular function in hypertension, pulmonary hypertension, preeclampsia, angina, and MELAS (mitochondrial encephalomyopathy, lactic acidosis, and stroke-like episodes) syndrome. L-citrulline, a natural precursor of L-arginine, is more bioavailable than L-arginine because it avoids hepatic first-pass metabolism and has a longer circulation time. Although not yet well-studied, arginine/citrulline has immense therapeutic potential in some life-threatening diseases in children. However, the optimal clinical development of arginine or citrulline in children requires more information about pharmacokinetics and exposure-response relationships at appropriate ages and under relevant disease states. This article summarizes the preclinical and clinical studies of arginine/citrulline in both adults and children, including currently available pharmacokinetic information. The pharmacology of arginine/citrulline is confounded by several patient-specific factors such as variations in baseline arginine/citrulline due to developmental ages and disease states. Currently available pharmacokinetic studies are insufficient to inform the optimal design of clinical studies, especially in children. Successful bench-to-bedside clinical translation of arginine supplementation awaits information from well-designed pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic studies, along with pharmacometric approaches.
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13
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Becraft AR, Sturm ML, Mendez RL, Park SH, Lee SI, Shay NF. Intake of Watermelon or Its Byproducts Alters Glucose Metabolism, the Microbiome, and Hepatic Proinflammatory Metabolites in High-Fat-Fed Male C57BL/6 J Mice. J Nutr 2020; 150:434-442. [PMID: 31711172 DOI: 10.1093/jn/nxz267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2019] [Revised: 05/23/2019] [Accepted: 10/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Watermelon intake has demonstrated effects on blood pressure regulation along with other health benefits. OBJECTIVE We hypothesized that intake of whole watermelon and products made from watermelon rind (WR) and watermelon skin (WS) would remediate metabolic complications in C57BL/6 J male mice fed a diet modeling a Western-style diet. METHODS Ten-week-old male C57BL/6 J mice were provided either a low-fat (LF) diet [10% fat (by energy), 8% sucrose (by energy) and no added cholesterol], a high-fat (HF) diet [45% fat (by energy), 20% kcal sucrose (by energy), and 1% (w/w) cholesterol], or an HF diet plus WS, WR, or watermelon flesh (WF) for 10 wk. Dried WF was provided at 8% of total energy (equivalent to 2 servings/d) and watermelon skin and rind were added at 2.25% (w/w, dry weight of additives) of diet. Animals were provided experimental diets ad libitum. Body weights, food intake, and glucose tolerance were determined. Serum insulin, inflammatory markers, microbiome, and the relative hepatic concentrations of 709 biochemicals were measured postmortem. RESULTS The final body weight of the LF control group was significantly lower than that of the HF-fed control group (32.8 ± 0.9 g compared with 43.0 ± 1.7 g, P ≤ 0.05). Mice in treatment groups fed HF supplemented with watermelon products had final body weights similar to those of the HF-fed control mice. Serum insulin concentrations were reduced by ∼40% in mice fed an HF diet with WR supplementation compared with mice fed an HF diet alone (P ≤ 0.05). Depending on the individual species or group, microbiome populations changed significantly. Supplementation with WF resulted in a return to the basal hepatic concentrations of monohydroxy fatty acids and eicosanoids observed in LF-fed mice (P ≤ 0.05). CONCLUSIONS In obese male mice, supplementation with each of the watermelon products to an HF diet improved fasting blood glucose, circulating serum insulin concentrations, and changes in hepatic metabolite accumulation. At a modest level of supplementation to an HF diet, fiber-rich additives made from WR and WS further improved glucose metabolism and energy efficiency and shifted the microbiome composition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra R Becraft
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - Marlena L Sturm
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - Rufa L Mendez
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - Si Hong Park
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - Sang In Lee
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - Neil F Shay
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
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14
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Song Q, Joshi M, DiPiazza J, Joshi V. Functional Relevance of Citrulline in the Vegetative Tissues of Watermelon During Abiotic Stresses. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2020; 11:512. [PMID: 32431723 PMCID: PMC7216109 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2020.00512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2020] [Accepted: 04/06/2020] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
