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Identification of genes for melatonin synthetic enzymes in ‘ R ed F uji’ apple ( M alus domestica B orkh . cv . R ed ) and their expression and melatonin production during fruit development
Author(s) -
Lei Qiong,
Wang Lin,
Tan DunXian,
Zhao Yu,
Zheng XiaoDong,
Chen Hao,
Li Qingtian,
Zuo Bixiao,
Kong Jin
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
journal of pineal research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.881
H-Index - 131
eISSN - 1600-079X
pISSN - 0742-3098
DOI - 10.1111/jpi.12096
Subject(s) - melatonin , gene , lipid peroxidation , biology , enzyme , oxidative stress , biochemistry , endocrinology
Melatonin is present in many edible fruits; however, the presence of melatonin in apple has not previously been reported. In this study, the genes for melatonin synthetic enzymes including tryptophan decarboxylase, tryptamine 5‐hydroxylase ( T 5 H ), arylalkylamine N ‐acetyltransferase, and N ‐acetylserotonin methyltransferase were identified in ‘ R ed F uji’ apple. Each gene has several homologous genes. Sequence analysis shows that these genes have little homology with those of animals and they only have limited homology with known genes of rice melatonin synthetic enzymes. Multiple origins of melatonin synthetic genes during the evolution are expected. The expression of these genes is fully coordinated with melatonin production in apple development. Melatonin levels in apple exhibit an inverse relationship with the content of malondialdehyde, a product of lipid peroxidation. Two major melatonin synthetic peaks appeared on July 17 and on October 8 in both unbagged and bagged apple samples. At the periods mentioned above, apples experienced rapid expansion and increased respiration. These episodes significantly elevate reactive oxygen species production in the apple. Current data further confirmed that melatonin produced in apple was used to neutralize the toxic oxidants and protect the developing apple against oxidative stress.