Search Results (4,346)

Light is a vital environmental cue that profoundly influences the development of plants. LED lighting offers significant advantages in controlled growth environments over fluorescent lighting. Under monochromatic blue LED light, wheat plants exhibited reduced stature, accelerated spike development, and a shortened flowering period with increased blue light intensity promoting an earlier heading date. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive transcriptome analysis to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying wheat plants’ response to varying light conditions. We identified 34 types of transcription factors (TFs) and highlighted the dynamic changes of key families such as WRKY, AP2/ERF, MYB, bHLH, and NAC, which play crucial roles in light-induced gene regulation. Additionally, this study revealed differential effects of blue and red light on the expression levels of genes related to hormones such as cytokinin (CK) and salicylic acid (SA) synthesis as well as significant changes in pathways such as flavonoid biosynthesis, circadian rhythms, chlorophyll synthesis, and flowering. Particularly, blue light upregulated genes involved in chlorophyll synthesis, contrasting with the downregulation observed under red light. Furthermore, blue light enhanced the expression of anthocyanin synthesis-related genes, such as CHS, underscoring its role in promoting anthocyanin accumulation. These findings provide valuable insights into how light quality impacts crop growth and development. Full article

Anthocyanins are important flavonoid compounds in plants that are associated with the color formation and antioxidant activity of flowers, fruits, and other organs. Ultraviolet B radiation (UV-B) is one of the key environmental factors that influence anthocyanin accumulation in plants and HY5 is involved in plant photomorphogenesis. However, the molecular mechanism of the signal network of UV-B regulating anthocyanin biosynthesis in capsicum via HY5 remains unclear. In this study, we identified the transcription factor CaHY5, which mediates UV-B signaling, and demonstrated its regulatory role in anthocyanin biosynthesis in purple pepper (Capsicum annuum L.). The results showed that there were photoresponsive and hormone-responsive elements on the CaHY5 promoter that responded to UV-B, indoleacetic acid, salicylic acid, 6-benzyladenine, abscisic acid, and melatonin treatments. UV-B treatment induced the expression of CaHY5 and anthocyanin structural genes. CaHY5 gene-silenced positive plants showed different degrees of the yellowing phenomenon, which affected the expression of the anthocyanin biosynthesis structural gene. The expression levels of anthocyanin biosynthesis-related genes in CaHY5-silenced positive plants increased considerably. This study provides insights into the role of CaHY5 in UV-B-induced anthocyanin biosynthesis in purple pepper. Full article

Culinary rhubarb is grown for its large, thick leaf petioles. Red-stalked cultivars and selection are more attractive for the fresh market and processing industry. In vitro cultures are important for rapidly multiplying value genotypes and producing plants free of viruses. This study aimed to develop an in vitro propagation method for six rhubarb selections from the Raspberry (R1, R2, R3), Leader (L1, L2), and Karpow Lipskiego (KL) groups. In addition, the planting material of six rhubarb selections was subjected to phytochemical analysis using the HPLC method to assess the content of bioactive compounds. The cultures were initiated from underground buds on the crowns. The initial growth was obtained for 45 to 75% of initial explants because of bacterial contamination and low bud activity of some genotypes. The type and concentration of cytokinin and its interaction with gibberellin acid (GA₃) were shown to have a significant effect on the cyclic multiplication and commercially interesting rate of all rhubarb genotypes. A high in vitro rooting frequency, 93.7 to 95.8% for rhubarb Raspberry, 94.3 to 100% for rhubarb Leader, and 96.7% KP selections were obtained after two-cycle rooting on a medium containing IBA and NAA. The polyphenolic compounds, such as cyanidin-3-O-rutinoside, rhaponticin, resveratrol, caffeic acid, p-coumaric acid, cinnamic acid, syringic acid, and ferulic acid were detected in selected rhubarb genotypes. The highest content of anthocyanins (2.9 mg·1 g⁻¹ DM) and rhaponticin (107.8 µg·1 g⁻¹ DM) was found in Raspberry selections. On the other hand, Leader selections were characterized by the highest content of resveratrol (0.25 µg·1 g⁻¹ DM) and phenolic acids (1.3 µg·1 g⁻¹ DM). The less attractive for functional food production seems to be KL selection. Full article