A non-protein amino acid, citrulline, is a compatible solute involved in the maintenance of cellular osmolarity during abiotic stresses. Despite its significance, a coherent model indicating the role of citrulline during stress conditions has not yet emerged. We have used watermelon, naturally rich in citrulline, as a model to understand its accumulation during drought stress and nitrogen perturbation using transcriptomic and metabolomic analysis. Experiments were performed in the semi-controlled environment, and open field to study the accumulation of drought-induced citrulline in the vegetative tissues of watermelon by monitoring the stress treatments using physiological measurements. The amino acid profiling of leaves and stems in response to drought stress showed up to a 38 and 16-fold increase in citrulline content, respectively. Correlation between amino acids indicated a concomitant activation of a metabolic pathway that included citrulline, its precursor (ornithine), and catabolic product (arginine). Consistent with its accumulation, the gene expression analysis and RNA-Sequencing confirmed activation of citrulline biosynthesis-related genes - Ornithine carbamoyl-transferase (OTC), N-acetylornithine deacetylase (AOD) and Carbamoyl phosphate synthases (CPS), and down-regulation of catabolic genes; Arginosuccinate lyase (ASL) and Arginosuccinate synthases (ASS) in drought-stressed leaf tissues. Based on the relative abundance in the nitrogen-depleted vegetative tissues and down-regulation of genes involved in citrulline biosynthesis, we also demonstrated that the nitrogen status of the plant regulates citrulline. Taken together, these data provide further insights into the metabolic and molecular mechanisms underlying the amino acid metabolism under environmental stress and the significance of non-protein amino acid citrulline in plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiushuo Song
- Department of Horticultural Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
- Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center, Uvalde, TX, United States
| | - Madhumita Joshi
- Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center, Uvalde, TX, United States
| | - James DiPiazza
- Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center, Uvalde, TX, United States
| | - Vijay Joshi
- Department of Horticultural Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
- Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center, Uvalde, TX, United States
- *Correspondence: Vijay Joshi,
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15
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Shi T, Joshi V, Joshi M, Vitha S, Gibbs H, Wang K, Okumoto S. Broad-Spectrum Amino Acid Transporters ClAAP3 and ClAAP6 Expressed in Watermelon Fruits. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:E5855. [PMID: 31766598 PMCID: PMC6928636 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20235855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2019] [Revised: 11/18/2019] [Accepted: 11/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Watermelon fruit contains a high percentage of amino acid citrulline (Cit) and arginine (Arg). Cit and Arg accumulation in watermelon fruit are most likely mediated by both de novo synthesis from other amino acids within fruits and direct import from source tissues (leaves) through the phloem. The amino acid transporters involved in the import of Cit, Arg, and their precursors into developing fruits of watermelon have not been reported. In this study, we have compiled the list of putative amino acid transporters in watermelon and characterized transporters that are expressed in the early stage of fruit development. Using the yeast complementation study, we characterized ClAAP3 (Cla023187) and ClAAP6 (Cla023090) as functional amino acid transporters belonging to the family of amino acid permease (AAP) genes. The yeast growth and uptake assays of radiolabeled amino acid suggested that ClAAP3 and ClAAP6 can transport a broad spectrum of amino acids. Expression of translational fusion proteins with a GFP reporter in Nicotiana benthamiana leaves confirmed the ER- and plasma membrane-specific localization, suggesting the role of ClAAP proteins in the cellular import of amino acids. Based on the gene expression profiles and functional characterization, ClAAP3 and ClAAP6 are expected to play a major role in regulation of amino acid import into developing watermelon fruits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianran Shi
- Department of Soil and Crop, Texas A&M, College Station, TX 77843, USA;
- College of Grassland Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, China;
| | - Vijay Joshi
- Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center, Uvalde, TX 78801, USA; (V.J.); (M.J.)
| | - Madhumita Joshi
- Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center, Uvalde, TX 78801, USA; (V.J.); (M.J.)
| | - Stanislav Vitha
- Microscopy and Imaging Center, Texas A&M, College Station, TX, 77843, USA; (S.V.); (H.G.)
| | - Holly Gibbs
- Microscopy and Imaging Center, Texas A&M, College Station, TX, 77843, USA; (S.V.); (H.G.)
