Unlocking the secret grape aroma: key gene modulates terpene aroma

A study explores the gene that responds to ethylene VviERF003Influence of ‘s on the synthesis of glycosylated monoterpenoids in grapes, which are essential for fruity and floral notes in wines. Understanding this genetic regulation provides insight into how wine aroma can be affected, potentially allowing the development of grapes with enhanced or specific aroma profiles.

Terpenoids, the most abundant secondary metabolites in plants, play an important role in plant-environment interactions and contribute to the aroma of flowers and fruits of fruits such as grapes. Glycosylated terpenoids, in particular, are more stable and more abundant in grapes, acting as latent aroma compounds that enhance wine flavor through gradual hydrolysis. Transcriptional regulation of glycosylated terpenoid biosynthesis is not well understood. Because of these challenges, there is a need for in-depth research on the regulatory mechanisms involved in the biosynthesis of glycosylated terpenoids in grapes.

The research (DOI: 10.1093/hr/uhae065) conducted by researchers from China Agricultural University, published on February 28, 2024, in Horticulture Research, explores the role of the ethylene-responsive transcription factor VviERF003 in grape aroma enhancement. The study reveals that VviERF003 up-regulates the expression of VviGT14 gene, which in turn increases the production of glycosylated monoterpenoids.

Study identifies VviERF003, an AP2/ERF transcription factor, as a key regulator of glycosylated monoterpenoid synthesis in grapes. Using DNA screening, the researchers demonstrated that VviERF003 binds to the promoter of VviGT14 gene, increasing its expression. Glycosylated monoterpenoids, which are essential for the aroma of flowers and fruits of grapes and wines, showed increased accumulation when VviERF003 it was overstated. The study used various experimental approaches, including yeast one-hybrid and dual luciferase assays, to confirm VviGT14 binding and activation by VviERF003. Research also highlights the responsive nature of ethylene VviERF003 AND VviGT14. Ethylene treatment led to a significant up-regulation of both genes, resulting in higher levels of glycosylated monoterpenoids in grape tissues. This shows that VviERF003 plays a crucial role in mediating ethylene-induced aroma enhancement in grapes. Furthermore, the overexpression of VviERF003 in grape and tomato plants resulted in increased production of glycosylated monoterpenoids, further confirming its regulatory role.

Dr. Qiu-Hong Pan, one of the corresponding authors, stated: “Our findings reveal a novel regulatory mechanism involving VviERF003 and ethylene in the biosynthesis of grape aroma. This discovery opens up new opportunities for enhancing grape and wine flavor through genetic manipulation targeted.”

Identification of VviERF003 as a key regulator of glycosylated monoterpenoid synthesis offers potential applications in grape breeding and genetic engineering. Manipulating VviERF003 expression, it may be possible to improve the aromatic qualities of grapes and wines, providing a significant advantage to the wine industry. This research also contributes to the broader understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the biosynthesis of plant secondary metabolites, which may have implications for improving the flavor and aroma of fruits and other crops. The findings of the study pave the way for future research and innovation in agricultural biotechnology.

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References

DOI

10.1093/hr/uhae065

The URL of the original source

https://doi.org/10.1093/hr/uhae065

Funding information

This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. U20A2042 to C.-QD and 31772278 to Q.-HP).

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Horticulture Research is an open access journal of Nanjing Agricultural University and is ranked number one in the Horticulture category of Journal Citation Reports™ by Clarivate, 2022. The journal is committed to publishing original research articles, reviews, perspectives, commentaries, correspondence articles and letters addressed editor related to all plants and major horticultural disciplines, including biotechnology, breeding, cell and molecular biology, evolution, genetics, interspecies interactions, physiology, and crop origins and domestication.

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