MARIA TERESA SANCHEZ BALLESTA - Academia.edu (original) (raw)
Papers by MARIA TERESA SANCHEZ BALLESTA
JOURNAL OF OASIS AGRICULTURE AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
Plants are often subjected to several environmental constraints in the field, often simultaneousl... more Plants are often subjected to several environmental constraints in the field, often simultaneously, which significantly affect their productivity. Among these constraints, water deficit and heat stress are the main constraints limiting plant yield in the arid regions of the Mediterranean basin. Both of these abiotic factors are exacerbated by climate change. Fodder legumes provide a rich resource of plant nutrition to human diets, and are vital for food security and sustainable cropping. Numerous biochemical, molecular, and physiological responses are evoked by drought and heat stresses, influencing the fodder crop yield and nutritional value. When plants are water stressed, they are unable to maintain good growth and produce high yields. Drought also reduces the protein content of the plants, which can lead to a decrease in forage quality. Heat can negatively affect the productivity of forage legumes. High temperatures can cause heat stress which can lead to decreased photosynthesi...
Frontiers in Plant Science
One of the greatest threats to wild strawberries (Fragaria vesca Mara des Bois) after harvest is ... more One of the greatest threats to wild strawberries (Fragaria vesca Mara des Bois) after harvest is the highly perishability at ambient temperature. Breeders have successfully met the quality demands of consumers, but the prevention of waste after harvest in fleshy fruits is still pending. Most of the waste is due to the accelerated progress of senescence-like process after harvest linked to a rapid loss of water and firmness at ambient temperature. The storage life of strawberries increases at low temperature, but their quality is limited by the loss of cell structure. The application of high CO2 concentrations increased firmness during cold storage. However, the key genes related to resistance to softening and cell wall disassembly following transference from cold storage at 20°C remain unclear. Therefore, we performed RNA-seq analysis, constructing a weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) to identify which molecular determinants play a role in cell wall integrity, usin...
Plants, 2021
Within the myrtle (Myrtus communis L.) species, different genotypes may produce dark-blue berries... more Within the myrtle (Myrtus communis L.) species, different genotypes may produce dark-blue berries or white berries depending on the peel color upon ripening. One dark-blue cultivar and one white myrtle cultivar were used to study the molecular mechanisms underlying flavonoid biosynthesis. The relative expression levels of common (PAL, CHS, CHI, DFR and LDOX) and specific (FLS, ANR, LAR and UFGT) flavonoid genes were analyzed during fruit development by means of quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Moreover, the anthocyanin content was determined, and it showed an increase with the ripening of the berries of the dark-blue cultivar. The results showed an increased transcript abundance of PAL, CHI, DFR, LDOX and UFGT gene expression in the dark-blue cultivar compared to the white one, as well as a strong positive correlation between the changes in gene expression and anthocyanin accumulation. The transcript levels of UFGT showed sharp increases at 150 and 180 day...
Plants, 2021
We used an integrated morpho-physiological, biochemical, and genetic approach to investigate the ... more We used an integrated morpho-physiological, biochemical, and genetic approach to investigate the salt responses of four lines (TN1.11, TN6.18, JA17, and A10) of Medicago truncatula. Results showed that TN1.11 exhibited a high tolerance to salinity, compared with the other lines, recording a salinity induced an increase in soluble sugars and soluble proteins, a slight decrease in malondialdehyde (MDA) accumulation, and less reduction in plant biomass. TN6.18 was the most susceptible to salinity as it showed less plant weight, had elevated levels of MDA, and lower levels of soluble sugars and soluble proteins under salt stress. As transcription factors of the APETALA2/ethylene responsive factor (AP2/ERF) family play important roles in plant growth, development, and responses to biotic and abiotic stresses, we performed a functional characterization of MtERF1 gene. Real-time PCR analysis revealed that MtERF1 is mainly expressed in roots and is inducible by NaCl and low temperature. Add...
