The differential expression of the two key genes involved in fructans biosynthetic pathway in artichoke vs wild cardoon improves inulin-type fructans

Abstract

The artichoke (Cynara cardunculus L. subsp. scolymus Hegi) is an intriguing source of indigestible sugar polymers such as inulin-type fructans. In this study the amount and the quality of inulin-type fructans have been evaluated in the cultivated artichoke (Cynara cardunculus L. subsp. scolymus Hegi) as well as in the wild cardoon (C. cardunculus var. sylvestris L. Fiori). The expression pattern of the genes codifying for the two key enzymes sucrose:sucrose 1-fructosyltransferase (1‐SST) and fructan 1‐fructosyltransferase (1‐FFT), involved in fructans biosynthesis, have been also evaluated both in capitula (heads) and rhizomes. The results showed that the inulin-type fructans were much higher in the heads of the wild cardoon than artichoke, one together with a higher expression of the two key genes fructans codifying enzymes. A conspicuous level of inulin-type fructans was found also in the rhizome, supporting the significant role of these compounds in the storage and in protection from cold and/or winter stress. The results indicate that wild cardoon could be a good and suitable crop for inulin production as well a sustainable agri-food system in Mediterranean marginal areas.