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Qi X, Dong Y, Liu C, Song L, Chen L, Li M. A 5.2-kb insertion in the coding sequence of PavSCPL, a serine carboxypeptidase-like enhances fruit firmness in Prunus avium. PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY JOURNAL 2024; 22:1622-1635. [PMID: 38415985 PMCID: PMC11123409 DOI: 10.1111/pbi.14291] [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: 09/20/2023] [Revised: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
Fruit firmness is an important trait in sweet cherry breeding because it directly positively influences fruit transportability, storage and shelf life. However, the underlying genes responsible and the molecular mechanisms that control fruit firmness remain unknown. In this study, we identified a candidate gene, PavSCPL, encoding a serine carboxypeptidase-like protein with natural allelic variation, that controls fruit firmness in sweet cherry using map-based cloning and functionally characterized PavSCPL during sweet cherry fruit softening. Genetic analysis revealed that fruit firmness in the 'Rainier' × 'Summit' F1 population was controlled by a single dominant gene. Bulked segregant analysis combined with fine mapping narrowed the candidate gene to a 473-kb region (7418778-7 891 914 bp) on chromosome 6 which included 72 genes. The candidate gene PavSCPL, and a null allele harbouring a 5244-bp insertion in the second exon that completely inactivated PavSCPL expression and resulted in the extra-hard-flesh phenotype, were identified by RNA-sequencing analysis and gene cloning. Quantitative RT-PCR analysis revealed that the PavSCPL expression level was increased with fruit softening. Virus-induced gene silencing of PavSCPL enhanced fruit firmness and suppressed the activities of certain pectin-degrading enzymes in the fruit. In addition, we developed functional molecular markers for PavSCPL and the Pavscpl5.2-k allele that co-segregated with the fruit firmness trait. Overall, this research identified a crucial functional gene for fruit firmness. The results provide insights into the genetic control and molecular mechanism of the fruit firmness trait and present useful molecular markers for molecular-assisted breeding for fruit firmness in sweet cherry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiliang Qi
- National Key Laboratory for Germplasm Innovation and Utilization of Horticultural Crops, Zhengzhou Fruit Research InstituteChinese Academy of Agricultural SciencesZhengzhouHenanChina
| | - Yuanxin Dong
- National Key Laboratory for Germplasm Innovation and Utilization of Horticultural Crops, Zhengzhou Fruit Research InstituteChinese Academy of Agricultural SciencesZhengzhouHenanChina
| | - Congli Liu
- National Key Laboratory for Germplasm Innovation and Utilization of Horticultural Crops, Zhengzhou Fruit Research InstituteChinese Academy of Agricultural SciencesZhengzhouHenanChina
- Zhongyuan Research CenterChinese Academy of Agricultural SciencesXinxiangHenanChina
| | - Lulu Song
- National Key Laboratory for Germplasm Innovation and Utilization of Horticultural Crops, Zhengzhou Fruit Research InstituteChinese Academy of Agricultural SciencesZhengzhouHenanChina
| | - Lei Chen
- National Key Laboratory for Germplasm Innovation and Utilization of Horticultural Crops, Zhengzhou Fruit Research InstituteChinese Academy of Agricultural SciencesZhengzhouHenanChina
| | - Ming Li
- National Key Laboratory for Germplasm Innovation and Utilization of Horticultural Crops, Zhengzhou Fruit Research InstituteChinese Academy of Agricultural SciencesZhengzhouHenanChina
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2
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Hadish JA, Hargarten HL, Zhang H, Mattheis JP, Honaas LA, Ficklin SP. Towards identification of postharvest fruit quality transcriptomic markers in Malus domestica. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0297015. [PMID: 38446822 PMCID: PMC10917293 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0297015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Gene expression is highly impacted by the environment and can be reflective of past events that affected developmental processes. It is therefore expected that gene expression can serve as a signal of a current or future phenotypic traits. In this paper we identify sets of genes, which we call Prognostic Transcriptomic Biomarkers (PTBs), that can predict firmness in Malus domestica (apple) fruits. In apples, all individuals of a cultivar are clones, and differences in fruit quality are due to the environment. The apples transcriptome responds to these differences in environment, which makes PTBs an attractive predictor of future fruit quality. PTBs have the potential to enhance supply chain efficiency, reduce crop loss, and provide higher and more consistent quality for consumers. However, several questions must be addressed. In this paper we answer the question of which of two common modeling approaches, Random Forest or ElasticNet, outperforms the other. We answer if PTBs with few genes are efficient at predicting traits. This is important because we need few genes to perform qPCR, and we answer the question if qPCR is a