International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2020
Table grape is a fruit with increasing interest due to its attributes and nutritional compounds. ... more Table grape is a fruit with increasing interest due to its attributes and nutritional compounds. During recent years, new cultivars such as those without seeds and with new flavors have reached countries around the world. For this reason, postharvest treatments that retain fruit quality need to be improved. However, little is known to date about the biochemical and molecular mechanisms related with observed quality improvements. This review aims to examine existing literature on the different mechanisms. Special attention will be placed on molecular mechanisms which activate and regulate the different postharvest treatments applied in order to improve table grape quality.
Postharvest Biology and Technology, 2020
Authorea
To obtain the best taste of woodland strawberries (Fragaria vesca) at the moment of consumption, ... more To obtain the best taste of woodland strawberries (Fragaria vesca) at the moment of consumption, it is essential to analyse the dynamics of sugar accumulation during ripening transition stages and explore how to control sucrose reserves after harvest. For this purpose, we analysed the accumulation of major sugars, sucrose-related olygomers and the expression of homologues genes involved in sucrose metabolism in attached strawberries at different ripening stages and after harvest. Measurements were taken during early and late phases of low temperature storage (LT) with and without CO2 pretreatment and further shelf-life at 20 ºC (SL). Our results show an increase in major sugars and sucrose in dark red (DR) strawberries associated with up-regulation of FvSPS1 and down-regulation of FvVINV2. The CO2-treated fruit showed high levels of sucrose, an FvSS1 upregulation together with a modulation of homologues of FvVINV. Moreover, fruit treated with CO2 during SL (LTC) revealed a reduction in FvVINV homologue expression maintaining the sucrose reserves. High amounts in fructose and myo-inositol at LTC were observed, following a similar trend to that found in DR strawberries. We suggest that CO2 pre-treatment promotes a carbohydrate conserving state which has important implications for reducing weight loss and preserving sweetness.
Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture, 2019
BACKGROUND In this study, we analysed the effect of the application of high levels of CO2 (20 kPa... more BACKGROUND In this study, we analysed the effect of the application of high levels of CO2 (20 kPa CO2 + 20 kPa O2 + 60 kPa N2) for 3 days at low temperature on a white table grape cultivar (Superior Seedless) in comparison to a black one (cv. Autumn Royal) in terms of quality parameters. Likewise, as a novelty, we used a solid state voltammetry methodology to analyse the effect of the 3-day gaseous treatment in berry tissues from both cultivars in the first stage of storage. We also determined the role of non-enzymatic (total phenols, total anthocyanins and antioxidant activity) and enzymatic antioxidant (catalase (GCAT), ascorbate peroxidase (VcAPX) gene expression) system in the behaviour of both cultivars. RESULTS Our results indicate that the application of a 3-day gaseous treatment was effective in maintaining the quality of black and white table grapes for up to 28 days of storage at 0ºC. The electrochemical methodology applied was useful to differentiate between skin and pulp samples, and between black and white table grape cultivars. Some molecular mechanisms were modulated in the skin of both cultivars to overcome oxidative stress which was not manifested with the same intensity in grapes treated with CO2 for 3 days. However, some differences in reference to the non-enzymatic system were observed. CONCLUSION The 3-day gaseous treatment was useful to maintain black and white table grapes quality at 0ºC. Furthermore, the voltammetry analysis indicated that CO2-treated samples from the skin and pulp showed more similarity to freshly-harvested ones.
IV International Conference on Managing Quality in Chains - The Integrated View on Fruits and Vegetables Quality, 2006
This paper aims at giving an overview of the progress made during the last decades on the mechani... more This paper aims at giving an overview of the progress made during the last decades on the mechanisms of fruit ripening and to present the most recent trends and prospects for the future. Important steps forward will be presented (respiratory climacteric, ethylene biosynthesis and action, isolation of genes involved in the ripening process, biotechnological control of fruit ripening....) by showing how the judicious exploitation of the data published previously, the strategies, methodologies and plant material adopted have been crucial for the advancement of knowledge. Opportunities of cooperation between geneticists and post-harvest physiologists as well as new possibilities offered by genomics, proteomics and metabolomics for the understanding of the fruit ripening process and the development of sensory quality will be developed.
