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Zhang Q, Chen Q, Shaik S, Wang B. Flavin-N5OOH Functions as both a Powerful Nucleophile and a Base in the Superfamily of Flavoenzymes. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2024; 63:e202318629. [PMID: 38299700 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202318629] [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: 12/08/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024]
Abstract
Flavoenzymes can mediate a large variety of oxidation reactions through the activation of oxygen. However, the O2 activation chemistry of flavin enzymes is not yet fully exploited. Normally, the O2 activation occurs at the C4a site of the flavin cofactor, yielding the flavin C4a-(hydro)hydroperoxyl species in monooxygenases or oxidases. Using extensive MD simulations, QM/MM calculations and QM calculations, our studies reveal the formation of the common nucleophilic species, Flavin-N5OOH, in two distinct flavoenzymes (RutA and EncM). Our studies show that Flavin-N5OOH acts as a powerful nucleophile that promotes C-N cleavage of uracil in RutA, and a powerful base in the deprotonation of substrates in EncM. We reason that Flavin-N5OOH can be a common reactive species in the superfamily of flavoenzymes, which accomplish generally selective general base catalysis and C-X (X=N, S, Cl, O) cleavage reactions that are otherwise challenging with solvated hydroxide ion base. These results expand our understanding of the chemistry and catalysis of flavoenzymes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiaoyu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces and Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Theoretical and Computational Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, P. R. China
| | - Qianqian Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces and Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Theoretical and Computational Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, P. R. China
| | - Sason Shaik
- Institute of Chemistry and the Lise Meitner-Minerva Center for Computational Quantum Chemistry, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, 91904, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Binju Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces and Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Theoretical and Computational Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, P. R. China
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Yamaguchi T, Asano Y. Nitrile-synthesizing enzymes and biocatalytic synthesis of volatile nitrile compounds: A review. J Biotechnol 2024; 384:20-28. [PMID: 38395363 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiotec.2024.02.007] [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: 12/24/2023] [Revised: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 02/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
Nitriles (R-CN) comprise a broad group of chemicals industrially produced and used in fine chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and bulk applications, polymer chemistry, solvents, etc. Nitriles are important starting materials for producing carboxylic acids, amides, amines, and several other compounds. In addition, some volatile nitriles have been evaluated for their potential as ingredients in fragrance and flavor formulations. However, many nitrile synthesis methods have drawbacks, such as drastic reaction conditions, limited substrate scope, lack of readily available reagents, poor yields, and long reaction times. In contrast to chemical synthesis, biocatalytic approaches using enzymes can produce nitriles without harsh conditions, such as high temperatures and pressures, or toxic compounds. In this review, we summarize the nitrile-synthesizing enzymes from microorganisms, plants, and animals. Furthermore, we introduce several examples of biocatalytic synthesis of volatile nitrile compounds, particularly those using aldoxime dehydratase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takuya Yamaguchi
- Biotechnology Research Center and Department of Biotechnology, 5180 Kurokawa, Imizu, Toyama 939-0398, Japan.
