Characterization of major enzymes and genes involved in flavonoid and proanthocyanidin biosynthesis during fruit development in strawberry (Fragaria xananassa).
The biosynthesis of flavonoids and proanthocyanidins was studied in cultivated strawberry (Fragaria xananassa) by combining biochemical and molecular approaches. Chemical analyses showed that ripe strawberries accumulate high amounts of pelargonidin-derived anthocyanins, and a larger pool of 3',4'-hydroxylated proanthocyanidins. Activities and properties of major recombinant enzymes were demonstrated by means of in vitro assays, with special emphasis on specificity for the biologically relevant 4'- and 3',4'-hydroxylated compounds. Only leucoanthocyanidin reductase showed a strict specificity for the 3',4'-hydroxylated leucocyanidin, while other enzymes accepted either hydroxylated substrate with different relative activity rates. The structure of late flavonoid pathway genes, leading to the synthesis of major compounds in ripe fruits, was elucidated. Complex developmental and spatial expression patterns were shown for phenylpropanoid and flavonoid genes in fruits throughout ripening as well as in leaves, petals and roots. Presented results elucidate key steps in the biosynthesis of strawberry flavonoid end products.
Almeida
João R M
JR
ENEA, Trisaia Research Center, Department of Genetics and Genomics, S.S.106, km 419+500, 75026 Rotondella, MT, Italy.
D'Amico
Eleonora
E
Preuss
Anja
A
Carbone
Fabrizio
F
de Vos
C H Ric
CH
Deiml
Bettina
B
Mourgues
Fabienne
F
Perrotta
Gaetano
G
Fischer
Thilo C
TC
Bovy
Arnaud G
AG
Martens
Stefan
S
Rosati
Carlo
C
D004798:Enzymes / Q000378:metabolism*; D005419:Flavonoids / Q000378:metabolism*; D031985:Fragaria / Q000502:physiology*; D005638:Fruit / Q000502:physiology*; D018507:Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental / Q000502:physiology; D015971:Gene Expression Regulation, Enzymologic / Q000502:physiology; D010940:Plant Proteins / Q000378:metabolism*; D044945:Proanthocyanidins / Q000378:metabolism*; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000502:physiology
D004798:Enzymes; D005419:Flavonoids; D010940:Plant Proteins; D044945:Proanthocyanidins