Interactions of melatonin, reactive oxygen species, and nitric oxide during fruit ripening: an update and prospective view

Abstract

Fruit ripening is a physiological process that involves a complex network of signaling molecules that act as switches to activate or deactivate certain metabolic pathways at different levels, not only regulating the gene and protein expression but also through post-translational modifications (PTMs) of the involved proteins. Ethylene is the distinctive molecule that regulates the ripening of fruits, thus allowing their classification as climacteric and non-climacteric, according to their dependence or not of this phytohormone, respectively. However, in recent years it has been found that other molecules with signaling potential also exert regulatory roles not only by individually, but also due to the interactions among them. This implies mutual and hierarchical regulations that sometimes make it difficult to identify the initial triggering event. Among these “new” molecules, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), nitric oxide (NO), and melatonin are highlighted. This review provides a comprehensive outline of the relevance of these molecules in the fruit ripening process and the complex network of the known interactions among them.

Crosstalk between Melatonin and Reactive Oxygen Species in Plant Abiotic Stress Responses: An Update

“…Further, melatonin induced PAO and RBOH -derived ROS accumulation to facilitate the lateral root development in tomatoes [ 112 , 113 ]. The roles of PuRBOHF -dependent H 2 O 2 were also essential for melatonin-induced anthocyanin accumulation in red pear fruit [ 114 , 115 ]. Moreover, a RbohF -dependent ROS burst was required for melatonin-triggered salinity tolerance in Arabidopsis and rice [ 12 , 53 ].…”

Phytomelatonin: an emerging new hormone in plants

“…As an essential part of a balanced diet, fruit plays an important role in human nutrition and health. From the perspective of the plant, fruits provide the appropriate environment for the formation and maturation of seeds ( Corpas et al , 2022 ). Endogenous phytomelatonin concentrations vary during the development, growth, and ripening of fruits.…”

Efeito da melatonina exógena na composição lipídica de frutos após a colheita

“…Assim como em animais, a melatonina é uma molécula multifuncional em plantas superiores, em frutos, é observada que exerce funções protetoras contra fatores bióticos e abióticos quando aplicada de forma exógena (Corpas et al, 2022). A melatonina é difundida em diferentes variedades de frutos e sua quantidade exata é influenciada por muitos fatores, incluindo variedades, estágio de maturação, características genéticas, condições de crescimento, estresses ambientais e métodos analíticos (Feng et al, 2014).…”

“…Inquestionavelmente, a aplicação exógena da melatonina tem se mostrado uma poderosa ferramenta biotecnológica, mas ainda, precisa de pesquisas futuras visando os benefícios nutracêuticos que os frutos enriquecidos em melatonina podem trazer para a saúde humana. Assim, é uma nova fronteira a ser explorada para suprir as lacunas de informações em virtude de suas atividades biológicas (Feng et al, 2014;Shi et al, 2016;Corpas et al, 2022).…”