| | - Yasuhisa Asano
- Biotechnology Research Center and Department of Biotechnology, 5180 Kurokawa, Imizu, Toyama 939-0398, Japan
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Chen Y, Wu X, Wang X, Li Q, Yin H, Zhang S. bZIP transcription factor PubZIP914 enhances production of fatty acid-derived volatiles in pear. PLANT SCIENCE : AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL PLANT BIOLOGY 2024; 338:111905. [PMID: 37884080 DOI: 10.1016/j.plantsci.2023.111905] [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: 07/13/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
'Nanguo' pear emitted a rich aroma when entirely ripe. The six-carbon (C6) volatiles, including the aldehydes, 2-hexenal, and hexanal, as well as their corresponding alcohols and esters which are derived from lipoxygenase pathway are the important volatile components in 'Nanguo' pears. However, the transcriptional regulation mechanism of aroma synthesis of 'Nanguo' pears remains largely unknown. bZIP transcription factors (TFs) mediate different developmental processes in plants. In this study, we identified and characterized a bZIP TF that is highly expressed and induced in 'Nanguo' pear fruits at the mature stage. The content of fatty acid-derived volatiles increased significantly in transgenic pears and tomatoes of PubZIP914 overexpression. Meanwhile, PubZIP914 could regulate PuLOX3.1 by binding directly to PuLOX3.1 promoter. The results of this study provide evidence demonstrating how bZIP transcription factors regulate fatty acid-derived volatiles biosynthesis during pear fruit ripening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yangyang Chen
- Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for Pear, National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics & Germplasm Enhancement and Utilization, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Xiao Wu
- Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for Pear, National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics & Germplasm Enhancement and Utilization, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Xiaohua Wang
- Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for Pear, National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics & Germplasm Enhancement and Utilization, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Qionghou Li
- Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for Pear, National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics & Germplasm Enhancement and Utilization, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Hao Yin
- Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for Pear, National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics & Germplasm Enhancement and Utilization, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China.
| | - Shaoling Zhang
- Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for Pear, National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics & Germplasm Enhancement and Utilization, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China.
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Zamolo F, Wüst M. 3-Alkyl-2-Methoxypyrazines: Overview of Their Occurrence, Biosynthesis and Distribution in Edible Plants. Chembiochem 2023; 24:e202300362. [PMID: 37435783 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202300362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023]
Abstract
Pyrazines are ubiquitous in nature - biosynthesized by microorganisms, insects, and plants. Due to their great structural diversity, they own manifold biological functions. Alkyl- and alkoxypyrazines for instance play a key role as semiochemicals, but also as important aroma compounds in foods. Especially 3-alkyl-2-methoxypyrazines (MPs) have been of great research interest. MPs are associated with green and earthy attributes. They are responsible for the distinctive aroma properties of numerous vegetables. Moreover, they have a strong influence on the aroma of wines, in which they are primarily grape-derived. Over the years various methods have been developed and implemented to analyse the distribution of MPs in plants. In addition, the biosynthetic pathway of MPs has always been of particular interest. Different pathways and precursors have been proposed and controversially discussed in the literature. While the identification of genes encoding O-methyltransferases gave important insights into the last step of MP-biosynthesis, earlier biosynthetic steps and precursors remained unknown. It was not until 2022 that in vivo feeding experiments with stable isotope labeled compounds revealed l-leucine and l-serine as important precursors for IBMP. This discovery gave evidence for a metabolic interface between the MP-biosynthesis and photorespiration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Zamolo
- University of Bonn, Institute of Nutritional and Food Sciences Chair of Food Chemistry, Friedrich-Hirzebruch-Allee 7, 53115, Bonn, Germany
| | - Matthias Wüst
- University of Bonn, Institute of Nutritional and Food Sciences Chair of Food Chemistry, Friedrich-Hirzebruch-Allee 7, 53115, Bonn, Germany