Natural Products, 2013
Anthocyanins are a group of plant phenolics characterized by their blue-orangered color. They hav... more Anthocyanins are a group of plant phenolics characterized by their blue-orangered color. They have a double interest as plant constituents, one technological, since they can not only be used as natural colorants in the food industry but also can interact with other plant components influencing the final characteristics of the processed product, and the other is related to their implications on human health as they can be considered functional ingredients and have shown themselves as potential targets for the pharmacological industry. This chapter summarizes the existing literature in this area: from anthocyanin occurrence and phytochemistry to their biosynthesis, biological activities, and an overview of the biotechnological approaches that are in use at present.
Plant and Cell Physiology, 2006
Ethylene response factors (ERFs) are plant transcriptional regulators mediating ethylene-dependen... more Ethylene response factors (ERFs) are plant transcriptional regulators mediating ethylene-dependent gene expression via binding to the GCC motif found in the promoter region of ethylene-regulated genes. We report here on the structural and functional characterization of the tomato Sl-ERF2 gene that belongs to a distinct class of the large ERF gene family. Both spliced and unspliced versions of Sl-ERF2 transcripts were amplified from RNA samples and the search in the public tomato expressed sequence tag (EST) database confirmed the existence of the two transcript species in a number of cDNA libraries. The unspliced transcript contains two open reading frames yielding two hypothetical proteins, a small highly truncated version lacking the APETALA2 domain and a bigger protein lacking the N-terminal MCGGAAI I / L consensus peptide specific to ERF members from subfamily IV. Nevertheless, functional Sl-ERF2 protein may only derive from spliced transcripts since, depending on the tissue, the level of the spliced transcript is much higher than that of the unspliced transcript. Sl-ERF2 is expressed in all plant tissues tested, though its transcript accumulates preferentially in germinating seeds and ripening fruit. Overexpression of the Sl-ERF2 gene in transgenic tomato lines results in premature seed germination and enhanced hook formation of darkgrown seedlings, which is indicative of increased ethylene sensitivity. The expression of the mannanase2 gene is upregulated in Sl-ERF2-overexpressing seeds, suggesting that Sl-ERF2 stimulates seed germination through the induction of the mannanase2 gene. It is noteworthy that the exaggerated hook phenotype is abolished when ethylene perception is blocked, strongly suggesting that Sl-ERF2 requires other ethylene-dependent components to impact the hook formation process.
Phytochemistry Reviews, 2007
Anthocyanins are a group of natural occurring pigments responsible for the red-blue colour of man... more Anthocyanins are a group of natural occurring pigments responsible for the red-blue colour of many fruits and vegetables. Anthocyanins are of interest for two reasons because they cannot only be used in the technological field as natural colorants but also have important implications in the field of human health. Numerous studies indicate the potential effect that this family of flavonoids may have in reducing the incidence of cardiovascular disease, cancer, hyperlipidemias and other chronic diseases through the intake of anthocyanin-rich foods. This review examines existing literature in this area: from plant content and distribution to health implications, including the effect of agronomic and genetic modifications on the anthocyanin content of plants as well as other biotechnological factors and food processing. The bioavailability, metabolism, bioactivity, and epidemiology of anthocyanins will also be reviewed.
FEBS Letters, 2003
Four new members of the ERF (ethylene-response factor) family of plant-speci¢c DNA-binding (GCC b... more Four new members of the ERF (ethylene-response factor) family of plant-speci¢c DNA-binding (GCC box) factors were isolated from tomato fruit (LeERF1^4). Phylogenetic analysis indicated that LeERF2 belongs to a new ERF class, characterized by a conserved N-terminal signature sequence. Expression patterns and cis/trans binding a⁄nities di¡ered between the LeERFs. Combining experimental data and modeled three-dimensional analysis, it was shown that binding a⁄nity of the LeERFs was a¡ected by both the variation of nucleotides surrounding the DNA cis-element sequence and the nature of critical amino acid residues within the ERF domain.