MYB transcription factors (TFs) represent one of the largest gene families in plants, and previous studies have demonstrated their involvement in regulating anthocyanin synthesis. Eggplant is an important anthocyanin-rich solanaceae vegetable crop. In this study, a total of 219 MYB gene-family members were identified using the complete and high-quality eggplant genome, comprising 105 1R-MYBs, 107 R2R3-MYBs, 5 3R-MYBs, and 2 4R-MYBs. Using phylogenetic analysis, we divided them into 33 subfamilies. Members of the SmeMYB gene family are unevenly distributed on 12 chromosomes, but are mainly concentrated at the upper and lower ends of the chromosomes. In addition, the expression levels of R2R3-MYBs in differently colored eggplant tissues (peel, calyx, stem, flower, and leaf) were investigated with RNA-seq (RNA sequencing). A total of 13 differentially expressed R2R3-MYB transcription factors related to the synthesis of anthocyanins in different eggplant tissues were screened out. SmeMYB110, SmeMYB175, and SmeMYB182 were also found to play significant roles in this process. Furthermore, 10 MYB TFs were identified as potential genes regulating anthocyanin synthesis in different tissues. The quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis results showed that SmeMYB175 was regarded as the most likely key transcription factor regulating anthocyanin synthesis in calyx. These results not only deepen our understanding of the MYB gene family in eggplant but also lay a solid foundation for further research on the regulation of SmeR2R3-MYBs in anthocyanin synthesis across diverse eggplant tissues. Full article

Anthocyanins are responsible for grape (Vitis vinifera L.) skin color. To obtain a more detailed understanding of the anthocyanin regulatory networks across’ the summer and winter seasons in grapes under a double-cropping viticulture system, the transcriptomes of ‘Summer Black’ grapes were analyzed using RNA sequencing. The average daily temperature during the harvest stage in the summer crop, ranging from 26.18 °C to 32.98 °C, was higher than that in the winter crop, ranging from 11.03 °C to 23.90 °C. Grapes from the winter crop accumulated a greater content of anthocyanins than those from the summer crop, peaking in the harvest stage (E-L38) with 207.51 mg·100 g⁻¹. Among them, malvidin-3-O-glucoside (Mv-3-G) had the highest monomer content, accounting for 32%. The content of Cy-3-G during winter increased by 55% compared to summer. KEGG analysis indicated that the flavonoid biosynthesis and circadian rhythm—plant pathways are involved in the regulation of anthocyanin biosynthesis during fruit development. Pearson’s coefficient showed significant positive correlations between anthocyanin content and the VvDFR, VvUFGT, VvOMT, VvMYB, and VvbHLH genes in the winter crop; at full veraison stage, their expressions were 1.34, 1.98, 1.28, 1.17, and 1.34 times greater than in summer, respectively. The higher expression of VvUFGT and VvOMT led to higher contents of Cy-3-G and Mv-3-G in the winter berries, respectively. Full article

The objectives of this study were to obtain and characterise polyphenolic extracts from red grape pomace of Vitis vinifera L. cv Graciano via conventional solvent extraction (SE) and green supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) and to evaluate their in vitro antibacterial activity against susceptible and multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli strains of intestinal origin. The SE and SFE methods were optimised, and ultra-performance liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (UPLC/QqQ-MS/MS) analysis revealed 38 phenolic compounds in the SE sample, with anthocyanins being the predominant polyphenols, and 21 phenolic compounds in the SFE samples, among which hydroxybenzoic acids and flavonols were the predominant compounds. The SE and SFE samples showed antibacterial activity against both antibiotic-susceptible and -resistant E. coli strains, and minimal inhibitory concentration values were in the range of 1–4 mg/mL. The activity was bacteriostatic in all cases, and it was shown that a higher content of total polyphenols correlated with a higher antibacterial activity of the extracts. This study shows that red grape pomace of Vitis vinifera L. cv. Graciano is a rich source of bioactive phenolic compounds that can become an important feedstock for additives and other upgraded products of biotechnological interest, which can help to modulate intestinal microbiota and combat bacterial antibiotic resistance. Full article

