Search Results (82)

Veraison represents a pivotal transition point in grape berry ripening, driven by a cascade of temporally coordinated physiological and molecular events. Studies have shown that the onset of veraison is initially triggered by a decline in cell turgor, regulated by osmotic potential and water status, which subsequently leads to fruit softening. This softening process is accompanied by extensive cell wall remodeling, establishing a structural basis for enhanced sugar influx. A rapid accumulation of sugars follows, acting not only as metabolic substrates but also as signaling molecules that synergize with abscisic acid (ABA) to activate transcriptional programs, including the induction of anthocyanin biosynthesis that drives skin color change. ABA accumulates at the early stages of veraison and functions as a key hormonal regulator initiating the ripening process. In contrast, auxin (IAA) and gibberellin (GA) levels decline prior to veraison, thereby releasing their inhibitory effects on ripening. Environmental factors such as water availability, light, and temperature significantly influence the timing and intensity of veraison by modulating hormonal signaling pathways. The initiation of grape berry ripening exemplifies a multilayered regulatory network that progresses through turgor signaling, hormonal regulation, metabolic reprogramming, and transcriptional activation, thereby providing a mechanistic framework for understanding non-climacteric fruit ripening. offering a mechanistic framework for understanding non-climacteric fruit ripening. This review provides an integrated perspective on the initiation mechanism of veraison, offering theoretical insights and practical implications for improving grape quality and vineyard management. Full article

Protein phosphatase 2Cs (PP2Cs) are members of the serine/threonine phosphatase family that play pivotal roles in regulating plant development and responses to environmental stresses. However, comprehensive genome-wide studies of the PP2C gene family in grape (Vitis vinifera L.) have not yet been conducted. In the present study, 78 VvPP2C genes were identified and classified into 12 clades based on their phylogenetic relationships. Analysis of physicochemical properties and gene/protein architectures revealed that the members within each clade shared conserved structural features. Synteny analysis demonstrated that both tandem and segmental duplications substantially contributed to the expansion of the VvPP2C gene family. Tissue-specific transcriptional profiles and cis-element analyses indicated the potential involvement of these genes in grape development and stress responses. Moreover, expression analysis identified VvPP2C26 and VvPP2C41 as the most abscisic acid (ABA)-responsive genes, with expression patterns highly correlated with grape berry development. Functional validation in transgenic tomato lines demonstrated that the overexpression of either gene markedly delayed fruit ripening. Collectively, this study provides new insights into the evolutionary diversification and regulatory functions of the PP2C gene family in grape and identifies VvPP2C26 and VvPP2C41 as key candidates for elucidating ABA-mediated ripening mechanisms in non-climacteric fruits. Full article

Background/Objectives: To identify clinical, biochemical, and psychological factors associated with metabolic syndrome (MS) in climacteric women and to determine independent predictors of MS across menopausal stages. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 225 women (perimenopausal, n = 75; early postmenopausal, n = 75; late postmenopausal, n = 75). Anthropometry, clinical history, and fasting laboratory tests were obtained. Psychological measures included perceived stress (Perceived Stress Scale, PSS), anxiety symptoms (Short Health Anxiety Inventory, SHAI-18), and depressive symptoms (Hamilton–Bech–Rafaelsen Scale). Results: Perimenopausal women had higher BMI than both postmenopausal groups (33 ± 5 vs. 30 ± 5 and 29 ± 4 kg/m²; F = 13.39, p < 0.001). Waist/hip ratio showed a modest group effect (F = 6.34, p = 0.002), being higher in perimenopause versus late postmenopause (p = 0.001). Significant group differences were observed in lipid and glucose profiles across menopausal stages. Total cholesterol (F = 4.86, p = 0.009), HDL cholesterol (F = 7.12, p = 0.001), and non-HDL cholesterol (F = 8.13, p < 0.001) differed significantly, as confirmed by post hoc Tukey HSD tests, with higher total and non-HDL cholesterol levels in early and late postmenopausal women compared with the perimenopausal group, and higher HDL cholesterol levels in early postmenopausal women compared with the perimenopausal group. Fasting glucose showed a significant difference (H = 9.89, p = 0.007, Kruskal–Wallis test), with higher median levels in perimenopausal (127 mg/dL) than in early postmenopausal women (97 mg/dL, p = 0.003, Mann–Whitney U). Perceived stress was highest in early postmenopause (61.3%) compared with late postmenopause (48.0%) and perimenopause (34.7%), χ² = 10.68, p = 0.0048, while anxiety and depression did not differ. Logistic regression analyses identified perceived stress and depressive symptoms as significant predictors of metabolic syndrome under different diagnostic definitions. Higher perceived stress was inversely associated in the psychological model (aOR = 0.62; 95% CI 0.43–0.88; p = 0.008) but positively related in the clinical model including fasting glucose and blood pressure (aOR = 1.54; 95% CI 1.07–2.22; p = 0.021). In the combined model, both fasting glucose and perceived stress remained independent predictors (p < 0.05), under-scoring the contribution of psychological factors to metabolic risk. Conclusions: Among climacteric women, perceived stress and cardiometabolic factors (systemic arterial hypertension, Type 2 DM, and elevated fasting glucose) are independent predictors of metabolic syndrome. Early identification and integrated management of stress and metabolic risks may help reduce the burden of metabolic syndrome across menopausal stages. Full article