| | - Kehua Wang
- College of Grassland Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, China;
| | - Sakiko Okumoto
- Department of Soil and Crop, Texas A&M, College Station, TX 77843, USA;
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16
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Haplotype Networking of GWAS Hits for Citrulline Variation Associated with the Domestication of Watermelon. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20215392. [PMID: 31671884 PMCID: PMC6862219 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20215392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2019] [Revised: 10/21/2019] [Accepted: 10/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Watermelon is a good source of citrulline, a non-protein amino acid. Citrulline has several therapeutic and clinical implications as it produces nitric oxide via arginine. In plants, citrulline plays a pivotal role in nitrogen transport and osmoprotection. The purpose of this study was to identify single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers associated with citrulline metabolism using a genome-wide association study (GWAS) and understand the role of citrulline in watermelon domestication. A watermelon collection consisting of 187 wild, landraces, and cultivated accessions was used to estimate citrulline content. An association analysis involved a total of 12,125 SNPs with a minor allele frequency (MAF) >0.05 in understanding the population structure and phylogeny in light of citrulline accumulation. Wild egusi types and landraces contained low to medium citrulline content, whereas cultivars had higher content, which suggests that obtaining higher content of citrulline is a domesticated trait. GWAS analysis identified candidate genes (ferrochelatase and acetolactate synthase) showing a significant association of SNPs with citrulline content. Haplotype networking indicated positive selection from wild to domesticated watermelon. To our knowledge, this is the first study showing genetic regulation of citrulline variation in plants by using a GWAS strategy. These results provide new insights into the citrulline metabolism in plants and the possibility of incorporating high citrulline as a trait in watermelon breeding programs.
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17
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Joshi V, Joshi M, Silwal D, Noonan K, Rodriguez S, Penalosa A. Systematized biosynthesis and catabolism regulate citrulline accumulation in watermelon. PHYTOCHEMISTRY 2019; 162:129-140. [PMID: 30884257 DOI: 10.1016/j.phytochem.2019.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2018] [Revised: 02/20/2019] [Accepted: 03/02/2019] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Citrulline, a non-protein amino acid, is present in large amounts in watermelon (Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.) Matsum. & Nakai Cucurbitaceae) fruits. Amino acid profiling of various tissues of cv. Charleston Gray during plant development confirmed progressive accumulation of citrulline only in the fruit flesh and rind tissues. Citrulline content was positively correlated with precursor (ornithine) and by-product (arginine) amino acids during fruit ripening. Genetic variation in the partitioning of citrulline and related amino acids in the flesh and rind tissues was confirmed in a sub-set of watermelon cultivars. No correlation was established between morphological fruit traits (size and rind properties) and citrulline content. To understand the regulation of citrulline accumulation, we investigated the expression of genes associated with its biosynthesis and catabolism in flesh and rind tissues during fruit development. The expression of ornithine carbamoyltransferase (OTC) involved in the ultimate step of citrulline synthesis remained steady in both tissues. The expression of N-acetylornithine aminotransferase (N-AOA) involved in the production of N-acetylornithine and N-acetylornithine deacetylase (AOD-3) involved in ornithine synthesis coincided with increasing accumulation of citrulline in flesh and rind tissues during fruit development. Down-regulation N-acetylornithine-glutamate acetyltransferase (N-AOGA) suggests the subordinate role of the non-cyclic pathway in citrulline synthesis. Eccentricity between citrulline accumulation and expression of carbamoyl phosphate synthases (CPS-1, CPS-2) during fruit development suggest that the localized synthesis of carbamoyl phosphates may not be required for citrulline synthesis. Most genes involved in citrulline break-down (Argininosuccinate synthases - ASS-1, ASS-2, and ASS-3, Argininosuccinate lyases - ASL-1, Ornithine decarboxylase - ODC, Arginine decarboxylase - ADC) were consistently down-regulated during fruit development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vijay Joshi
- Texas A&M AgriLife Research Center, Texas A&M University, Uvalde, TX, 78801, USA.