Plants, 2021
Medicago truncatula is a forage crop of choice for farmers, and it is a model species for molecul... more Medicago truncatula is a forage crop of choice for farmers, and it is a model species for molecular research. The growth and development and subsequent yields are limited by water availability mainly in arid and semi-arid regions. Our study aims to evaluate the morpho-physiological, biochemical and molecular responses to water deficit stress in four lines (TN6.18, JA17, TN1.11 and A10) of M. truncatula. The results showed that the treatment factor explained the majority of the variation for the measured traits. It appeared that the line A10 was the most sensitive and therefore adversely affected by water deficit stress, which reduced its growth and yield parameters, whereas the tolerant line TN6.18 exhibited the highest root biomass production, a significantly higher increase in its total protein and soluble sugar contents, and lower levels of lipid peroxidation with greater cell membrane integrity. The expression analysis of the DREB1B gene using RT-qPCR revealed a tissue-different...
Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry
A cDNA encoding a dehydrin was isolated from the flavedo of the chilling-sensitive Fortune mandar... more A cDNA encoding a dehydrin was isolated from the flavedo of the chilling-sensitive Fortune mandarin fruit (Citrus clementina Hort. Ex Tanaka x Citrus reticulata Blanco) and designed as Crcor15. The predicted CrCOR15 protein is a K2S member of a closely related dehydrin family from Citrus, since it contains two tandem repeats of the unusual Citrus K-segment and one S-segment (serine cluster) at an unusual C-terminal position. Crcor15 mRNA is consistently and highly expressed in the flavedo during fruit development and maturation. The relative abundance of Crcor15 mRNA in the flavedo was estimated to be higher than 1% of total RNA. The high mRNA level remained unchanged during fruit storage at chilling (2 degrees C) and nonchilling (12 degrees C) temperatures, and it was depressed by a conditioning treatment (3 days at 37 degrees C) that induced chilling tolerance. Therefore, the expression of Crcor15 appears not to be related to the acquisition of chilling tolerance in mandarin fruits. However, Crcor15, which was barely detected in unstressed mandarin leaves, was rapidly induced in response to both low temperature and water stress. COR15 protein was expressed in Escherichia coli, and the purified protein conferred in vitro protection against freezing and dehydration inactivation. The potential role of Citrus COR15 is discussed.
JOURNAL OF OASIS AGRICULTURE AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
Plants are often subjected to several environmental constraints in the field, often simultaneousl... more Plants are often subjected to several environmental constraints in the field, often simultaneously, which significantly affect their productivity. Among these constraints, water deficit and heat stress are the main constraints limiting plant yield in the arid regions of the Mediterranean basin. Both of these abiotic factors are exacerbated by climate change. Fodder legumes provide a rich resource of plant nutrition to human diets, and are vital for food security and sustainable cropping. Numerous biochemical, molecular, and physiological responses are evoked by drought and heat stresses, influencing the fodder crop yield and nutritional value. When plants are water stressed, they are unable to maintain good growth and produce high yields. Drought also reduces the protein content of the plants, which can lead to a decrease in forage quality. Heat can negatively affect the productivity of forage legumes. High temperatures can cause heat stress which can lead to decreased photosynthesi...
Frontiers in Plant Science
One of the greatest threats to wild strawberries (Fragaria vesca Mara des Bois) after harvest is ... more One of the greatest threats to wild strawberries (Fragaria vesca Mara des Bois) after harvest is the highly perishability at ambient temperature. Breeders have successfully met the quality demands of consumers, but the prevention of waste after harvest in fleshy fruits is still pending. Most of the waste is due to the accelerated progress of senescence-like process after harvest linked to a rapid loss of water and firmness at ambient temperature. The storage life of strawberries increases at low temperature, but their quality is limited by the loss of cell structure. The application of high CO2 concentrations increased firmness during cold storage. However, the key genes related to resistance to softening and cell wall disassembly following transference from cold storage at 20°C remain unclear. Therefore, we performed RNA-seq analysis, constructing a weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) to identify which molecular determinants play a role in cell wall integrity, usin...
