Multiscale investigation of mealiness in apple: an atypical role for a pectin methylesterase during fruit maturation

Apple fruit mealiness is one of the most important textural problems that results from an undesirable ripening process during storage. This phenotype is characterized by textural deterioration described as soft, grainy and dry fruit. Despite several studies, little is known about mealiness development and the associated molecular events. In this study, we integrated phenotypic, microscopic, transcriptomic and biochemical analyses to gain insights into the molecular basis of mealiness development.ResultsInstrumental texture characterization allowed the refinement of the definition of apple mealiness. In parallel, a new and simple quantitative test to assess this phenotype was developed.Six individuals with contrasting mealiness were selected among a progeny and used to perform a global transcriptome analysis during fruit development and cold storage. Potential candidate genes associated with the initiation of mealiness were identified. Amongst these, the expression profile of an early do...

苹果果实粉质化（apple fruit mealiness）是贮藏期间不良成熟过程引发的最主要质地劣变问题之一。该表型以质地退化为特征，具体表现为果实变软、呈颗粒感且干涩。尽管已有多项相关研究，但学界对粉质化的发生机制及其关联分子事件仍知之甚少。本研究整合表型分析、显微观察、转录组学分析与生化分析手段，以解析粉质化发生的分子基础。
结果
借助仪器质地表征，我们细化了苹果粉质化的定义。与此同时，本研究开发了一种全新且简便的定量检测方法，用于评估该表型。我们从某杂交后代群体中筛选出6个粉质化程度差异显著的个体，用于开展果实发育与冷藏过程中的全局转录组分析。最终鉴定出一批与粉质化起始相关的潜在候选基因，其中某早期应答基因的表达谱……