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Mellidou I, Koukounaras A, Frusciante S, Rambla JL, Patelou E, Ntoanidou S, Pons C, Kostas S, Nikoloudis K, Granell A, Diretto G, Kanellis AK. A metabolome and transcriptome survey to tap the dynamics of fruit prolonged shelf-life and improved quality within Greek tomato germplasm. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2023; 14:1267340. [PMID: 37818313 PMCID: PMC10560995 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2023.1267340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023]
Abstract
Introduction Tomato is a high economic value crop worldwide with recognized nutritional properties and diverse postharvest potential. Nowadays, there is an emerging awareness about the exploitation and utilization of underutilized traditional germplasm in modern breeding programs. In this context, the existing diversity among Greek accessions in terms of their postharvest life and nutritional value remains largely unexplored. Methods Herein, a detailed evaluation of 130 tomato Greek accessions for postharvest and nutritional characteristics was performed, using metabolomics and transcriptomics, leading to the selection of accessions with these interesting traits. Results The results showed remarkable differences among tomato Greek accessions for overall ripening parameters (color, firmness) and weight loss. On the basis of their postharvest performance, a balance between short shelf life (SSL) and long shelf life (LSL) accessions was revealed. Metabolome analysis performed on 14 selected accessions with contrasting shelf-life potential identified a total of 206 phytonutrients and volatile compounds. In turn, transcriptome analysis in fruits from the best SSL and the best LSL accessions revealed remarkable differences in the expression profiles of transcripts involved in key metabolic pathways related to fruit quality and postharvest potential. Discussion The pathways towards cell wall synthesis, polyamine synthesis, ABA catabolism, and steroidal alkaloids synthesis were mostly induced in the LSL accession, whereas those related to ethylene biosynthesis, cell wall degradation, isoprenoids, phenylpropanoids, ascorbic acid and aroma (TomloxC) were stimulated in the SSL accession. Overall, these data would provide valuable insights into the molecular mechanism towards enhancing shelf-life and improving flavor and aroma of modern tomato cultivars.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ifigeneia Mellidou
- Institute of Plant Breeding and Genetic Resources, Hellenic Agricultural Organization – DEMETER, Thessaloniki, Greece
- Group of Biotechnology of Pharmaceutical Plants, Laboratory of Pharmacognosy, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Athanasios Koukounaras
- Group of Biotechnology of Pharmaceutical Plants, Laboratory of Pharmacognosy, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
- Department of Horticulture, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Sarah Frusciante
- Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy, and Sustainable Development (ENEA), Biotechnology Laboratory, Casaccia Research Center, Rome, Italy
| | - José L. Rambla
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Plantas (IBMCP), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Universitat Politècnica de València, València, Spain
- Department of Biology, Biochemistry and Natural Sciences, Universitat Jaume I, Castellón de la Plana, Spain
| | - Efstathia Patelou
- Group of Biotechnology of Pharmaceutical Plants, Laboratory of Pharmacognosy, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Symela Ntoanidou
- Group of Biotechnology of Pharmaceutical Plants, Laboratory of Pharmacognosy, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Clara Pons
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Plantas (IBMCP), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Universitat Politècnica de València, València, Spain
- Instituto de Conservación y Mejora de la Agrodiversidad Valenciana (COMAV), Universitat Politècnica de València, València, Spain
| | - Stefanos Kostas
- Group of Biotechnology of Pharmaceutical Plants, Laboratory of Pharmacognosy, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
- Department of Horticulture, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | | | - Antonio Granell
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Plantas (IBMCP), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Universitat Politècnica de València, València, Spain
| | - Gianfranco Diretto
- Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy, and Sustainable Development (ENEA), Biotechnology Laboratory, Casaccia Research Center, Rome, Italy
| | - Angelos K. Kanellis
- Group of Biotechnology of Pharmaceutical Plants, Laboratory of Pharmacognosy, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
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Barnett JR, Tieman DM, Caicedo AL. Variation in ripe fruit volatiles across the tomato clade: An evolutionary framework for studying fruit scent diversity in a crop wild relative. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF BOTANY 2023; 110:e16223. [PMID: 37551422 DOI: 10.1002/ajb2.16223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023]
Abstract