cost-effective assay as input for PTBs modeled using high-throughput RNA-seq. To do this, we conducted a pilot study using fruit texture in the 'Gala' variety of apples across several postharvest storage regiments. Fruit texture in 'Gala' apples is highly controllable by post-harvest treatments and is therefore a good candidate to explore the use of PTBs. We find that the RandomForest model is more consistent than an ElasticNet model and is predictive of firmness (r2 = 0.78) with as few as 15 genes. We also show that qPCR is reasonably consistent with RNA-seq in a follow up experiment. Results are promising for PTBs, yet more work is needed to ensure that PTBs are robust across various environmental conditions and storage treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- John A. Hadish
- Molecular Plant Science Department, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, United States of America
- Department of Horticulture, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, United States of America
| | - Heidi L. Hargarten
- USDA Agricultural Research Service Physiology and Pathology of Tree Fruits Research, Wenatchee, Washington, United States of America
| | - Huiting Zhang
- Department of Horticulture, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, United States of America
| | - James P. Mattheis
- USDA Agricultural Research Service Physiology and Pathology of Tree Fruits Research, Wenatchee, Washington, United States of America
| | - Loren A. Honaas
- USDA Agricultural Research Service Physiology and Pathology of Tree Fruits Research, Wenatchee, Washington, United States of America
| | - Stephen P. Ficklin
- Molecular Plant Science Department, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, United States of America
- Department of Horticulture, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, United States of America
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Wang M, Wu Y, Zhan W, Wang H, Chen M, Li T, Bai T, Jiao J, Song C, Song S, Feng J, Zheng X. The apple transcription factor MdZF-HD11 regulates fruit softening by promoting Mdβ-GAL18 expression. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY 2024; 75:819-836. [PMID: 37936320 DOI: 10.1093/jxb/erad441] [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: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023]
Abstract
Fruit ripening and the associated softening are major determinants of fruit quality and post-harvest shelf life. Although the mechanisms underlying fruit softening have been intensively studied, there are limited reports on the regulation of fruit softening in apples (Malus domestica). Here, we identified a zinc finger homeodomain transcription factor MdZF-HD11that trans-activates the promoter of Mdβ-GAL18, which encodes a pectin-degradation enzyme associated with cell wall metabolism. Both MdZF-HD11 and Mdβ-GAL18 genes were up-regulated by exogenous ethylene treatment and repressed by 1-methylcyclopropene treatment. Further experiments revealed that MdZF-HD11 binds directly to the Mdβ-GAL18 promoter and up-regulates its transcription. Moreover, using transgenic apple fruit calli, we found that overexpression of Mdβ-GAL18 or MdZF-HD11 significantly enhanced β-galactosidase activity, and overexpression of MdZF-HD11 induced the expression of Mdβ-GAL18. We also discovered that transient overexpression of Mdβ-GAL18 or MdZF-HD11 in 'Golden Delicious' apple significantly increased the release of ethylene, reduced fruit firmness, promoted the transformation of skin color from green to yellow, and accelerated ripening and softening of the fruit. Finally, the overexpression of MdZF-HD11 in tomato also promoted fruit softening. Collectively, these results indicate that ethylene-induced MdZF-HD11 interacts with Mdβ-GAL18 to promote the post-harvest softening of apple.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miaomiao Wang
- College of Horticulture, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yao Wu
- College of Horticulture, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Wenduo Zhan
- College of Horticulture, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Hao Wang
- College of Horticulture, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Ming Chen
- College of Horticulture, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Tongxin Li
- College of Horticulture, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Tuanhui Bai
- College of Horticulture, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Jian Jiao
- College of Horticulture, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Chunhui Song
- College of Horticulture, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Shangwei Song
- College of Horticulture, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Jiancan Feng
- College of Horticulture, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xianbo Zheng
- College of Horticulture, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China
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4