Flavor formation in citrus fruit is governed by complex and dynamic changes in primary and secondary metabolism during development and ripening. Here, we integrated metabolomic, hormonal, and transcriptomic analyses to elucidate the regulatory landscape underlying soluble sugar and organic acid metabolism in ‘Kiyomi’ citrus fruit. A total of 1679 metabolites were identified, revealing stage-specific reprogramming of metabolic pathways, including a sharp decline in citric acid after 90 days after flowering (DAF) and peak accumulation of sucrose at 180 DAF. Hormonal profiling showed that abscisic acid (ABA) progressively accumulated from 120 to 210 DAF, while 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC) peaked at 120 DAF and declined thereafter, suggesting distinct and temporally coordinated roles in ripening regulation. Transcriptomic profiling uncovered widespread temporal shifts in gene expression, with the most pronounced changes occurring between 180 and 210 DAF. Co-expression network analysis identified gene modules associated with sugar and acid accumulation, and highlighted transcription factors from the ERF, MYB, NAC, and HSF families as candidate regulators of ripening-related metabolic transitions. These findings provide a comprehensive framework for understanding the coordinated molecular and metabolic programs underlying flavor development in non-climacteric citrus fruit and offer candidate genes for the genetic improvement of fruit quality. Full article

Anthocyanins are important phenolic compounds in grape skins, affecting the color, oxidation resistance, and aging ability of red wine. In recent years, global warming has had a negative effect on anthocyanin biosynthesis in grape berries. Ethylene serves as a crucial phytohormone regulating the development and ripening processes of fruit; however, the specific molecular mechanism and the regulatory network between ethylene signaling and the anthocyanin biosynthesis pathway remain incompletely understood. In this study, 400 mg/L ethephon (ETH) solution was sprayed onto the surface of grape berries at the lag phase (EL-34), and the changes in anthocyanin-related genes and metabolites were explored through transcriptomic and metabolomic analysis. The results showed that ETH treatment increased Brix and pH in mature berries. In total, 35 individual anthocyanins were detected, in which 21 individual anthocyanins were enhanced by ETH treatment. However, the anthocyanin profile was not affected by exogenous ethylene. Transcriptomics analysis showed that there were a total of 825 and 1399 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) 12 h and 24 h after treatment. Moreover, key structural genes in the anthocyanin synthesis pathway were strongly induced, including VvPAL, VvCHS, VvF3H, VvF3′5′H, VvDFR and VvUFGT. At the maturity stage (EL-38), the expression levels of these genes were still higher in EHT-treated berries than in the control. ETH treatment also influenced the expression of genes related to hormone biosynthesis and signal transduction. The ethylene biosynthesis gene (VvACO), ethylene receptor genes (VvETR2, VvERS1 and VvEIN4), ABA biosynthesis gene (VvNCED2), and ABA receptor gene (VvPYL4) were up-regulated by ETH treatment, while the auxin biosynthesis gene (VvTAA3) and seven genes of the auxin-responsive protein were inhibited by exogenous ethylene. Meanwhile, ETH treatment promoted the expression of the sugar transporter gene (VvEDL16) and two sucrose synthase genes (VvSUS2 and VvSUS6). In EHT-treated berries, 19 MYB and 23 ERF genes were expressed differently compared with the control (p < 0.05). This study provides the theoretical foundation and technical support for the regulation of anthocyanin synthesis in non-climacteric fruit. Full article