PREMISE The scents of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are an important component of ripe fleshy fruit attractiveness, yet their variation across closely related wild species is poorly understood. Phylogenetic patterns in these compounds and their biosynthetic pathways offer insight into the evolutionary drivers of fruit diversity, including whether scent can communicate an honest signal of nutrient content to animal dispersers. We assessed ripe fruit VOC content across the tomato clade (Solanum sect. Lycopersicon), with implications for crop improvement since these compounds are key components of tomato flavor. METHODS We analyzed ripe fruit volatiles from 13 species of wild tomato grown in a common garden. Interspecific variations in 66 compounds and their biosynthetic pathways were assessed in 32 accessions, and an accession-level phylogeny was constructed to account for relatedness. RESULTS Wild tomato species can be differentiated by their VOCs, with Solanum pennellii notably distinct. Phylogenetic conservatism exists to a limited extent. Major cladewide patterns corresponded to divergence of the five brightly colored-fruited species from the nine green-fruited species, particularly for nitrogen-containing compounds (higher in colored-fruited) and esters (higher in green-fruited), the latter appearing to signal a sugar reward. CONCLUSIONS We established a framework for fruit scent evolution studies in a crop wild relative system, showing that each species in the tomato clade has a unique VOC profile. Differences between color groups align with fruit syndromes that could be driven by selection from frugivores. The evolution of colored fruits was accompanied by changes in biosynthetic pathways for esters and nitrogen-containing compounds, volatiles important to tomato flavor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob R Barnett
- Graduate Program in Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, University of Massachusetts Amherst, MA, 01003, USA
| | - Denise M Tieman
- Horticultural Sciences Department, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA
| | - Ana L Caicedo
- Department of Biology, University of Massachusetts Amherst, MA, 01003, USA
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Sun Y, Li M, Li X, Du J, Li W, Lin Y, Zhang Y, Wang Y, He W, Chen Q, Zhang Y, Wang X, Luo Y, Xiong A, Tang H. Characterization of Volatile Organic Compounds in Five Celery ( Apium graveolens L.) Cultivars with Different Petiole Colors by HS-SPME-GC-MS. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13343. [PMID: 37686147 PMCID: PMC10488006 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241713343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Celery (Apium graveolens L.) is an important vegetable crop cultivated worldwide for its medicinal properties and distinctive flavor. Volatile organic compound (VOC) analysis is a valuable tool for the identification and classification of species. Currently, less research has been conducted on aroma compounds in different celery varieties and colors. In this study, five different colored celery were quantitatively analyzed for VOCs using HS-SPME, GC-MS determination, and stoichiometry methods. The result revealed that γ-terpinene, d-limonene, 2-hexenal,-(E)-, and β-myrcene contributed primarily to the celery aroma. The composition of compounds in celery exhibited a correlation not only with the color of the variety, with green celery displaying a higher concentration compared with other varieties, but also with the specific organ, whereby the content and distribution of volatile compounds were primarily influenced by the leaf rather than the petiole. Seven key genes influencing terpenoid synthesis were screened to detect expression levels. Most of the genes exhibited higher expression in leaves than petioles. In addition, some genes, particularly AgDXS and AgIDI, have higher expression levels in celery than other genes, thereby influencing the regulation of terpenoid synthesis through the MEP and MVA pathways, such as hydrocarbon monoterpenes. This study identified the characteristics of flavor compounds and key aroma components in different colored celery varieties and explored key genes involved in the regulation of terpenoid synthesis, laying a theoretical foundation for understanding flavor chemistry and improving its quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Sun
- College of Horticulture, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China; (Y.S.); (M.L.); (X.L.); (J.D.); (W.L.); (Y.L.); (Y.Z.); (Y.W.); (W.H.); (Q.C.); (Y.Z.); (X.W.); (Y.L.)
| | - Mengyao Li
- College of Horticulture, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China; (Y.S.); (M.L.); (X.L.); (J.D.); (W.L.); (Y.L.); (Y.Z.); (Y.W.); (W.H.); (Q.C.); (Y.Z.); (X.W.); (Y.L.)
| | - Xiaoyan Li
- College of Horticulture, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China; (Y.S.); (M.L.); (X.L.); (J.D.); (W.L.); (Y.L.); (Y.Z.); (Y.W.); (W.H.); (Q.C.); (Y.Z.); (X.W.); (Y.L.)
| | - Jiageng Du
- College of Horticulture, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China; (Y.S.); (M.L.); (X.L.); (J.D.); (W.L.); (Y.L.); (Y.Z.); (Y.W.); (W.H.); (Q.C.); (Y.Z.); (X.W.); (Y.L.)