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Li S, Li Q, Cao J, Qu G, Jiang W. Comparative transcriptomic analysis provides novel insights into the difference in textural alteration between mealy and crisp apple patterns. Food Res Int 2023; 169:112941. [PMID: 37254365 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2023.112941] [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: 03/09/2023] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Mealiness is a common textural deterioration of several fruit after harvest. To unravel the underlying mechanism involved in mealiness, biochemical characterization and global transcriptomic profiling were comparatively performed between mealy 'Hongjiangjun' (HJJ) and crisp 'Fuji' apples. Sensory evaluation and SEM-based microstructure observation showed that HJJ apples appeared to be mealy in only 3 d at 23 ± 1 °C, while Fuji apples did not appear to be mealy even after 28 d of storage. Textural deterioration and ethylene burst occurred more sharply in HJJ apples than in Fuji apples during storage. The results obtained from the dimensional RNA-sequencing analysis showed that a much stronger upregulation of the transcription of genes encoding polygalacturonase (PG), pectin acetylesterase (PAE), pectinesterase (PE), β-galactosidase (GAL), α-l-arabinofuranase (AF), and expansin (EXP) was observed in the pair of mealy HJJ apples vs. harvest than in the pair of Fuji apples after 28 d vs. harvest. The gene expression of ethylene responsive factor (ERF) was found to be strongly upregulated in HJJ apples compared with Fuji apples, which may mediate the regulation of downstream genes encoding cell wall-modifying enzymes. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis showed that the transcription factors MdbHLH63 and MdERF-like, and a constructure gene of MdGAL had strong connectivity with mealiness. Validation by qRT-PCR further confirmed the main findings obtained by RNA-sequencing. The occurrence of apple mealiness involves altered expression patterns of cell wall-modifying enzymes as well as MdbHLH63 and MdERF-like, which are core genes regulating the mealiness process. The above findings provide global insight into the difference in textural alteration between mealy and crisp apple patterns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shihao Li
- College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, 17, Qinghuadonglu Road, Beijing 100083, PR China
| | - Qianqian Li
- College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, 17, Qinghuadonglu Road, Beijing 100083, PR China; Institute of Quality Standard and Testing Technology, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing 100097, PR China
| | - Jiankang Cao
- College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, 17, Qinghuadonglu Road, Beijing 100083, PR China.
| | - Guiqin Qu
- College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, 17, Qinghuadonglu Road, Beijing 100083, PR China
| | - Weibo Jiang
- College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, 17, Qinghuadonglu Road, Beijing 100083, PR China
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Li J, Dai X, Li Q, Jiang F, Xu X, Guo T, Zhang H. Low temperatures inhibit the pectin degradation of 'Docteur Jules Guyot' pear (Pyrus communis L.). Int J Biol Macromol 2023; 242:124719. [PMID: 37150373 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.124719] [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: 12/05/2022] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/30/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
The most remarkable characteristic of European pears is extremely perishable and difficult to store after postharvest softening. Low-temperature storage is one of the most commonly used methods to prolong the shelf life of European pears. However, the regulatory mechanism of the low-temperature delay of the softening of European pears is still unclear. In this study, the fruit firmness, pectin polysaccharide content, pectin-degrading enzyme activity, and pectin degradation gene expression of 'Docteur Jules Guyot' pears under low temperature (LT) and room temperature (RT) were analyzed. It was found that water-soluble pectin (WSP) was significantly negatively correlated with fruit flesh firmness, and the activities of several pectin-degrading enzymes were inhibited under LT storage conditions. In addition, it was also found that the gene expression patterns of PcPME2, PcPME3, PcPG1, PcPG2, PcPL, PcGAL1, PcGAL2, PcGAL4, and PcARF1 were inhibited by LT. The C-repeat binding factors PcCBF1 and PcCBF2 were also inhibited by long-term LT storage. Correlation analysis showed that the expression of PcCBFs was positively correlated with pectin-degradation enzyme genes, and we found that the promoters of many pectin-degradation enzyme genes contain the CRT/DRE motif, which CBF can directly bind. Therefore, it is speculated that long-term low-temperature conditions inhibit pectin degradation through PcCBFs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianzhao Li
- The Engineering Research Institute of Agriculture and Forestry, Ludong University, 186 Hongqizhong Road, Yantai, Shandong Province 264025, China; The Key Laboratory of Molecular Module-Based Breeding of High Yield and Abiotic Resistant Plants in the Universities of Shandong, Ludong University, 186 Hongqizhong Road, Yantai 264025, China.
