Biochemical variances through metabolomic profile analysis of Capsicum chinense Jacq. during fruit development

Abstract

Capsicum chinense Jacq. is classified under the Solanaceae family, which is an extensively consumed spice and vegetable globally. Therefore, to gain more knowledge and insight into the diversity of Capsicum chinense Jacq. metabolites, a total of 18 placental tissues from various development stages were collected and untargeted metabolomics was conducted by means of ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) and mass spectrometry (MS). Principal component analysis (PCA) analysis established the existence of distinct metabolite distribution patterns as observed at 16 days post anthesis (DPA), compared with the metabolites at 36 and 48 DPA groups, whereas there was a difference in metabolites between the orange ripening period (B) and the red ripening period (C), which intersected with each other. Furthermore, several pathways including metabolic pathways, biosynthesis of phenylpropanoids, ABC transporters, alanine, aspartate and glutamate metabolism, fatty acid biosynthesis, pentose and glucoronate pathways, secondary metabolites biosynthesis, cutin, biosynthesis of suberine and wax were significantly enriched across the fruit ripening stages. The capsaicin content was observed to be less in the early ripening stages, but gradually increased to a high concentration during the late ripening stages. In conclusion, our study findings submit a suitable approach for interpreting the biochemical variances of non-targeted metabolomics in hot pepper developmental stages, as well as offer new findings that can be applied in the development strategies in breeding of Capsicum chinense Jacq.

Widely Targeted Metabolomics Reveals Metabolite Diversity in Jalapeño and Serrano Chile Peppers (Capsicum annuum L.)

“…Numerous changes in the biochemical and physiological processes involving enzyme activity, gene expression, and metabolite synthesis result in developmental changes in the fruit in response to the environment [ 14 ]. For example, during fruit development in C. chinense Jacq, a metabolomics approach revealed distinct patterns of metabolite distribution at 16 days post-anthesis across the orange and red ripening periods [ 15 ]. In another study, fruit discoloration was attributed to the reduction in carotenoid content in discolored red peppers compared to normal peppers, where lipid and flavonoid synthesis were significantly associated with discoloration [ 16 ].…”

Untargeted Metabolomics Unveils the Edaphic Stress Impact on Habanero Pepper Ripening Fruit

“…20 Nevertheless, in chili pepper (Capsicum spp), most of the metabolomics research has been focused on targeted analyses, such as carotenoids, 21−25 capsaicinoids, 26−31 flavonoids, 32−34 and ascorbic acid; 35−37 a few recent publications developed untargeted metabolomics studies in Capsicum spp. 38,39 In addition, other studies have profiled the metabolite diversity of C. annuum, 17,40,41 C. frutescens, 42 C. chilense, 43 and C. chinense. 25,44−47 In a previous study, we evaluated the effect of the edaphic stress conditions (high salinity and N or P deficiencies) on the plant yield and nutrient levels of Habanero (C. chinense cv.…”

“…Untargeted metabolomics approaches have been applied to the fruit ripening process of different species, such as Citrus clementina, muscadine grape, kiwi fruit, black currant, hot pepper, strawberry, tomato, and blueberries . Nevertheless, in chili pepper ( Capsicum spp), most of the metabolomics research has been focused on targeted analyses, such as carotenoids, − capsaicinoids, − flavonoids, − and ascorbic acid; − a few recent publications developed untargeted metabolomics studies in Capsicum spp. , In addition, other studies have profiled the metabolite diversity of C. annuum, ,, C.…”

Characterization of the Key Compounds of Bell Pepper by Spectrophotometry and Gas Chromatography on the Effects of Induced Stress on the Concentration of Secondary Metabolite

“…These secondary metabolites are involved in various metabolic pathways of the plant, as well as in processes such as growth and reproduction, and also as a defense mechanism against biotic or abiotic stress [5][6][7]; Therefore, treatment with specific chemical, natural or enzymatic compounds can improve the production of secondary metabolites, called elicitors, characterized by behave as a substance that, Initiates or enhances the biosynthesis of specific compounds, when inserted in small amounts of concentrations. To a living system, [8][9][10][11]. Salicylic acid (SA) has presented a remarkable capacity as an elicitor in plants related to the potencies of phenolic compound.…”