| | - Weilong Li
- College of Horticulture, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China; (Y.S.); (M.L.); (X.L.); (J.D.); (W.L.); (Y.L.); (Y.Z.); (Y.W.); (W.H.); (Q.C.); (Y.Z.); (X.W.); (Y.L.)
| | - Yuanxiu Lin
- College of Horticulture, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China; (Y.S.); (M.L.); (X.L.); (J.D.); (W.L.); (Y.L.); (Y.Z.); (Y.W.); (W.H.); (Q.C.); (Y.Z.); (X.W.); (Y.L.)
| | - Yunting Zhang
- College of Horticulture, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China; (Y.S.); (M.L.); (X.L.); (J.D.); (W.L.); (Y.L.); (Y.Z.); (Y.W.); (W.H.); (Q.C.); (Y.Z.); (X.W.); (Y.L.)
| | - Yan Wang
- College of Horticulture, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China; (Y.S.); (M.L.); (X.L.); (J.D.); (W.L.); (Y.L.); (Y.Z.); (Y.W.); (W.H.); (Q.C.); (Y.Z.); (X.W.); (Y.L.)
| | - Wen He
- College of Horticulture, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China; (Y.S.); (M.L.); (X.L.); (J.D.); (W.L.); (Y.L.); (Y.Z.); (Y.W.); (W.H.); (Q.C.); (Y.Z.); (X.W.); (Y.L.)
| | - Qing Chen
- College of Horticulture, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China; (Y.S.); (M.L.); (X.L.); (J.D.); (W.L.); (Y.L.); (Y.Z.); (Y.W.); (W.H.); (Q.C.); (Y.Z.); (X.W.); (Y.L.)
| | - Yong Zhang
- College of Horticulture, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China; (Y.S.); (M.L.); (X.L.); (J.D.); (W.L.); (Y.L.); (Y.Z.); (Y.W.); (W.H.); (Q.C.); (Y.Z.); (X.W.); (Y.L.)
| | - Xiaorong Wang
- College of Horticulture, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China; (Y.S.); (M.L.); (X.L.); (J.D.); (W.L.); (Y.L.); (Y.Z.); (Y.W.); (W.H.); (Q.C.); (Y.Z.); (X.W.); (Y.L.)
| | - Ya Luo
- College of Horticulture, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China; (Y.S.); (M.L.); (X.L.); (J.D.); (W.L.); (Y.L.); (Y.Z.); (Y.W.); (W.H.); (Q.C.); (Y.Z.); (X.W.); (Y.L.)
| | - Aisheng Xiong
- College of Horticulture, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China;
| | - Haoru Tang
- College of Horticulture, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China; (Y.S.); (M.L.); (X.L.); (J.D.); (W.L.); (Y.L.); (Y.Z.); (Y.W.); (W.H.); (Q.C.); (Y.Z.); (X.W.); (Y.L.)
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Kaur G, Abugu M, Tieman D. The dissection of tomato flavor: biochemistry, genetics, and omics. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2023; 14:1144113. [PMID: 37346138 PMCID: PMC10281629 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2023.1144113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023]
Abstract
Flavor and quality are the major drivers of fruit consumption in the US. However, the poor flavor of modern commercial tomato varieties is a major cause of consumer dissatisfaction. Studies in flavor research have informed the role of volatile organic compounds in improving overall liking and sweetness of tomatoes. These studies have utilized and applied the tools of molecular biology, genetics, biochemistry, omics, machine learning, and gene editing to elucidate the compounds and biochemical pathways essential for good tasting fruit. Here, we discuss the progress in identifying the biosynthetic pathways and chemical modifications of important tomato volatile compounds. We also summarize the advances in developing highly flavorful tomato varieties and future steps toward developing a "perfect tomato".