| | - Xiaonan Dai
- The Engineering Research Institute of Agriculture and Forestry, Ludong University, 186 Hongqizhong Road, Yantai, Shandong Province 264025, China
| | - Qingyu Li
- Yantai Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Yantai, Shandong Province 265500, China
| | - Fudong Jiang
- Yantai Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Yantai, Shandong Province 265500, China
| | - Xiaofei Xu
- The Engineering Research Institute of Agriculture and Forestry, Ludong University, 186 Hongqizhong Road, Yantai, Shandong Province 264025, China
| | - Tingting Guo
- The Engineering Research Institute of Agriculture and Forestry, Ludong University, 186 Hongqizhong Road, Yantai, Shandong Province 264025, China
| | - Hongxia Zhang
- The Engineering Research Institute of Agriculture and Forestry, Ludong University, 186 Hongqizhong Road, Yantai, Shandong Province 264025, China; The Key Laboratory of Molecular Module-Based Breeding of High Yield and Abiotic Resistant Plants in the Universities of Shandong, Ludong University, 186 Hongqizhong Road, Yantai 264025, China; Shandong Institute of Sericulture, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, 21 Zhichubei Road, Yantai, Shandong Province 264001, China.
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6
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Cheng P, Yue Q, Zhang Y, Zhao S, Khan A, Yang X, He J, Wang S, Shen W, Qian Q, Du W, Ma F, Zhang D, Guan Q. Application of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) improves fruit quality and rootstock drought tolerance in apple. JOURNAL OF PLANT PHYSIOLOGY 2023; 280:153890. [PMID: 36571915 DOI: 10.1016/j.jplph.2022.153890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Revised: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
GABA (γ-aminobutyric acid) plays a multifaceted role in plant growth, fruit quality, and tolerance to abiotic stresses. However, its physiological roles and mechanisms in the fruit quality and response to long-term drought stress in apple remain unelucidated. To investigate the effect of GABA on apple fruit quality and drought tolerance, we sprayed exogenous GABA on apple cultivar "Cripps Pink" and irrigated rootstock M.9-T337 with GABA, respectively. Results showed that exogenous GABA could effectively improve the fruit quality of "Cripps Pink", including increased sugar-to-acid ratio, flesh firmness, pericarp malleability, and GABA content, as well as reduced fruit acidity. In addition, pretreatment of M.9-T337 plants with GABA improved their tolerance to both long- and short-term drought stress. Specifically, 1 mM exogenous GABA increased the net photosynthetic rate, relative leaf water content, root-to-shoot ratio, and water use efficiency under long-term drought stress, and delayed the increased of the relative electrolyte leakage under short-term drought stress. RNA-seq analysis identified 1271 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between nontreated and GABA-pretreated plants under short-term drought stress. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis of these DEGs revealed that GABA may enhance plant drought resistance by upregulating the expression of genes related to "Biosynthesis of secondary metabolites", "MAPK signaling pathway", "Glutathione metabolism", and "Carbon fixation in photosynthetic organisms". In conclusion, these results revealed that exogenous GABA can improve fruit quality and enhance drought tolerance in apple.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengda Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas/Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Apple, College of Horticulture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Qianyu Yue
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas/Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Apple, College of Horticulture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Yutian Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas/Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Apple, College of Horticulture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Shuang Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas/Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Apple, College of Horticulture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Abid Khan
- Department of Horticulture, The University of Haripur, Haripur, 22620, Pakistan
| | - Xinyue Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas/Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Apple, College of Horticulture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Jieqiang He
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas/Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Apple, College of Horticulture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Shicong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas/Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Apple, College of Horticulture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Wenyun Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas/Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Apple, College of Horticulture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Qian Qian
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas/Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Apple, College of Horticulture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Wanshan Du
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas/Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Apple, College of Horticulture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Fengwang Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas/Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Apple, College of Horticulture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Dehui Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas/Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Apple, College of Horticulture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China; State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas/Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Apple, College of Life Science, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China.
| | - Qingmei Guan
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas/Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Apple, College of Horticulture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China.