Plants, 2021
Within the myrtle (Myrtus communis L.) species, different genotypes may produce dark-blue berries... more Within the myrtle (Myrtus communis L.) species, different genotypes may produce dark-blue berries or white berries depending on the peel color upon ripening. One dark-blue cultivar and one white myrtle cultivar were used to study the molecular mechanisms underlying flavonoid biosynthesis. The relative expression levels of common (PAL, CHS, CHI, DFR and LDOX) and specific (FLS, ANR, LAR and UFGT) flavonoid genes were analyzed during fruit development by means of quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Moreover, the anthocyanin content was determined, and it showed an increase with the ripening of the berries of the dark-blue cultivar. The results showed an increased transcript abundance of PAL, CHI, DFR, LDOX and UFGT gene expression in the dark-blue cultivar compared to the white one, as well as a strong positive correlation between the changes in gene expression and anthocyanin accumulation. The transcript levels of UFGT showed sharp increases at 150 and 180 day...
Plants, 2021
We used an integrated morpho-physiological, biochemical, and genetic approach to investigate the ... more We used an integrated morpho-physiological, biochemical, and genetic approach to investigate the salt responses of four lines (TN1.11, TN6.18, JA17, and A10) of Medicago truncatula. Results showed that TN1.11 exhibited a high tolerance to salinity, compared with the other lines, recording a salinity induced an increase in soluble sugars and soluble proteins, a slight decrease in malondialdehyde (MDA) accumulation, and less reduction in plant biomass. TN6.18 was the most susceptible to salinity as it showed less plant weight, had elevated levels of MDA, and lower levels of soluble sugars and soluble proteins under salt stress. As transcription factors of the APETALA2/ethylene responsive factor (AP2/ERF) family play important roles in plant growth, development, and responses to biotic and abiotic stresses, we performed a functional characterization of MtERF1 gene. Real-time PCR analysis revealed that MtERF1 is mainly expressed in roots and is inducible by NaCl and low temperature. Add...
International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2020
Table grape is a fruit with increasing interest due to its attributes and nutritional compounds. ... more Table grape is a fruit with increasing interest due to its attributes and nutritional compounds. During recent years, new cultivars such as those without seeds and with new flavors have reached countries around the world. For this reason, postharvest treatments that retain fruit quality need to be improved. However, little is known to date about the biochemical and molecular mechanisms related with observed quality improvements. This review aims to examine existing literature on the different mechanisms. Special attention will be placed on molecular mechanisms which activate and regulate the different postharvest treatments applied in order to improve table grape quality.
Postharvest Biology and Technology, 2020
Authorea
To obtain the best taste of woodland strawberries (Fragaria vesca) at the moment of consumption, ... more To obtain the best taste of woodland strawberries (Fragaria vesca) at the moment of consumption, it is essential to analyse the dynamics of sugar accumulation during ripening transition stages and explore how to control sucrose reserves after harvest. For this purpose, we analysed the accumulation of major sugars, sucrose-related olygomers and the expression of homologues genes involved in sucrose metabolism in attached strawberries at different ripening stages and after harvest. Measurements were taken during early and late phases of low temperature storage (LT) with and without CO2 pretreatment and further shelf-life at 20 ºC (SL). Our results show an increase in major sugars and sucrose in dark red (DR) strawberries associated with up-regulation of FvSPS1 and down-regulation of FvVINV2. The CO2-treated fruit showed high levels of sucrose, an FvSS1 upregulation together with a modulation of homologues of FvVINV. Moreover, fruit treated with CO2 during SL (LTC) revealed a reduction in FvVINV homologue expression maintaining the sucrose reserves. High amounts in fructose and myo-inositol at LTC were observed, following a similar trend to that found in DR strawberries. We suggest that CO2 pre-treatment promotes a carbohydrate conserving state which has important implications for reducing weight loss and preserving sweetness.
Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture, 2019
BACKGROUND In this study, we analysed the effect of the application of high levels of CO2 (20 kPa... more BACKGROUND In this study, we analysed the effect of the application of high levels of CO2 (20 kPa CO2 + 20 kPa O2 + 60 kPa N2) for 3 days at low temperature on a white table grape cultivar (Superior Seedless) in comparison to a black one (cv. Autumn Royal) in terms of quality parameters. Likewise, as a novelty, we used a solid state voltammetry methodology to analyse the effect of the 3-day gaseous treatment in berry tissues from both cultivars in the first stage of storage. We also determined the role of non-enzymatic (total phenols, total anthocyanins and antioxidant activity) and enzymatic antioxidant (catalase (GCAT), ascorbate peroxidase (VcAPX) gene expression) system in the behaviour of both cultivars. RESULTS Our results indicate that the application of a 3-day gaseous treatment was effective in maintaining the quality of black and white table grapes for up to 28 days of storage at 0ºC. The electrochemical methodology applied was useful to differentiate between skin and pulp samples, and between black and white table grape cultivars. Some molecular mechanisms were modulated in the skin of both cultivars to overcome oxidative stress which was not manifested with the same intensity in grapes treated with CO2 for 3 days. However, some differences in reference to the non-enzymatic system were observed. CONCLUSION The 3-day gaseous treatment was useful to maintain black and white table grapes quality at 0ºC. Furthermore, the voltammetry analysis indicated that CO2-treated samples from the skin and pulp showed more similarity to freshly-harvested ones.
IV International Conference on Managing Quality in Chains - The Integrated View on Fruits and Vegetables Quality, 2006
This paper aims at giving an overview of the progress made during the last decades on the mechani... more This paper aims at giving an overview of the progress made during the last decades on the mechanisms of fruit ripening and to present the most recent trends and prospects for the future. Important steps forward will be presented (respiratory climacteric, ethylene biosynthesis and action, isolation of genes involved in the ripening process, biotechnological control of fruit ripening....) by showing how the judicious exploitation of the data published previously, the strategies, methodologies and plant material adopted have been crucial for the advancement of knowledge. Opportunities of cooperation between geneticists and post-harvest physiologists as well as new possibilities offered by genomics, proteomics and metabolomics for the understanding of the fruit ripening process and the development of sensory quality will be developed.
Natural Products, 2013
Anthocyanins are a group of plant phenolics characterized by their blue-orangered color. They hav... more Anthocyanins are a group of plant phenolics characterized by their blue-orangered color. They have a double interest as plant constituents, one technological, since they can not only be used as natural colorants in the food industry but also can interact with other plant components influencing the final characteristics of the processed product, and the other is related to their implications on human health as they can be considered functional ingredients and have shown themselves as potential targets for the pharmacological industry. This chapter summarizes the existing literature in this area: from anthocyanin occurrence and phytochemistry to their biosynthesis, biological activities, and an overview of the biotechnological approaches that are in use at present.
Plant and Cell Physiology, 2006
Ethylene response factors (ERFs) are plant transcriptional regulators mediating ethylene-dependen... more Ethylene response factors (ERFs) are plant transcriptional regulators mediating ethylene-dependent gene expression via binding to the GCC motif found in the promoter region of ethylene-regulated genes. We report here on the structural and functional characterization of the tomato Sl-ERF2 gene that belongs to a distinct class of the large ERF gene family. Both spliced and unspliced versions of Sl-ERF2 transcripts were amplified from RNA samples and the search in the public tomato expressed sequence tag (EST) database confirmed the existence of the two transcript species in a number of cDNA libraries. The unspliced transcript contains two open reading frames yielding two hypothetical proteins, a small highly truncated version lacking the APETALA2 domain and a bigger protein lacking the N-terminal MCGGAAI I / L consensus peptide specific to ERF members from subfamily IV. Nevertheless, functional Sl-ERF2 protein may only derive from spliced transcripts since, depending on the tissue, the level of the spliced transcript is much higher than that of the unspliced transcript. Sl-ERF2 is expressed in all plant tissues tested, though its transcript accumulates preferentially in germinating seeds and ripening fruit. Overexpression of the Sl-ERF2 gene in transgenic tomato lines results in premature seed germination and enhanced hook formation of darkgrown seedlings, which is indicative of increased ethylene sensitivity. The expression of the mannanase2 gene is upregulated in Sl-ERF2-overexpressing seeds, suggesting that Sl-ERF2 stimulates seed germination through the induction of the mannanase2 gene. It is noteworthy that the exaggerated hook phenotype is abolished when ethylene perception is blocked, strongly suggesting that Sl-ERF2 requires other ethylene-dependent components to impact the hook formation process.