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Affiliation(s)
- Gurleen Kaur
- Horticultural Sciences Department, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Modesta Abugu
- Department of Horticulture Science, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
| | - Denise Tieman
- Horticultural Sciences Department, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
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Wang L, Zhou Y, Ding Y, Chen C, Chen X, Su N, Zhang X, Pan Y, Li J. Novel flavin-containing monooxygenase protein FMO1 interacts with CAT2 to negatively regulate drought tolerance through ROS homeostasis and ABA signaling pathway in tomato. HORTICULTURE RESEARCH 2023; 10:uhad037. [PMID: 37101513 PMCID: PMC10124749 DOI: 10.1093/hr/uhad037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Drought stress is the major abiotic factor that can seriously affect plant growth and crop production. The functions of flavin-containing monooxygenases (FMOs) are known in animals. They add molecular oxygen to lipophilic compounds or produce reactive oxygen species (ROS). However, little information on FMOs in plants is available. Here, we characterized a tomato drought-responsive gene that showed homology to FMO, and it was designated as FMO1. FMO1 was downregulated promptly by drought and ABA treatments. Transgenic functional analysis indicated that RNAi suppression of the expression of FMO1 (FMO1-Ri) improved drought tolerance relative to wild-type (WT) plants, whereas overexpression of FMO1 (FMO1-OE) reduced drought tolerance. The FMO1-Ri plants exhibited lower ABA accumulation, higher levels of antioxidant enzyme activities, and less ROS generation compared with the WT and FMO1-OE plants under drought stress. RNA-seq transcriptional analysis revealed the differential expression levels of many drought-responsive genes that were co-expressed with FMO1, including PP2Cs, PYLs, WRKY, and LEA. Using Y2H screening, we found that FMO1 physically interacted with catalase 2 (CAT2), which is an antioxidant enzyme and confers drought resistance. Our findings suggest that tomato FMO1 negatively regulates tomato drought tolerance in the ABA-dependent pathway and modulates ROS homeostasis by directly binding to SlCAT2.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Yin Ding
- State Cultivation Base of Crop Stress Biology for Southern Mountainous land of Southwest University, Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing 400715, China
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Biosafety and Green Production of Upper Yangtze River (Ministry of Education), College of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Chunrui Chen
- State Cultivation Base of Crop Stress Biology for Southern Mountainous land of Southwest University, Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing 400715, China
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Biosafety and Green Production of Upper Yangtze River (Ministry of Education), College of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Xueting Chen
- State Cultivation Base of Crop Stress Biology for Southern Mountainous land of Southwest University, Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing 400715, China
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Biosafety and Green Production of Upper Yangtze River (Ministry of Education), College of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Nini Su
- State Cultivation Base of Crop Stress Biology for Southern Mountainous land of Southwest University, Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing 400715, China
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Biosafety and Green Production of Upper Yangtze River (Ministry of Education), College of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Xingguo Zhang
- State Cultivation Base of Crop Stress Biology for Southern Mountainous land of Southwest University, Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing 400715, China
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Biosafety and Green Production of Upper Yangtze River (Ministry of Education), College of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Yu Pan
- State Cultivation Base of Crop Stress Biology for Southern Mountainous land of Southwest University, Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing 400715, China
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Biosafety and Green Production of Upper Yangtze River (Ministry of Education), College of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