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Yang X, Wu B, Liu J, Zhang Z, Wang X, Zhang H, Ren X, Zhang X, Wang Y, Wu T, Xu X, Han Z, Zhang X. A single QTL harboring multiple genetic variations leads to complicated phenotypic segregation in apple flesh firmness and crispness. PLANT CELL REPORTS 2022; 41:2379-2391. [PMID: 36208306 DOI: 10.1007/s00299-022-02929-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Within a QTL, the genetic recombination and interactions among five and two functional variations at MdbHLH25 and MdWDR5A caused much complicated phenotype segregation in apple FFR and FCR. The storability of climacteric fruit like apple is a quantitative trait. We previously identified 62 quantitative trait loci (QTLs) associating flesh firmness retainability (FFR) and flesh crispness retainability (FCR), but only a few functional genetic variations were identified and validated. The genetic variation network controlling fruit storability is far to be understood and diagnostic markers are needed for molecular breeding. We previously identified overlapped QTLs F16.1/H16.2 for FFR and FCR using an F1 population derived from 'Zisai Pearl' × 'Red Fuji'. In this study, five and two single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were identified on the candidate genes MdbHLH25 and MdWDR5A within the QTL region. The SNP1 A allele at MdbHLH25 promoter reduced the expression and SNP2 T allele and/or SNP4/5 GT alleles at the exons attenuated the function of MdbHLH25 by downregulating the expression of the target genes MdACS1, which in turn led to a reduction in ethylene production and maintenance of higher flesh crispness. The SNPs did not alter the protein-protein interaction between MdbHLH25 and MdWDR5A. The joint effect of SNP genotype combinations by the SNPs on MdbHLH25 (SNP1, SNP2, and SNP4) and MdWDR5A (SNPi and SNPii) led to a much broad spectrum of phenotypic segregation in FFR and FCR. Together, the dissection of these genetic variations contributes to understanding the complicated effects of a QTL and provides good potential for marker development in molecular breeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianglong Yang
- College of Horticulture, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Bei Wu
- College of Horticulture, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Jing Liu
- College of Horticultural Science and Technology, Hebei Normal University of Science and Technology, Qinhuangdao, 066600, China
| | - Zhongyan Zhang
- College of Horticulture, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Xuan Wang
- College of Horticultural Science and Technology, Hebei Normal University of Science and Technology, Qinhuangdao, 066600, China
| | - Haie Zhang
- College of Horticultural Science and Technology, Hebei Normal University of Science and Technology, Qinhuangdao, 066600, China
| | - Xuejun Ren
- Testing and Analysis Center, Hebei Normal University of Science and Technology, Qinhuangdao, 066600, China
| | - Xi Zhang
- College of Horticulture, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Yi Wang
- College of Horticulture, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Ting Wu
- College of Horticulture, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Xuefeng Xu
- College of Horticulture, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Zhenhai Han
- College of Horticulture, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Xinzhong Zhang
- College of Horticulture, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China.