Free amino acids, polyphenols, and anthocyanins were quantified in 30 Chinese eggplant varieties. Moreover, antioxidant capacity characterizations including 2, 2’-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS), ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) were performed. The total amino acid content of the 30 eggplant varieties ranged from 15,267.19 to 26,827.4 mg kg⁻¹ DW. The most abundant amino acids were glutamic acid, arginine, and aspartic acid. The coefficients of variation (CV) for the 20 amino acids ranged from 5.85 to 106.14%, of which 18 free amino acids had CVs > 20%. Total polyphenol and anthocyanin contents ranged from 17,097.41 to 39,474.98 µg g⁻¹ DW and 5.28 to 978.32 µg g⁻¹ DW, respectively. The variability of both polyphenol and anthocyanin components was >20%, with a range of 21.25–102.89%. Chlorogenic acid was the most abundant polyphenol. The total anthocyanin content of purple eggplant varieties was significantly higher than green varieties. Of the purple eggplant varieties, V28 (‘E150725’), V30 (‘1952’), and V16 (‘Weichangqie101’) had significantly higher total anthocyanins than the other eggplant varieties. DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays showed peaks at V3 (‘Zhengqie924’). Pearson’s correlation analysis revealed that polyphenols and anthocyanins were the main contributors to the antioxidant capacity of eggplants. A classification model with principal component analysis classified 30 Chinese eggplant varieties into two categories: high and low antioxidant capacities. The top five Chinese eggplant varieties ranked for amino acids, antioxidants, and antioxidant capacity were V29 (‘Zhengqie903’), V24 (‘Zhengqie78’), V1 (‘1871’), V3 (‘Zhengqie924’), and V28 (‘E150725’). These findings provide theoretical basis for high-quality breeding and producer/consumer selection of eggplants. Full article

Purple corn pericarp, a processing waste stream, is an extremely rich source of phytochemicals. Optimal polyphenol extraction parameters were identified using response surface methodology (RSM) by combining a deep eutectic solvent (DES) and ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) method. After DES characterization, Plackett–Burman design was used to screen five explanatory variables, namely, time, Temp (temperature), water, Amp (amplitude), and S/L (solid-to-liquid ratio). The total anthocyanin concentration (TAC), total polyphenol concentration (TPC), and condensed tannin (CT) concentration were the response variables. After identifying significant factors, the Box–Behnken design was utilized to identify the optimal extraction parameters. The experimental yields under the optimized conditions of time (10 min), temperature (60 °C), water concentration (42.73%), and amplitude (40%) were 36.31 ± 1.54 g of cyanidin-3-glucoside (C3G), 103.16 ± 6.17 g of gallic acid (GA), and 237.54 ± 9.98 g of epicatechin (EE) per kg of pericarp, with a desirability index of 0.858. The relative standard error among the predicted and experimental yields was <10%, validating the robustness of the model. HPLC analysis identified seven phytochemicals, and significant antioxidant activities were observed through four distinct assays. Metabolomic profiling identified 57 unique phytochemicals. The UAE technique combined with DES can efficiently extract polyphenols from purple corn pericarp in a short time. Full article

Background/Objectives: Aronia extract or its active compounds, especially anthocyanin, have shown potential for Alzheimer’s disease (AD)-related pathologies, including neuroinflammation, fibrillogenesis of amyloid beta (Aβ), and cognitive impairment. However, there was still concern about their structural instability in vivo and in vitro. To solve the instability of anthocyanins, we combined aronia bioactive factions (ABFs) and alginic acid via electrostatic molecular interactions and created an ABF–alginic acid nanocomplex (AANCP). We evaluated whether it is more stable and effective in cognitive disorder mice and neuroinflammation cell models. Methods: The physicochemical properties of the AANCP, such as nanoparticle size, structural stability, and release rate, were characterized. The AANCP was administered to scopolamine-injected Balb/c mice, and to BV2 microglia treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and amyloid beta (Aβ). Inflammation responses were measured via qPCR and ELISA in vitro, and cognitive functions were measured via behavior tests in vivo. Results: The AANCP readily formed nanoparticles, 209.6 nm in size, with a negatively charged zeta potential. The AANCP exhibited better stability in four plasma samples (human, dog, rat, and mouse) and was slowly released in different pH conditions (pH 2.0, 7.4, and 8.0) compared with non-complexedABF. In vitro studies on microglial cells treated with AANCPs revealed a suppression of inflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-6) induced by LPS. The AANCP increased microglial Aβ phagocytosis through the activation of triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cell 2 (TREM2)-related microglial polarization. The AANCP inhibited aggregation of Aβ in vitro and alleviated cognitive impairment in a scopolamine-induced in vivo dementia mouse model. Conclusions: Our data indicate that AANCPs are more stable than ABFs and effective for cognitive disorders and neuroinflammation via modulation of M2 microglial polarization. Full article