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Perez VC, Dai R, Tomiczek B, Mendoza J, Wolf ESA, Grenning A, Vermerris W, Block AK, Kim J. Metabolic link between auxin production and specialized metabolites in Sorghum bicolor. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY 2023; 74:364-376. [PMID: 36300527 PMCID: PMC9786853 DOI: 10.1093/jxb/erac421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Aldoximes are amino acid derivatives that serve as intermediates for numerous specialized metabolites including cyanogenic glycosides, glucosinolates, and auxins. Aldoxime formation is mainly catalyzed by cytochrome P450 monooxygenases of the 79 family (CYP79s) that can have broad or narrow substrate specificity. Except for SbCYP79A1, aldoxime biosynthetic enzymes in the cereal sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) have not been characterized. This study identified nine CYP79-encoding genes in the genome of sorghum. A phylogenetic analysis of CYP79 showed that SbCYP79A61 formed a subclade with maize ZmCYP79A61, previously characterized to be involved in aldoxime biosynthesis. Functional characterization of this sorghum enzyme using transient expression in Nicotiana benthamiana and stable overexpression in Arabidopsis thaliana revealed that SbCYP79A61 catalyzes the production of phenylacetaldoxime (PAOx) from phenylalanine but, unlike the maize enzyme, displays no detectable activity against tryptophan. Additionally, targeted metabolite analysis after stable isotope feeding assays revealed that PAOx can serve as a precursor of phenylacetic acid (PAA) in sorghum and identified benzyl cyanide as an intermediate of PAOx-derived PAA biosynthesis in both sorghum and maize. Taken together, our results demonstrate that SbCYP79A61 produces PAOx in sorghum and may serve in the biosynthesis of other nitrogen-containing phenylalanine-derived metabolites involved in mediating biotic and abiotic stresses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica C Perez
- Plant Molecular and Cellular Biology Program, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Ru Dai
- Horticultural Sciences Department, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Breanna Tomiczek
- Department of Chemistry, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Jorrel Mendoza
- Chemistry Research Unit, Center for Medical, Agricultural and Veterinary Entomology, U.S. Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service, Gainesville, FL 32608, USA
| | - Emily S A Wolf
- Plant Molecular and Cellular Biology Program, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Alexander Grenning
- Department of Chemistry, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Wilfred Vermerris
- Plant Molecular and Cellular Biology Program, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
- Department of Microbiology & Cell Science, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
- UF Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
- Florida Center for Renewable Chemicals and Fuels, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Anna K Block
- Chemistry Research Unit, Center for Medical, Agricultural and Veterinary Entomology, U.S. Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service, Gainesville, FL 32608, USA
| | - Jeongim Kim
- Plant Molecular and Cellular Biology Program, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
- Horticultural Sciences Department, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
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Wang S, Qiang Q, Xiang L, Fernie AR, Yang J. Targeted approaches to improve tomato fruit taste. HORTICULTURE RESEARCH 2022; 10:uhac229. [PMID: 36643745 PMCID: PMC9832879 DOI: 10.1093/hr/uhac229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) is the most valuable fruit and horticultural crop species worldwide. Compared with the fruits of their progenitors, those of modern tomato cultivars are, however, often described as having unsatisfactory taste or lacking flavor. The flavor of a tomato fruit arises from a complex mix of tastes and volatile metabolites, including sugars, acids, amino acids, and various volatiles. However, considerable differences in fruit flavor occur among tomato varieties, resulting in mixed consumer experiences. While tomato breeding has traditionally been driven by the desire for continual increases in yield and the introduction of traits that provide a long shelf-life, consumers are prepared to pay a reasonable premium for taste. Therefore, it is necessary to characterize preferences of tomato flavor and to define its underlying genetic basis. Here, we review recent conceptual and technological advances that have rendered this more feasible, including multi-omics-based QTL and association analyses, along with the use of trained testing panels, and machine learning approaches. This review proposes how the comprehensive datasets compiled to date could allow a precise rational design of tomato germplasm resources with improved organoleptic quality for the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shouchuang Wang
- To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail: , or . Tel: 86-0898-66184571. Fax number: 0898-66184571
| | | | - Lijun Xiang
- College of Tropical Crops, Hainan University, Haikou, 570228, China
| | - Alisdair R Fernie
- To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail: , or . Tel: 86-0898-66184571. Fax number: 0898-66184571
| | - Jun Yang
- To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail: , or . Tel: 86-0898-66184571. Fax number: 0898-66184571
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