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8
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Su Q, Li X, Wang L, Wang B, Feng Y, Yang H, Zhao Z. Variation in Cell Wall Metabolism and Flesh Firmness of Four Apple Cultivars during Fruit Development. Foods 2022; 11:3518. [PMID: 36360131 PMCID: PMC9656455 DOI: 10.3390/foods11213518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2022] [Revised: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 08/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Fruit ripening and softening are highly complex processes, and there is an interplay and coordination between the metabolic pathways that are involved in the biological processes. In this study, we aimed to elucidate the variation in the characters and possible causes of cell wall materials and morphological structure during apple fruits development. We studied the cell wall material (CWM), structure, cellular morphology, hydrolase activity, and the transcriptional levels of the related genes in four apple varieties 'Ruixue' and 'Ruixianghong' and their parents ('Pink Lady' and 'Fuji') during fruit development. The decrease in the contents of CWMs, sodium carbonate soluble pectin, hemicellulose, and cellulose were positively correlated with the decline in the hardness during the fruit development. In general, the activities of polygalacturonase, β-galactosidase, and cellulase enzymes increased during the late developmental period. As the fruit grew, the fruit cells of all of the cultivars gradually became larger, and the cell arrangement became more relaxed, the fruit cell walls became thinner, and the intercellular space became larger. In conclusion, the correlation analysis indicated that the up-regulation of the relative expression levels of ethylene synthesis and cell wall hydrolase genes enhanced the activity of the cell wall hydrolase, resulting in the degradation of the CWMs and the depolymerization of the cell wall structure, which affected the final firmness of the apple cultivars in the mature period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiufang Su
- College of Horticulture, Northwest A & F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Xianglu Li
- College of Horticulture, Northwest A & F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Lexing Wang
- College of Horticulture, Northwest A & F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Bochen Wang
- College of Horticulture, Northwest A & F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Yifeng Feng
- College of Horticulture, Northwest A & F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Huijuan Yang
- College of Horticulture, Northwest A & F University, Yangling 712100, China
- Apple Engineering and Technology Research Center of Shaanxi Province, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Zhengyang Zhao
- College of Horticulture, Northwest A & F University, Yangling 712100, China
- Apple Engineering and Technology Research Center of Shaanxi Province, Yangling 712100, China
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9
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Sun Y, Luo J, Feng P, Yang F, Liu Y, Liang J, Wang H, Zou Y, Ma F, Zhao T. MbHY5-MbYSL7 mediates chlorophyll synthesis and iron transport under iron deficiency in Malus baccata. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2022; 13:1035233. [PMID: 36340415 PMCID: PMC9627156 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.1035233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Iron (Fe) plays an important role in cellular respiration and catalytic reactions of metalloproteins in plants and animals. Plants maintain iron homeostasis through absorption, translocation, storage, and compartmentalization of iron via a cooperative regulative network. Here, we showed different physiological characteristics in the leaves and roots of Malus baccata under Fe sufficiency and Fe deficiency conditions and propose that MbHY5 (elongated hypocotyl 5), an important transcription factor for its function in photomorphogenesis, participated in Fe deficiency response in both the leaves and roots of M. baccata. The gene co-expression network showed that MbHY5 was involved in the regulation of chlorophyll synthesis and Fe transport pathway under Fe-limiting conditions. Specifically, we found that Fe deficiency induced the expression of MbYSL7 in root, which was positively regulated by MbHY5. Overexpressing or silencing MbYSL7 influenced the expression of MbHY5 in M. baccata.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Yangjun Zou
- *Correspondence: Tao Zhao, ; Fengwang Ma, ; Yangjun Zou,
| | - Fengwang Ma
- *Correspondence: Tao Zhao, ; Fengwang Ma, ; Yangjun Zou,
| | - Tao Zhao
- *Correspondence: Tao Zhao, ; Fengwang Ma, ; Yangjun Zou,