During fruit ripening in Capsicum species, substantial amounts of carotenoids accumulate in the pericarp. While the carotenoid biosynthesis pathway in Capsicum species has been extensively investigated from various angles, the transcriptional regulation of genes encoding carotenoid biosynthetic enzymes remains less understood in this non-climacteric horticultural crop compared to tomato, a climacteric fruit. In the present study, we investigated the function of the NAM, ATAF1/2 or CUC2 81 (CaNAC81) transcription factor gene. This gene was selected through RNA-Seq co-expression analysis based on the correlation between expressed transcription factor gene profiles and those of carotenoid structural genes. To determine its role in regulating the expression of biosynthetic-related carotenogenic genes, we performed Virus-Induced Gene Silencing (VIGS) assays in the Serrano-type C. annuum ‘Tampiqueño 74’. Fruits from plants infected with a pTRV2:CaNAC81 construct (silenced fruits) exhibited altered carotenoid pigmentation accumulation, manifested as yellow-orange spots, in contrast to fruits from non-agroinfected controls (NTC) and fruits from plants infected with the empty TRV2 construct (red fruits). Quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) assays confirmed decreased transcript levels of CaNAC81 in fruits displaying altered pigmentation, along with reduced transcription of the PSY gene, which encodes the carotenoid biosynthetic enzyme phytoene synthase (PSY). High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis revealed a distinct carotenoid pigment accumulation pattern in fruits from plants showing silencing symptoms, characterized by low concentrations of capsanthin and zeaxanthin and trace amounts of capsorubin, compared to control plants (NTC). These findings suggest the involvement of CaNAC81 in the regulatory network of the carotenoid biosynthetic pathway in chili pepper fruits. Full article

The transition to ripening in non-climacteric species is governed by several signals, including hormones that enhance or counteract the abscisic acid (ABA)-promoting effect. The SQUAMOSA Promoter-binding protein-Like (SPL) transcription factors are involved in ripening through the modulation of anthocyanin biosynthesis. In sweet cherry fruits, several miR156-targeted PavSPLs are expressed before and during ripening. Recently, some PavSPLs were found in the transition from development to ripening in cultivars contrasting in maturity time. Additionally, several forms of miR156 were expressed in sweet cherry seeds of an early-season cultivar. In this work, we addressed the relevance of endocarp lignification and PavSPLs expression for the transition to ripening. First, we characterized early- and late-season sweet cherry cultivars, ‘Celeste’ and ‘Regina’, focusing on fruit and seed development, endocarp lignification, and PavSPL expression profile. Fruit growth dynamics revealed an earlier onset of color development and lignification in ‘Celeste’, while ‘Regina’ exhibited a prolonged lag phase and delayed embryo development. Transcript profiling at the light green stage showed a higher expression of PavSPL genes in fruits and identified cultivar-specific expressions, especially between ‘Regina’ and ‘Celeste’ seeds. Co-expression networks linked PavSPLs to genes involved in lignin and anthocyanin biosynthesis. We focused on PavSPL2 and PavSPL9, which were targeted by mtr-miR156a and gma-miR156f. Both PavSPLs and miRNAs were expressed in fruits and seeds at the yellow stage, an advanced point in the transition to ripening in sweet cherry. Exogenous application of auxin-related compounds in the mid-season cultivar ‘Lapins’ modulated endocarp lignification and pigmentation. Notably, p-IBA treatment, which enzymatically targets the lignin pathway, transiently increased anthocyanin accumulation and reduced lignin deposition, effects that correlated with the downregulation of PavSPL gene expression. These findings highlight the interplay between lignification, color evolution, and pigment biosynthesis during the transition from development to ripening in sweet cherry fruits, and suggest a role for PavSPL genes in this transition. Full article

Brassinosteroids (BRs) are plant growth regulators (PGRs) with pleiotropic effects on plant growth and development. They play a role in seed germination, vegetative and reproductive growth, photosynthetic efficiency, vascular differentiation, fruit yield, quality, and resilience to biotic and abiotic stresses. They engage in crosstalk with other hormones like auxin, gibberellins, ethylene and abscisic acid, influencing all plant growth and development aspects. Studies on the effect of BRs on the reproductive growth of fruit crops are accumulating, given the potential of this PGR as a management tool in agriculture. This review explores the multifaceted roles of BRs in fruit crop maturation. From their biosynthesis and signal transduction pathways to their influence on fruit production, development, and maturation, we focus on the effect of this plant hormone on different aspects of fruit yield and quality, including fruit set and firmness, sugar accumulation, and fruit development. We address BRs’ interaction with different hormones at molecular and physiological levels in regulating these processes in climacteric and non-climacteric fruits. We also identify areas where knowledge is still lacking regarding hormonal crosstalk involving BRs in the regulation of developmental processes governing fruit quality and yield so knowledge generated can inform management decisions in fruit crop production. Full article

