Comparative Physiological Analysis of Lignification, Anthocyanin Metabolism and Correlated Gene Expression in Red Toona sinensis Buds during Cold Storage

Abstract

The characteristics of anthocyanin and lignin are important parameters in evaluating the quality of red Toona sinensis buds. Red T. sinensis buds are prone to senescence during postharvest storage, which subsequently affects their quality and sales. However, the mechanism of senescence in red T. sinensis buds under low-temperature conditions remains unclear. In this study, red T. sinensis buds were stored at 4 °C, and their anthocyanin and lignin contents as well as the enzyme activities of PAL (phenylalanine ammonia lyase), 4CL (4-coumarate-CoA ligase), CAD (cinnamyl alcohol dehydrogenase) and POD (peroxidase) were determined at 0, 1, 2 and 3 d after handing. Meanwhile, the cellular structure of postharvest red T. sinensis buds was observed by microscopy. The relative expression of lignin-related and anthocyanin-related genes was analyzed using qRT-PCR. The results show that the anthocyanin content of the leaves was higher than that of the petioles. After 3 d of storage, the anthocyanin content of the leaves was 4.66 times that of the petioles. Moreover, the lignin content of the red T. sinensis buds gradually increased. Compared with 0 d, the lignin content of the leaves and petioles increased by 331.8 and 94.14 mg·g−1, respectively. The enzyme activities of PAL, 4CL, CAD and POD increased during cold storage. The intercellular space and the arrangement of the palisade tissue and sponge tissue in the mesophyll of red T. sinensis buds became smaller and closer, respectively. The secondary cell wall of xylem cells thickened, the number of xylem cells increased, and the arrangement number of the xylem cells became closed in the leaf vein and petioles during red T. sinensis bud storage. The expression levels of anthocyanin-related (Except for TsCHS and TsANS) and lignin-related genes increased during red T. sinensis bud storage and are highly consistent with the accumulation patterns of anthocyanins and lignin. This study may serve as a reference for exploring the molecular mechanisms of senescence, regulating the quality and cultivating new varieties of red T. sinensis buds that have low lignin content but high anthocyanin content after harvest.

The Recognition and Utilization of Natural Genetic Resources for Advances in Plant Biology through Genomics and Biotechnology

“…Red Toona sinensis (A. Juss) Roem is a woody and spring seasonal vegetable in China, and its buds exhibit rapid dehydration, wilting, vigorous breathing, and transpiration after picking. Its stem sections are prone to browning, with Zhao et al reporting a comparative physiological analysis of the lignification, anthocyanin metabolism, and correlated gene expression in red T. sinensis buds during cold storage [11]. The lignin biosynthesis gene 4CL (4-coumarate: coenzyme A ligase) of Apium graveolens L. was also identified by Zhong et al using gene cloning, bioinformatics analysis, and transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana [12].…”

Ag4CL3 Related to Lignin Synthesis in Apium graveolens L.

“…Celery is rich in dietary fiber and contains more lignin than other vegetables. The biosynthesis of lignin plays an important role in the growth and development of plants that not only "affects" the taste and flavor of vegetable crops, but also supports plant structure and promotes disease resistance in plants, such as carrots [35], Toona sinensis [36], tea [13], and maize [37]. Appropriate amounts of lignin support green and straight celery with a delicious taste, which is beneficial for improving the quality and yield of celery.…”