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Liu W, Chen Z, Jiang S, Wang Y, Fang H, Zhang Z, Chen X, Wang N. Research Progress on Genetic Basis of Fruit Quality Traits in Apple ( Malus × domestica). FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2022; 13:918202. [PMID: 35909724 PMCID: PMC9330611 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.918202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Identifying the genetic variation characteristics of phenotypic traits is important for fruit tree breeding. During the long-term evolution of fruit trees, gene recombination and natural mutation have resulted in a high degree of heterozygosity. Apple (Malus × domestica Borkh.) shows strong ecological adaptability and is widely cultivated, and is among the most economically important fruit crops worldwide. However, the high level of heterozygosity and large genome of apple, in combination with its perennial life history and long juvenile phase, complicate investigation of the genetic basis of fruit quality traits. With continuing augmentation in the apple genomic resources available, in recent years important progress has been achieved in research on the genetic variation of fruit quality traits. This review focuses on summarizing recent genetic studies on apple fruit quality traits, including appearance, flavor, nutritional, ripening, and storage qualities. In addition, we discuss the mapping of quantitative trait loci, screening of molecular markers, and mining of major genes associated with fruit quality traits. The overall aim of this review is to provide valuable insights into the mechanisms of genetic variation and molecular breeding of important fruit quality traits in apple.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjun Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Biology, College of Horticulture Science and Engineering, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai’an, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Fruit & Vegetable Quality and Efficient Production, Tai’an, China
| | - Zijing Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Biology, College of Horticulture Science and Engineering, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai’an, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Fruit & Vegetable Quality and Efficient Production, Tai’an, China
| | - Shenghui Jiang
- Engineering Laboratory of Genetic Improvement of Horticultural Crops of Shandong Province, College of Horticulture, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, China
| | - Yicheng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Germplasm Enhancement, College of Horticulture, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Hongcheng Fang
- State Forestry and Grassland Administration Key Laboratory of Silviculture in Downstream Areas of the Yellow River, College of Forestry, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai’an, China
| | - Zongying Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Biology, College of Horticulture Science and Engineering, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai’an, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Fruit & Vegetable Quality and Efficient Production, Tai’an, China
| | - Xuesen Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Biology, College of Horticulture Science and Engineering, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai’an, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Fruit & Vegetable Quality and Efficient Production, Tai’an, China
| | - Nan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Biology, College of Horticulture Science and Engineering, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai’an, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Fruit & Vegetable Quality and Efficient Production, Tai’an, China
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11
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Davies T, Watts S, McClure K, Migicovsky Z, Myles S. Phenotypic divergence between the cultivated apple (Malus domestica) and its primary wild progenitor (Malus sieversii). PLoS One 2022; 17:e0250751. [PMID: 35320270 PMCID: PMC8942233 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0250751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
An understanding of the relationship between the cultivated apple (Malus domestica) and its primary wild progenitor species (M. sieversii) not only provides an understanding of how apples have been improved in the past, but may be useful for apple improvement in the future. We measured 10 phenotypes in over 1000 unique apple accessions belonging to M. domestica and M. sieversii from Canada's Apple Biodiversity Collection. Using principal components analysis (PCA), we determined that M. domestica and M. sieversii differ significantly in phenotypic space and are nearly completely distinguishable as two separate groups. We found that M. domestica had a shorter juvenile phase than M. sieversii and that cultivated trees produced flowers and ripe fruit later than their wild progenitors. Cultivated apples were also 3.6 times heavier, 43% less acidic, and had 68% less phenolic content than wild apples. Using historical records, we found that apple breeding over the past 200 years has resulted in a trend towards apples that have higher soluble solids, are less bitter, and soften less during storage. Our results quantify the significant changes in phenotype that have taken place since apple domestication, and provide evidence that apple breeding has led to continued phenotypic divergence of the cultivated apple from its wild progenitor species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Davies
- Department of Plant, Food, and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Dalhousie University, Truro, NS, Canada
| | - Sophie Watts
- Department of Plant, Food, and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Dalhousie University, Truro, NS, Canada
| | - Kendra McClure
- Department of Plant, Food, and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Dalhousie University, Truro, NS, Canada
| | - Zoë Migicovsky
- Department of Plant, Food, and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Dalhousie University, Truro, NS, Canada
| | - Sean Myles
- Department of Plant, Food, and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Dalhousie University, Truro, NS, Canada