This study presents a non-invasive approach to monitoring post-harvest fruit quality by applying CO₂ laser photoacoustic spectroscopy (CO₂LPAS) to study the respiration of “Conference” pears from local and commercially stored (supermarket) sources. Concentrations of ethylene (C₂H₄), ethanol (C₂H₆O), and ammonia (NH₃) were continuously monitored under shelf-life conditions. Our results reveal that ethylene emission peaks earlier in supermarket pears, likely due to post-harvest treatments, while ethanol accumulates over time, indicating fermentation-related deterioration. Significantly, ammonia levels increased during the late stages of senescence, suggesting its potential role as a novel biomarker for fruit degradation. The application of CO₂LPAS enabled highly sensitive, real-time detection of trace gases without damaging the fruit, offering a powerful alternative to traditional monitoring methods. Additionally, artificial intelligence (AI) models, particularly convolutional neural networks (CNNs), were explored to enhance data interpretation, enabling early detection of ripening and spoilage patterns through volatile compound profiling. This study advances our understanding of post-harvest physiological processes and proposes new strategies for improving storage and distribution practices for climacteric fruits. Full article

Apricots, known for their unique flavor and health advantages, experience external quality deterioration after harvest due to their climacteric characteristics, leading to a decrease in shelf life. This research examines the effects of 1-Methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) application on the post-harvest quality and volatile compound profiles of ‘Jizaohong’ apricots when stored under ambient conditions. After harvesting, apricots underwent treatment with 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 µL L⁻¹ of 1-MCP for a duration of 24 h, subsequently being stored at ambient temperature (20 ± 1 °C). The results demonstrate that 1-MCP treatments reduced decay, respiration rates, and ethylene production, while also preserving fruit firmness and maintaining skin coloration. Furthermore, the application of 1-MCP markedly diminished the emission of volatile compounds in ‘Jizaohong’ apricots, while linear discriminant analysis (LDA) effectively distinguished between the treated fruits and the untreated controls. The correlation analysis revealed a relationship between the response values of the electronic nose and the quality of the fruit, supporting its potential for swift and non-invasive assessment. Among the concentrations evaluated, 1.0 µL L⁻¹ 1-MCP demonstrated the highest efficacy in minimizing decay and improving quality, whereas 1.5 µL L⁻¹ 1-MCP did not show notable variations in firmness or ethylene suppression. Thus, the application of 1.0 µL L⁻¹ 1-MCP after harvest serves as an effective method for preserving the quality of ‘Jizaohong’ apricots and prolonging their shelf life, while also enabling swift, non-invasive evaluations using the electronic nose. Full article

17β-estradiol (E2) is the most active metabolite of estrogen with a wide range of physiological action on cardiac muscle. Previous studies have reported E2 effects predominantly for the ventricles, while the E2 impact on the atria has been less examined. In this study, we focused on the direct E2 effects on atrial and ventricular contractility at the cellular and molecular levels. Single atrial and ventricular cardiomyocytes (CM) from adult (24 weeks-old) female Wistar rats were incubated with 10 nM E2 for 15 min. Sarcomere length and cytosolic [Ca²⁺]_i transients were measured in mechanically non-loaded CM, and the tension–length relationship was studied in CM mechanically loaded by carbon fibers. The actin–myosin interaction and sarcomeric protein phosphorylation were analyzed using an in vitro motility assay and gel electrophoresis with Pro-Q Diamond phosphoprotein stain. E2 had chamber-specific effects on the contractile function of CM with a pronounced influence on ventricular CM. The characteristics of [Ca²⁺]_i transients did not change in both atrial and ventricular CM. However, in ventricular CM, E2 reduced the amplitude and maximum velocity of sarcomere shortening and decreased the slope of the passive tension–length relationship that was associated with increased TnI and cMyBP-C phosphorylation. E2 treatment accelerated the cross-bridge cycle of both atrial and ventricular myosin that was associated with increased phosphorylation of the myosin essential light chain. This study shows that E2 impairs the mechanical function of the ventricular myocardium while atrial contractility remains mostly preserved. Hormonal replacement therapy (HRT) with estrogen is by far the most effective therapy for treating climacteric symptoms experienced during menopause. Here we found a chamber specificity of myocardial contractile function to E2 that should be taken into account for the potential side effects of HRT. Full article