Paramutation, a specific epigenetic phenomenon first identified in Zea mays by Alexander Brink in the 1950s, has since been observed in different plant and animal species. What sets paramutation apart from other gene silencing processes is its ability for one silenced allele (referred to as paramutagenic) to silence another allele (paramutable) in trans. The resultant silenced allele (paramutated) remains stable across generations, even after separating from the paramutagenic allele, and acquires paramutagenic properties itself. This hereditary behavior facilitates the rapid dissemination of specific gene expression patterns or phenotypes within populations, disrupting the Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium even without other evolutionary pressures. Despite extensive research, the molecular mechanisms underlying paramutation are still not fully understood, although numerous studies suggest the involvement of RNA-mediated changes in DNA methylation and in the chromatin structure of silenced genes. In this paper, we report preliminary evidence regarding horizontal paramutation transfer at the pl1 (purple plant1) regulatory gene involved in the accumulation of anthocyanin in several plant tissues such as tassel, kernel, and cob. A paramutated pl1′ allele arose spontaneously in a pl1 population, and in this study, we found evidence of silencing events spatially associated in the field, suggesting a possible horizontal transfer of silencing among nearby plants. Full article

Daucus carota L. extract is attracting interest as a natural colorant alternative. However, the presence of anthocyanins (ACNs), which are sensitive to pH changes, limits its application. To tackle this issue, water-in-oil-in-water (W₁/O/W₂) double emulsions are emerging as innovative solutions. Nevertheless, the problem of reaching robust colorant systems for industrial use still needs to be overcome. One important target is to reach a high coloring power, minimizing its impact on the final product. In this context, the effect of colorant concentration and the volume of the primary emulsion, two routes to increase the colorant power, on color attributes and stability, an important feature to reach a marketable product, was studied. The optimal experimental design was conducted to two optimal solutions, whether through heightened colorant concentration or primary emulsion volume: a 41/59 (W₁/O)/W₂ ratio with 11 wt.% colorant, and a 48/52 (W₁/O)/W₂ ratio with 6 wt.% colorant, respectively. A subsequent assessment of color and physical emulsion stability over 30 days pointed out the solution with the lower colorant concentration (6 wt.%) as the one with better performance (L*: 44.11 ± 0.03, a*: 25.79 ± 0.01, D_4;3: 9.62 ± 0.1 µm, and CI: 14.55 ± 0.99%), also minimizing the permeability of the colorant to the outer aqueous phase. Overall, these optimized emulsions offer versatile coloring solutions suitable for various industrial applications, such as food matrices and functional cosmetics. Full article

This study assessed the technological potential and bioactive compounds present in purple yampee (Dioscorea trifida L.f.) lyophilized powder, peeled and whole flour, as well as the tuber peel, starch residual fiber, and wastewater mucilage. Although most values approached neutrality, flour showed a lower pH and high density, while greater acidity was observed in the mucilage. Color differed statistically and perceptibly between all samples, with similar values of °hue to purple flours from other sources, and the maximum chroma was found in lyophilized pulp and lightness in fiber. Average moisture levels around 7.2% and water activity levels of 0.303 (0.194 for whole flour) in fractions suggested favorable storability, while the interaction of the powders with water was similar to other root and tuber powdered derivatives. Yampee periderm had the highest swelling power, oil absorption capacity, water holding capacity, and absorption index and capacity. Mucilage had a higher solubility index and outstanding emulsion activity, greater than 90%. Twelve anthocyanins, with new reports of petunidin derivatives for the species, and more than 30 phytochemicals were identified through advanced liquid chromatography techniques. The greatest amounts of pinitol and myo-inositol were found in the mucilage, and sucrose, glucose, and fructose prevailed in the other powders. Successfully characterized yampee fractions showed high potential as functional food ingredients. Full article

