From genome to grocer's aisle: decoding the Chinese cherry for firmer fruits
Nanjing Agricultural University The Academy of Science
image:
De novo genome assembly of Prunus pseudocerasus.
view moreCredit: Horticulture Research
A significant milestone in horticultural genomics has been reached with the successful decoding of the tetraploid Chinese cherry genome. This study provides essential insights into the genetic factors that influence fruit firmness, a critical trait for enhancing the cherry’s market appeal and transportation durability. By unraveling the genetic intricacies of Prunus pseudocerasus, the research paves the way for targeted breeding strategies that could improve fruit quality and expand the commercial potential of this economically important crop.
Chinese cherry (Prunus pseudocerasus) is highly valued for its economic and nutritional benefits, yet its soft fruit texture poses a challenge for marketability. Traditional breeding approaches have struggled to enhance this trait due to the species’ complex tetraploid genome and high genetic heterozygosity. With fruit firmness being a key quality factor, understanding its genetic basis has become a priority for breeders. These challenges highlight the need for in-depth research into the genetic mechanisms that govern fruit firmness in Chinese cherry.
A research team from Shanghai Jiao Tong University has successfully assembled the first chromosome-level, haplotype-resolved genome of the Chinese cherry cultivar ‘Zhuji Duanbing,’ as published (DOI: 10.1093/hr/uhae142) in Horticulture Research on July 8, 2024. Using advanced sequencing technologies like PacBio HiFi, Oxford Nanopore, and Hi-C, the study decoded the highly heterozygous genome of this tetraploid species. The findings provide crucial insights into the genetic determinants of fruit firmness, offering a valuable resource for breeding programs aimed at improving the commercial traits of Chinese cherry.
The study tackled the challenges posed by the tetraploid nature of the Chinese cherry genome, achieving a high-quality genome assembly through the use of state-of-the-art sequencing technologies. By comparing the soft-fleshed ‘Zhuji Duanbing’ with the firmer ‘Heizhenzhu’ sweet cherry, the research highlighted the critical role of pectin, cellulose, and hemicellulose in determining fruit texture. The softer texture of ‘Zhuji Duanbing’ was linked to accelerated cell wall degradation during ripening, particularly within the pectin matrix. Two genes, GalAK-like and Stv1, were identified as key regulators of this process, showing significant expression differences between the two varieties. These genes, involved in pectin biosynthesis and modification, are promising targets for future genetic improvements. The study deepens our understanding of the molecular mechanisms behind fruit firmness in Chinese cherry, providing a foundation for selective breeding aimed at enhancing this important trait.
Dr. Caixi Zhang, a lead researcher, highlighted the significance of this genomic achievement: "The assembly of a haplotype-resolved genome for Chinese cherry is a major advancement in horticultural genomics. Identifying the genetic factors that influence fruit firmness allows us to adopt targeted breeding strategies, essential for increasing the commercial appeal of Chinese cherry. This research not only enriches our knowledge of cherry genetics but also offers a critical tool for breeders aiming to develop firmer, more marketable varieties."
The findings from this study have significant implications for the future of Chinese cherry cultivation. By utilizing the newly identified genetic markers for fruit firmness, breeders can develop cultivars with enhanced texture, suitable for long-distance transport and global distribution. This research lays the foundation for precision breeding in Chinese cherry, potentially boosting the crop’s commercial value and ensuring its competitiveness in both domestic and international markets. The techniques and insights from this study can also be applied to other fruit crops, aiding in the genetic improvement of firmness and other quality traits.
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References
DOI
Original Source URL
https://doi.org/10.1093/hr/uhae142
Funding information
This work was funded by the China Agriculture Research System (Grant No. CARS-30-2-08), and the Natural Science Foundation of Shanghai (23ZR1430600).
About Horticulture Research
Horticulture Research is an open access journal of Nanjing Agricultural University and ranked number one in the Horticulture category of the Journal Citation Reports ™ from Clarivate, 2023. The journal is committed to publishing original research articles, reviews, perspectives, comments, correspondence articles and letters to the editor related to all major horticultural plants and disciplines, including biotechnology, breeding, cellular and molecular biology, evolution, genetics, inter-species interactions, physiology, and the origination and domestication of crops.
Journal
Horticulture Research
Subject of Research
Not applicable
Article Title
Haplotype-resolved genome assembly for tetraploid Chinese cherry (Prunus pseudocerasus) offers insights into fruit firmness
Hepatic disease: a camu-camu fruit extract to reduce liver fat
Université Laval
Québec City, August 21, 2024 – A research team from Université Laval has shown the benefits of camu-camu on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, which affects over seven million people in Canada. This exotic fruit reduces liver fat levels.
Over 12 weeks, thirty participants took either camu-camu extract or a placebo at different times in this randomized clinical trial. Participants underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to determine fat levels in the liver. Scientists observed a 7.43% reduction in liver lipids when study participants took camu-camu extract. With the placebo, they noted an 8.42% increase in liver fat.
“That’s a significant 15.85% difference,” says André Marette, a professor in the Faculty of Medicine and researcher at the Institut universitaire de cardiologie et de pneumologie de Québec – Université Laval (IUCPQ-ULaval), who led the study.
Polyphenols and the microbiota
This effect stems from the polyphenols contained in camu-camu and their relationship with the intestinal microbiota. “The microbiota metabolizes the large polyphenol molecules that cannot be absorbed by the intestine, transforming them into smaller molecules that the body can assimilate to decrease liver fat,” explains André Marette.
His team has identified two potential mechanisms of action for these small polyphenols. “They could reduce lipogenesis, i.e., the formation of lipid droplets in the liver. They could also stimulate lipid degradation by oxidation. A combination of the two mechanisms probably explains the high efficacy of the extract, as we’re playing on both sides of the coin,” reports Professor Marette, who collaborated with scientists at the Institute of Nutrition and Functional Foods (INAF).
However, the team noted a wide variability in response to camu-camu. “We hypothesize that the initial intestinal microbiota influences the response to polyphenols. If we find the factors involved, we may be able to modify the microbiota and increase the extract efficacy,” explains Professor Marette.
Although camu-camu is an exotic fruit, the extract is readily available in capsule form. However, Professor Marette stresses the importance of checking the content of certain polyphenols, as not all commercial products are equivalent.
Cranberries, which also contain a number of partially different polyphenols, could also have a protective effect. In the future, Professor Marette hopes to investigate whether combining camu-camu and cranberry could have a synergistic effect.
The study was published in the journal Cell Reports Medicine. The other authors are Anne-Laure Agrinier, Arianne Morissette, Laurence Daoust, Théo Gignac, Julie Marois, Thibault V. Varin, Geneviève Pilon, Éric Larose, Claudia Gagnon, Yves Desjardins, Fernando F Anhê, Anne-Marie Carreau and Marie-Claude Vohl.
Source:
Communications Department
Université Laval
418 656-3355
medias@ulaval.ca
Journal
Cell Reports Medicine
Article Title
Camu-camu decreases hepatic steatosis and liver injury markers in overweight, hypertriglyceridemic individuals: A randomized crossover trial
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