The importance of fruit shape studies extends beyond fundamental plant biology, as it holds significant implications for breeding. Understanding the genetic and hormonal regulation of fruit morphology can facilitate targeted breeding strategies to enhance yield, quality, and stress resistance, ultimately contributing to sustainable farming and nutrition security. The diversity in fruit shapes is the result of complex hormone regulation and molecular pathways that affect key traits, including carpel number, fruit length, and weight. Fruit shape is a quality attribute that directly influences consumer preference, marketability and the ease of post-harvest processing. This article focuses on investigations carried out on molecular, genetic and hormonal regulation mechanisms of fruit shape, color, maturation in fruit plants and key genetic pathways such as CLV-WUS and OVATE, as well as their roles in shaping non-climacteric fruits such as strawberries, grapes and raspberries. Plant hormones, especially abscisic acid (ABA) and indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), play a crucial role in enhancing desirable traits such as color and taste, while regulating anthocyanin synthesis and growth time. In addition, the dynamic interactions between auxin, gibberellin, and ethylene are crucial for the ripening process. Jasmonate enhances stress response, brassinosteroids promote ripening and cytokinins promote early fruit development. In addition, this review also studied the fruit morphology of species such as tomatoes and cucumbers, emphasizing the importance of the CLV-WUS pathway, which regulates the number of carpels through genes such as WUSCHEL (WUS), FRUITFULL1 (FUL1), and auxin response factor 14 (ARF14). The weight of fresh fruit is affected by microRNAs such as miRNA156, which emphasizes the importance of post transcriptional regulation. The involvement of transcription factors such as SISHN1, CaOvate, and CISUN25-26-27a further emphasizes the complexity of hormone regulation. Understanding these regulatory mechanisms can enhance our understanding of fruit development and have a profound impact on agricultural practices and crop improvement strategies aimed at meeting the growing global demand for high-quality agricultural products. Full article

Poor sleep quality is associated with unhealthy dietary choices and worse body composition among night-shift workers and women during the climacteric period. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of exogenous melatonin administration on the dietary intake and body composition in healthcare workers exposed to fixed-shift work during the climacteric period. A phase II randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial of climacteric women working fixed morning, afternoon, or night shifts was conducted. Baseline data collection included sociodemographic information, sleep parameters, dietary intake, and body composition using bioelectrical impedance. Participants received either 0.3 mg of melatonin or a placebo for three months. Baseline total caloric and carbohydrate intake was higher among night-shift workers than afternoon-shift workers, though afternoon-shift workers a had higher body weight and fat percentage. Post-intervention, caloric intake differences dissipated due to reduced intake among night-shift workers and increased intake among afternoon-shift workers, independent of melatonin or placebo administration. However, differences in body composition persisted. Postmenopausal participants showed reduced fat mass, while premenopausal participants experienced an increase, regardless of intervention. The results suggest that physiological nighttime melatonin doses, administered on non-consecutive nights for three months, were ineffective for changing dietary intake or body composition. Full article

Point-of-care (PoC) devices offer a promising solution for fast, portable, and easy-to-use diagnostics. These characteristics are particularly relevant in agrifood fields like viticulture where the early detection of plant stresses is crucial to crop yield. Microfluidics, with its low reagent volume requirements, is well-suited for such applications. Self-driven microfluidic devices, which rely on capillary forces for fluid motion, offer an attractive alternative by eliminating the need for external pumps and complex fluid control systems. However, traditional microfluidic prototyping materials like polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) present challenges due to their hydrophobic nature. This paper presents the development of a reusable, portable, capillary-driven microfluidic platform based on a PDMS-PEG (polyethylene glycol) copolymer designed for the rapid low-cost detection of abscisic acid (ABA), a key biomarker for the onset of ripening of non-climacteric fruits and drought stress in vines. By employing passive fluid transport mechanisms, such as capillary-driven sequential flow, this platform enables precise biological and chemical screenings while maintaining portability and ease of use. A simplified field-ready sample processing method is used to prepare the grapes for analysis. Full article

Brassinosteroids (BRs), a new family of plant hormones, have been used in a range of food staples, oil crops, and cereals. However, the scientific literature pertaining to their use in fleshy fruits remains scarce. This review presents, for the first time, the knowledge developed over the last decade on the role of BR preharvest treatments in crop yield and fruit quality properties at harvest and during storage, although information about the effects of BR postharvest treatments is also addressed. This review revealed that 24-epibrassinolide is the most used BR analogue in research experiments, either as a pre- or postharvest treatment, with doses ranging from 0.1 to 15 μM. Additionally, most of the research has been conducted on non-climacteric fruit species. In most of these preharvest treatments, an increase in crop yield has been reported, as well as enhanced anthocyanin concentration in red-coloured fruit. In addition, increases in firmness, total soluble solids, and phenolic content have also been observed. On the other hand, BR postharvest treatments led to the maintenance of these fruit quality properties during storage due to increased antioxidant systems, either enzymatic or non-enzymatic ones. Finally, as future perspectives, it is proposed to extend the research about BR treatments to other climacteric fruits and to deepen the knowledge of how BRs regulate physiological aspects from preharvest to postharvest. Furthermore, it is essential to investigate the role of BRs in the prevention of rot and biotic stress. Full article