- * E-mail:
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12
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Shen F, Bianco L, Wu B, Tian Z, Wang Y, Wu T, Xu X, Han Z, Velasco R, Fontana P, Zhang X. A bulked segregant analysis tool for out-crossing species (BSATOS) and QTL-based genomics-assisted prediction of complex traits in apple. J Adv Res 2022; 42:149-162. [PMID: 36513410 PMCID: PMC9788957 DOI: 10.1016/j.jare.2022.03.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2022] [Revised: 03/06/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Genomic heterozygosity, self-incompatibility, and rich-in somatic mutations hinder the molecular breeding efficiency of outcrossing plants. OBJECTIVES We attempted to develop an efficient integrated strategy to identify quantitative trait loci (QTLs) and trait-associated genes, to develop gene markers, and to construct genomics-assisted prediction (GAP) modes. METHODS A novel protocol, bulked segregant analysis tool for out-crossing species (BSATOS), is presented here, which is characterized by taking full advantage of all segregation patterns (including AB × AB markers) and haplotype information. To verify the effectiveness of the protocol in dealing with the complex traits of outbreeding species, three apple cross populations with 9,654 individuals were adopted. RESULTS By using BSATOS, 90, 60, and 77 significant QTLs were identified successfully and candidate genes were predicted for apple fruit weight (FW), fruit ripening date (FRD), and fruit soluble solid content (SSC), respectively. The gene-based markers were developed and genotyped for 1,396 individuals in a training population, including 145 Malus accessions and 1,251 F1 plants of the three full-sib families. GAP models were trained using marker genotype effect estimates of the training population. The prediction accuracy was 0.7658, 0.6455, and 0.3758 for FW, FRD, and SSC, respectively. CONCLUSION The BSATOS and GAP models provided a convenient and efficient methodology for candidate gene mining and molecular breeding in out-crossing plant species. The BSATOS pipeline can be freely downloaded from: https://github.com/maypoleflyn/BSATOS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Shen
- College of Horticulture, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China,Research and Innovation Center, Edmund Mach Foundation, 38010 S. Michele all’Adige, Italy,Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing 100097, China
| | - Luca Bianco
- Research and Innovation Center, Edmund Mach Foundation, 38010 S. Michele all’Adige, Italy
| | - Bei Wu
- College of Horticulture, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Zhendong Tian
- College of Horticulture, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Yi Wang
- College of Horticulture, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Ting Wu
- College of Horticulture, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Xuefeng Xu
- College of Horticulture, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Zhenhai Han
- College of Horticulture, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China,Corresponding authors.
| | - Riccardo Velasco
- Research Centre for Viticulture and Enology, CREA, Conegliano, Italy
| | - Paolo Fontana
- Research and Innovation Center, Edmund Mach Foundation, 38010 S. Michele all’Adige, Italy,Corresponding authors.
| | - Xinzhong Zhang
- College of Horticulture, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China,Corresponding authors.
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Development and Cross-Species Transferability of Novel Genomic-SSR Markers and Their Utility in Hybrid Identification and Trait Association Analysis in Chinese Cherry. HORTICULTURAE 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/horticulturae8030222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Chinese cherry (Cerasus pseudocerasus (Lindl.) G.Don) is an economically important tetraploid fruiting cherry species native to China. Simple sequence repeats (SSRs)—due to their codominance, polymorphism, and stability—have been widely applied in genetic identification and trait-association analysis. In this study, using comparative genomics strategy and the data of one high-quality whole genome and seven preliminarily assembled genome sequences, we constructed a database containing 25,779 polymorphic SSR loci to efficiently develop novel markers. Sixty-four SSR loci covering eight linkage groups were selected to design primer pairs. Sixty (93.75%) primer pairs yielded specific bands and 32 (50.00%) exhibited moderate-to-high levels of informativeness (PIC ranging from 0.264 to 0.728) in 94 Chinese cherry accessions. A total of 38 primer pairs exhibited high transferability across 13 Cerasus taxa. The marker SAUCps203 was species-specific in C. pseudocerasus by checking with 114 accessions from Cerasus and 16 relatives, suggesting its potential application in accurate identification of Chinese cherry or its interspecific hybrid. Moreover, 1081 out of 1122 individuals from three cross F1 populations of Chinese cherry were identified as true hybrid offspring by using only five SSR markers. Trait association analysis suggested that 20 SSR loci were significantly associated with soluble solids and fruit size, with explained phenotypic variance ranging from 9.02% to 26.35%. This study will provide a basis for SSR-based germplasm identification and further marker-assisted selection (MAS) of Chinese cherry.
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