| | - Madhumita Joshi
- Texas A&M AgriLife Research Center, Texas A&M University, Uvalde, TX, 78801, USA
| | - Diwas Silwal
- Department of Horticultural Sciences, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Kayce Noonan
- NovoThelium, San Antonio Technology Center, Texas, 78229, USA
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18
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Abstract
Watermelon is the most significant, natural plant source of L-citrulline, a non-proteinaceous amino acid that benefits cardiovascular health and increases vasodilation in many tissues of the body. Watermelon is a member of the Cucurbitaceae, which includes squash, melon, pumpkin, and cucumber. It is possible that other cucurbits could be good sources of citrulline or of arginine, its direct precursor. Twenty-one cultigens were evaluated in triplicate at two locations in North Carolina to estimate citrulline and arginine amounts and variation due to cultigen, replication, and environment. Cultigens containing the highest amount of citrulline (based on LS means) in g/kg fresh weight were ’Crimson Sweet’ watermelon (2.85), ’Dixielee’ watermelon (2.43), casaba-type melon (0.86), mouse melon (0.64), and horned melon rind (0.45). Additionally, mouse melon, horned melon, and bitter gourd (arils) may be interesting sources of arginine-family amino acids, perhaps because of their large seed and aril content relative to mesocarp.
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19
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Gao L, Zhao S, Lu X, He N, Zhu H, Dou J, Liu W. Comparative transcriptome analysis reveals key genes potentially related to soluble sugar and organic acid accumulation in watermelon. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0190096. [PMID: 29324867 PMCID: PMC5764247 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0190096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2017] [Accepted: 12/08/2017] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Soluble sugars and organic acids are important components of fruit flavor and have a strong impact on the overall organoleptic quality of watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) fruit. Several studies have analyzed the expression levels of the genes related to soluble sugar accumulation and the dynamic changes in their content during watermelon fruit development and ripening. Nevertheless, to date, there have been no reports on the organic acid content in watermelon or the genes regulating their synthesis. In this study, the soluble sugars and organic acids in watermelon were measured and a comparative transcriptome analysis was performed to identify the key genes involved in the accumulation of these substances during fruit development and ripening. The watermelon cultivar '203Z' and its near-isogenic line (NIL) 'SW' (in the '203Z' background) were used as experimental materials. The results suggested that soluble sugar consist of fructose, glucose and sucrose while malic-, citric-, and oxalic acids are the primary organic acids in watermelon fruit. Several differentially expressed genes (DEGs) related to soluble sugar- and organic acid accumulation and metabolism were identified. These include the DEGs encoding raffinose synthase, sucrose synthase (SuSy), sucrose-phosphate synthase (SPSs), insoluble acid invertases (IAI), NAD-dependent malate dehydrogenase (NAD-cyt MDH), aluminum-activated malate transporter (ALMT), and citrate synthase (CS). This is the first report addressing comparative transcriptome analysis via NILs materials in watermelon fruit. These findings provide an important basis for understanding the molecular mechanism that leads to soluble sugar and organic acid accumulation and metabolism during watermelon fruit development and ripening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Gao
- Zhengzhou Fruit Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Shengjie Zhao
- Zhengzhou Fruit Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Xuqiang Lu
- Zhengzhou Fruit Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Nan He
- Zhengzhou Fruit Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Hongju Zhu
- Zhengzhou Fruit Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Junling Dou
- Zhengzhou Fruit Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Wenge Liu
- Zhengzhou Fruit Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
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20
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Joshi V, Fernie AR. Citrulline metabolism in plants. Amino Acids 2017; 49:1543-1559. [PMID: 28741223 DOI: 10.1007/s00726-017-2468-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2017] [Accepted: 07/17/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Citrulline was chemically isolated more than 100 years ago and is ubiquitous in animals, plants, bacteria, and fungi. Most of the research on plant citrulline metabolism and transport has been carried out in Arabidopsis thaliana and the Cucurbitaceae family, particularly in watermelon which accumulates this non-proteinogenic amino acid to very high levels. Industrially, citrulline is produced via specially optimized microbial strains; however, the amounts present in watermelon render it an economically viable source providing that other high-value compounds can be co-extracted. In this review, we provide an overview of our current understanding of citrulline biosynthesis, transport, and catabolism in plants additionally pointing out significant gaps in our knowledge which need to be closed by future experimentation. This includes the identification of further potential enzymes of citrulline metabolism as well as obtaining a far better spatial resolution of both sub-cellular and long-distance partitioning of citrulline. We further discuss what is known concerning the biological function of citrulline in plants paying particular attention to the proposed roles in scavenging of excess NH4+ and as a compatible solute.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vijay Joshi
- Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center, Texas A&M University, Uvalde, TX, 78801, USA.
| | - Alisdair R Fernie
- Max-Planck-Institute for Molecular Plant Physiology, Wissenschaftspark Golm, 14476, Potsdam-Golm, Germany
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