Analyses of key gene networks controlling carotenoid metabolism in Xiangfen 1 banana

Abstract

Background Banana fruits are rich in various high-value metabolites and play a key role in the human diet. Of these components, carotenoids have attracted considerable attention due to their physiological role and human health care functions. However, the accumulation patterns of carotenoids and genome-wide analysis of gene expression during banana fruit development have not been comprehensively evaluated. Results In the present study, an integrative analysis of metabolites and transcriptome profiles in banana fruit with three different development stages was performed. A total of 11 carotenoid compounds were identified, and most of these compounds showed markedly higher abundances in mature green and/or mature fruit than in young fruit. Results were linked to the high expression of carotenoid synthesis and regulatory genes in the middle and late stages of fruit development. Co-expression network analysis revealed that 79 differentially expressed transcription factor genes may be responsible for the regulation of LCYB (lycopene β-cyclase), a key enzyme catalyzing the biosynthesis of α- and β-carotene. Conclusions Collectively, the study provided new insights into the understanding of dynamic changes in carotenoid content and gene expression level during banana fruit development.

Potential Health Benefits of Banana Phenolic Content during Ripening by Implementing Analytical and In Silico Techniques

“…Compared to various berries, herbs, and vegetables, banana presents higher antioxidant potential ascribed to the high contents of the described constituents [ 10 ]. In addition, the study of bananas’ carotenoids content reveal that α-carotene, β-carotene, and β-cryptoxanthin present significant provitamin A activity, while lycopene and luteolin possess important antioxidant capacity [ 6 , 11 ].…”

15-cis-Phytoene Desaturase and 15-cis-Phytoene Synthase Can Catalyze the Synthesis of β-Carotene and Influence the Color of Apricot Pulp

“…Carotenoids are one of the main pigments for coloration, showing yellow, orange, red, or others in plant tissue; they are important components for photosynthesis and are involved in light harvesting and photoprotection, plant growth, and development [1]. Recent studies have shown that kiwifruit [2,3], kumquat [4], tomato [5][6][7], apple [8], carrot [9], banana [10], and apricot [11] contain major accumulations of carotenoids. Furthermore, anthocyanins mainly accumulate in mulberry [12], Chinese Jujube [13], Chokecherry [14], peach [15], citrus [16], grape [17], persimmon [18], black chokeberry [19], eggplant [20], and onion [21].…”