The increasing trend of diet-related chronic diseases has stimulated research into developing new food products and beverages with health-promoting potential. At the same time, new resources, including plant by-products, are currently being investigated as a sustainable source of bioactive compounds. In this context, the present study focused on the enrichment of apple juice with anthocyanins and other phenolic compounds by direct ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) from bilberry pomace. Response surface methodology combined with a Box–Behnken design was used to find the optimal extraction conditions for maximizing the total anthocyanin content (TAC), total phenolic content (TPC) and DPPH radical scavenging activity (RSA) in the enriched apple juices and to characterize their phenolic profile as influenced by the extraction temperature. UAE from 15% bilberry pomace during 15 min in apple juice at 80 °C resulted in the highest TAC (262.73 mg CGE/L), TPC (1700.91 mg GAE/L) and RSA (8.93 mmol Trolox/L) of the enriched apple juice. The chromatographic polyphenolic profile of the control and enriched juices showed that, besides anthocyanins, phenolic acids (chlorogenic, gallic, caffeic, 3-hydroxybenzoic, p-coumaric, ellagic and protocatechuic acids) and flavonoids (epigallocatechin and catechin) were extracted from the bilberry pomace directly in the apple juice, while the extraction temperature differently impacted the content of individual phenolic compounds. Full article

In an environmentally controlled plant factory with LED red–blue light, the effects of conventional light (4R:1B, 200 μmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹, 18/6 h) and continuous light (CL, 24/0 h) with three light intensities (4R:1B, 200, 300 and 400 μmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹, 24/0 h) on yield, nutritional quality, reactive oxygen species (ROS) content and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activity (DPPH) in green-leaf Yidali and purple-leaf Zishan lettuces were investigated. The results showed that the dry and fresh shoot weight of two lettuces exposed to CL tended to increase with light intensity—from 200 to 400 μmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹—compared to conventional light, while the leaf area tended to decrease or remained unchanged. High-intensity CL could significantly increase soluble sugar and reduce the nitrate contents of the two lettuces. Also, the antioxidant substance (anthocyanins, flavonoids and total phenols) content of the two lettuces was improved with the increase in CL intensity. High-intensity CL could significantly increase the malondialdehyde, hydrogen peroxide and superoxide anion content and DPPH of the two lettuces. The above indices showed similar results both at 6 and 12 days after light treatment. In contrast, the Zishan cultivar contained more antioxidant substances, ROS and MDA contents and DPPH (more than 1 to 100 times) than the Yidali cultivar under high-intensity CL. In summary, high-intensity CL could improve the yield and nutritional value of both Yidali and Zishan lettuces. The high CL tolerance of Zishan was attributed to a stronger antioxidant capacity due to a greater content of antioxidant substances and DPPH, while the accumulation of ROS and the content of antioxidant substances might interact. Full article

Aronia, haskap, and goji berries are characterized by their high content of bioactive compounds and their beneficial health properties as well as their resistance to harsh agronomic conditions. In this work, cultivars of these species growing in a mountainous region of central-western Spain were characterized by analyzing physicochemical parameters and bioactive compounds. Goji fruits showed the highest total soluble solid content and the lowest acidity values. The sugar profile suggested that goji cultivars will have a higher sweetness due to higher fructose and glucose content. However, aronia cultivars will be the least sweet due to their high sorbitol content. The total organic acid content was much higher in aronia and haskap than in goji fruits, and the profile varied according to species. The total phenolic content was significantly higher in aronia fruits. A total of 15 phenolic compounds were detected, with anthocyanins being predominant in aronia and haskap berries; however, they were not detected in goji fruits. Nevertheless, carotenoid compounds were found in goji berries and not detected in aronia and haskap fruits. Aronia fruits showed the highest antioxidant capacity compared to haskap and goji fruits. The PCA analysis classified the samples to determine which parameters have the greatest influence. Full article