Transcriptome profiling helps to elucidate the mechanisms of ripening and epidermal senescence in passion fruit (Passiflora edulia Sims)

Abstract

Passion fruit (Passiflora edulia Sims), an important tropical and subtropical species, is classified as a respiration climacteric fruit, and its quality deteriorates rapidly after harvest. To elucidate the mechanisms involved in ripening and rapid fruit senescence, phytochemical characteristic analysis and RNA sequencing were performed in purple passion fruit with different treatments, that is, 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) and preservative film (PF). Comprehensive functional annotation and KEGG enrichment analysis showed that starch and sucrose metabolism, plant hormone signal transduction, phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, flavonoid biosynthesis, and carotenoid biosynthesis were involved in fruit ripening. Treatment with PF and 1-MCP significantly affected the transcription levels of passion fruit during postharvest storage. A large number of differentially expressed unigenes (DEGs) were identified as significantly enriched in starch and sucrose metabolism, plant hormone signal transduction and phenylpropanoid biosynthesis at the postharvest stage. The PF and 1-MCP treatments increased superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and peroxidase (POD) gene expression levels and enzyme activities, accelerated lignin accumulation, and decreased βgalactosidase (β-Gal), polygalacturonase (PG) and cellulose activities and gene expression levels to delay cell wall degradation during fruit senescence. The RNA sequencing data for cell wall metabolism and hormone signal transduction pathway-related unigenes were verified by RT-qPCR. The results of this study indicate that the cell wall metabolism and hormone signaling pathways are closely related to passion fruit ripening. PF and 1-MCP treatment might inhibit ethylene signaling and regulate cell wall metabolism pathways to inhibit cell wall degradation. Our results demonstrate the involvement of ripening-and senescence-related networks in passion fruit ripening and may establish a foundation for future research investigating the effects of PF and 1-MCP treatment on fruit ripening.

BTH Treatment Delays the Senescence of Postharvest Pitaya Fruit in Relation to Enhancing Antioxidant System and Phenylpropanoid Pathway

“…Phenols and flavonoids are the end products of phenylpropanoid pathway, and their accumulation are closely associated with plant resistance and senescence [ 47 , 48 , 49 , 50 , 51 ]. Lignin enhances the mechanical strength of plant cell walls and prevents microbial invasion [ 29 ], and is involved in regulation of senescence [ 52 , 53 , 54 , 55 ]. In the present study, application of BTH promoted PAL, 4CL and C4H activities ( Figure 4 ), in consistence with the increased synthesis of phenols, flavonoids and lignin ( Figure 5 ) in pitaya fruit.…”

Identification of Fungal Pathogens to Control Postharvest Passion Fruit (Passiflora edulis) Decays and Multi-Omics Comparative Pathway Analysis Reveals Purple Is More Resistant to Pathogens than a Yellow Cultivar

“…Passion fruit has become an important commercial fruit with a high market value and large cultivation areas in China due to its favorable taste and phytonutrient ingredients [28][29][30]. However, the postharvest diseases limit its shelf life and market value and cause huge economic losses.…”

Transcriptome analysis reveals genes related to the synthesis and metabolism of cell wall polysaccharides in goji berry (Lycium barbarum L.) from various regions

“…As a result, it is necessary to inquire about the biosynthetic pathway of goji cell wall polysaccharides, especially the acid polysaccharides. Transcriptomics has been widely used to identify the specific genes of synthesis and metabolism and the biological pathways of the cell wall 14,15 . Examples including the degradation of cellulose and hemicelluloses led to hawthorn fruit softening through transcriptome analysis 16 .…”

“…Transcriptomics has been widely used to identify the specific genes of synthesis and metabolism and the biological pathways of the cell wall. 14,15 Examples including the degradation of cellulose and hemicelluloses led to hawthorn fruit softening through transcriptome analysis. 16 Travisany et al 17 identified the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) involved in fruit development and ripening of raspberry fruit.…”