Phytochemistry Reviews, 2007
Anthocyanins are a group of natural occurring pigments responsible for the red-blue colour of man... more Anthocyanins are a group of natural occurring pigments responsible for the red-blue colour of many fruits and vegetables. Anthocyanins are of interest for two reasons because they cannot only be used in the technological field as natural colorants but also have important implications in the field of human health. Numerous studies indicate the potential effect that this family of flavonoids may have in reducing the incidence of cardiovascular disease, cancer, hyperlipidemias and other chronic diseases through the intake of anthocyanin-rich foods. This review examines existing literature in this area: from plant content and distribution to health implications, including the effect of agronomic and genetic modifications on the anthocyanin content of plants as well as other biotechnological factors and food processing. The bioavailability, metabolism, bioactivity, and epidemiology of anthocyanins will also be reviewed.
FEBS Letters, 2003
Four new members of the ERF (ethylene-response factor) family of plant-speci¢c DNA-binding (GCC b... more Four new members of the ERF (ethylene-response factor) family of plant-speci¢c DNA-binding (GCC box) factors were isolated from tomato fruit (LeERF1^4). Phylogenetic analysis indicated that LeERF2 belongs to a new ERF class, characterized by a conserved N-terminal signature sequence. Expression patterns and cis/trans binding a⁄nities di¡ered between the LeERFs. Combining experimental data and modeled three-dimensional analysis, it was shown that binding a⁄nity of the LeERFs was a¡ected by both the variation of nucleotides surrounding the DNA cis-element sequence and the nature of critical amino acid residues within the ERF domain.
Plants, 2021
Medicago truncatula is a forage crop of choice for farmers, and it is a model species for molecul... more Medicago truncatula is a forage crop of choice for farmers, and it is a model species for molecular research. The growth and development and subsequent yields are limited by water availability mainly in arid and semi-arid regions. Our study aims to evaluate the morpho-physiological, biochemical and molecular responses to water deficit stress in four lines (TN6.18, JA17, TN1.11 and A10) of M. truncatula. The results showed that the treatment factor explained the majority of the variation for the measured traits. It appeared that the line A10 was the most sensitive and therefore adversely affected by water deficit stress, which reduced its growth and yield parameters, whereas the tolerant line TN6.18 exhibited the highest root biomass production, a significantly higher increase in its total protein and soluble sugar contents, and lower levels of lipid peroxidation with greater cell membrane integrity. The expression analysis of the DREB1B gene using RT-qPCR revealed a tissue-different...
Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry
A cDNA encoding a dehydrin was isolated from the flavedo of the chilling-sensitive Fortune mandar... more A cDNA encoding a dehydrin was isolated from the flavedo of the chilling-sensitive Fortune mandarin fruit (Citrus clementina Hort. Ex Tanaka x Citrus reticulata Blanco) and designed as Crcor15. The predicted CrCOR15 protein is a K2S member of a closely related dehydrin family from Citrus, since it contains two tandem repeats of the unusual Citrus K-segment and one S-segment (serine cluster) at an unusual C-terminal position. Crcor15 mRNA is consistently and highly expressed in the flavedo during fruit development and maturation. The relative abundance of Crcor15 mRNA in the flavedo was estimated to be higher than 1% of total RNA. The high mRNA level remained unchanged during fruit storage at chilling (2 degrees C) and nonchilling (12 degrees C) temperatures, and it was depressed by a conditioning treatment (3 days at 37 degrees C) that induced chilling tolerance. Therefore, the expression of Crcor15 appears not to be related to the acquisition of chilling tolerance in mandarin fruits. However, Crcor15, which was barely detected in unstressed mandarin leaves, was rapidly induced in response to both low temperature and water stress. COR15 protein was expressed in Escherichia coli, and the purified protein conferred in vitro protection against freezing and dehydration inactivation. The potential role of Citrus COR15 is discussed.