Ultra-HPLC-MS pseudo-targeted metabolomic profiling reveals metabolites and associated metabolic pathway alterations in Asian plum (

Abstract

Plum (Prunus spp.) is an economically and nutritionally important stone fruit that is grown worldwide. Gummosis disease (GD) is one of the most common limiting factors that adversely affects the yield and quality of stone fruits such as plum. Elucidating plum fruit metabolomics responses is essential to develop sustainable agricultural practices to combat GD in the future. Herein, an ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to mass-spectrometry (UHPLC-MS) pseudo-targeted metabolomic profiling was first performed to elucidate the overall metabolic alterations in Asian plum (Prunus salicina Lindl.) fruit in response to GD. The most pivotal differential metabolites, including certain amino acids and proanthocyanidins, in GD and control groups were identified by combining multivariate data analysis with strict statistical criteria. Metabolic pathway enrichment analysis showed that GD induced a series of coordinated defence responses and reprogramming of various metabolic pathways, including glucosinolate biosynthesis, 2-oxocarboxylic acid metabolism, valine, leucine and isoleucine degradation, and isoquinoline alkaloid biosynthesis pathways. Using UHPLC-MS-based pseudo-targeted metabolomic profiling, we systematically evaluated overall metabolic modifications in Asian plum fruits in response to GD for the first time. The identified metabolic pathway alterations helped to better understand the internal relationships and related metabolic networks.

Simultaneous Quantitation and Discovery (SQUAD) Analysis: Combining the Best of Targeted and Untargeted Mass Spectrometry-Based Metabolomics

“…Another similar analysis, which is called pseudo-targeted metabolomics, was developed for the identification and visualization of common pathogens by analyzing a QC sample (mix of different bacterial strains) on a hybrid Quadrupole-Orbitrap mass spectrometer to select analytes for quantitation via an MRM analysis on TQ MS [ 49 ]. Deng et al also developed a pseudo-targeted approach to study metabolic changes in Asian plum ( Prunus salicina ) fruits in response to gummosis disease using a QTRAP for untargeted profiling followed by quantification of selected metabolites using MRM mode [ 50 ].…”

Simultaneous Quantitation and Discovery (SQUAD) Analysis: Combining the Best of Targeted and Untargeted Mass Spectrometry-Based Metabolomics

“…Another similar analysis, which is called pseudo-targeted metabolomics, was developed for the identification and visualization of common pathogens by analyzing a QC sample (mix of different bacterial strains) on a hybrid Quadrupole-Orbitrap mass spectrometer to select analytes for quantitation via an MRM analysis on TQ MS [75]. Deng et al also developed a pseudo-targeted approach to study metabolic changes in Asian plum (Prunus salicina) fruits in response to gummosis disease using a QTRAP for untargeted profiling followed by quantification of selected metabolites using MRM mode [76].…”

Comparative Analysis of Carotenoid Profiles and Biosynthetic Gene Expressions among Ten Plum Cultivars

“…In recent times, plums have attracted increasing attention due to their balanced taste and bioactive-dense compounds, such as dietary fibers, micronutrients, vitamins, phenols, and carotenoids. These kinds of compounds are noted for having multiple potential health benefits [ 6 , 7 , 8 ].…”