Characterization of major enzymes and genes involved in flavonoid and proanthocyanidin biosynthesis during fruit development in strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa).

J.R. Almeida, E. d'Amico, A. Preuss, F. Carbone, C.H. de Vos

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

    200 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    The biosynthesis of flavonoids and proanthocyanidins was studied in cultivated strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa) 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. (c) 2007 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)61-71
    JournalArchives of Biochemistry and Biophysics
    Volume465
    Issue number1
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 2007

    Keywords

    • dihydroflavonol 4-reductases
    • leucoanthocyanidin reductase
    • anthocyanidin reductases
    • heterologous expression
    • antioxidant activity
    • molecular-cloning
    • quality traits
    • synthase
    • identification
    • leaves

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