Targeted quantitative profiling of metabolites and gene transcripts associated with 4-aminobutyrate (GABA) in apple fruit stored under multiple abiotic stresses

Abstract

Fruit storage: Biochemical effects in apples The low temperature, reduced oxygen and elevated carbon dioxide conditions under which harvested apples are often stored to delay ripening causes changes in gene activity and metabolism associated with the amino acid 4-aminobutyrate. The effect of these storage conditions, which expose the fruit to a state known as abiotic stress, has not previously been studied in detail. Researchers in Canada and the US, led by Barry Shelp at the University of Guelph in Ontario, studied Empire apples stored in the typical artificial storage conditions for up to 16 weeks. They identified several genes whose activity increased during the study period. These changes were accompanied by increased breakdown of proteins in the fruit, the accumulation of 4-aminobutyrate and altered levels of several other related biochemicals. Understanding these biochemical responses may help optimize fruit storage procedures.