The AtrBGAL2 Gene Controls Fruit Cracking in Chocolate Vine

Jim Crocker
28th June, 2024

The AtrBGAL2 Gene Controls Fruit Cracking in Chocolate Vine

Image Source: Natural Science News, 2024

Key Findings

  • Researchers from Jingdezhen University and the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences studied fruit cracking in Akebia trifoliata
  • Overexpression of the gene AtrBGAL2 in A. trifoliata led to early fruit cracking and changes in cell wall composition
  • Silencing AtrBGAL2 reduced fruit cracking and altered cell wall composition in the opposite way
Cracking of Akebia trifoliata fruit at maturity is a significant issue for its cultivation, reducing shelf-life quality and commercial value. Researchers from Jingdezhen University and the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences have investigated the molecular mechanisms behind this phenomenon by identifying genes involved in cell wall metabolism through genome and transcriptome sequencing[1]. In their study, the researchers focused on a gene related to galactose metabolism, β-galactosidase (AtrBGAL2). They found that overexpression (OE) of AtrBGAL2 in A. trifoliata led to early fruit cracking, higher water-soluble pectin contents, and lower acid-soluble pectin, cellulose, and hemicellulose content compared to the wild type. Conversely, silencing of AtrBGAL2 using virus-induced gene silencing showed the opposite effects, with reduced fruit cracking and altered cell wall composition. The levels of AtrBGAL2 transcripts were significantly elevated in OE A. trifoliata and tomato fruits, and the expression of cell wall-related genes increased during fruit ripening. In gene-silenced A. trifoliata and CRISPR/Cas9 tomato mutant plants, AtrBGAL2 expression was significantly down-regulated, leading to reduced expression of cell wall-related genes. These findings indicate that AtrBGAL2 plays a crucial role in regulating fruit cracking during ripening. This study builds on previous research that has explored the genetic and molecular basis of fruit cracking in various species. For instance, earlier studies on tomato fruit cracking identified differentially expressed genes involved in hormone metabolic processes, cell wall organization, and oxidoreductase activity[2]. These genes included those encoding enzymes like pectinesterase and polygalacturonase, which are involved in cell wall modification and degradation, processes that are crucial for fruit integrity. Similarly, research on Akebia trifoliata has shown that the cell wall of cracking fruit becomes thinner and looser, with significant breakdown compared to non-cracking fruit[3]. Key genes involved in cell wall metabolism, such as pectate lyases and pectinesterase, were found to be upregulated in cracking fruits, indicating their potential roles in this trait. The current study's findings on AtrBGAL2 align with these earlier observations, highlighting the importance of cell wall metabolism in fruit cracking. Additionally, studies on African Pride atemoya and longan have demonstrated that ethylene treatment and reactive oxygen species (ROS) like hydrogen peroxide can accelerate cell wall degradation, leading to increased fruit cracking and pulp breakdown[4][5]. These studies identified key genes and enzymes involved in starch and pectin metabolism, further supporting the role of cell wall-related processes in fruit cracking. The research from Jingdezhen University and the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences provides new insights into the molecular mechanisms of fruit cracking in A. trifoliata, emphasizing the role of AtrBGAL2 in regulating this trait. By manipulating the expression of AtrBGAL2, it may be possible to develop A. trifoliata varieties with reduced fruit cracking, improving their commercial viability and shelf-life quality. Overall, this study contributes to our understanding of the genetic and molecular basis of fruit cracking, building on previous research and offering potential solutions for mitigating this issue in A. trifoliata and other fruit crops.

FruitsGeneticsPlant Science

References

Main Study

1) The β-galactosidase gene AtrBGAL2 regulates Akebia trifoliata fruit cracking.

Published 25th June, 2024

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.133313

Related Studies

2) LncRNA regulates tomato fruit cracking by coordinating gene expression via a hormone-redox-cell wall network.

https://doi.org/10.1186/s12870-020-02373-9

3) Integrative transcriptome and proteome analyses provide new insights into different stages of Akebia trifoliata fruit cracking during ripening.

https://doi.org/10.1186/s13068-020-01789-7

4) Transcriptome analysis of atemoya pericarp elucidates the role of polysaccharide metabolism in fruit ripening and cracking after harvest.

https://doi.org/10.1186/s12870-019-1756-4

5) Effects of hydrogen peroxide treatment on pulp breakdown, softening, and cell wall polysaccharide metabolism in fresh longan fruit.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.carbpol.2020.116427


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