Transcriptome and targeted metabolomic integrated analysis reveals mechanisms of B vitamin accumulation in Areca catechu nut development

β-Ionone Treatment Enhances the Antioxidant Capacity in Postharvest Broccoli (Brassica oleracea L. var. Italica) by Maintaining the Levels of Bioactive Substances

Broccoli is prone to nutrient loss during postharvest storage due to its high respiratory metabolism. In this study, we investigated the effects of 0.1 mm β-ionone on bioactive substances and antioxidant capacity during postharvest storage of broccoli. We found that the decline in the scavenging rates of 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl and 2,2'-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonate) radicals was delayed in the treated florets. This delay is attributed to β-ionone treatment, which upregulated the expression of biosynthetic genes related to glucosinolates and riboflavin in broccoli, thereby slowing the loss of these nutrients. Additionally, β-ionone treatment increased the transcript levels of anabolic genes while reducing the expression of genes encoding enzymes involved in the catabolism of ascorbic acid (AsA) and glutathione (GSH), resulting in higher levels of AsA and GSH in treated broccoli compared to the control. Overall, β-ionone treatment enhanced antioxidant capacity by delaying the loss of bioactive substances in postharvest broccoli. These findings provide the first evidence that exogenous β-ionone helps preserve antioxidant capacity in postharvest horticultural products.

Extraction and identification of bioactive compounds from areca nut (Areca catechu L.) and potential for future applications

Areca (Areca catechu L.) nut is a tropical plantation fruit cultivated mainly in South and Southeast Asia. As a chewing hobby, it has become the most common psychoactive substance in the world, besides tobacco, alcohol, and caffeine. Areca catechu contains abundant nutrients and active components such as alkaloids, polyphenols, polysaccharides, proteins, and vitamins, which have been reported to have anti‐inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, anti‐depressant, anti‐hypertensive, anti‐fatigue, and other biological properties. However, at present, the resource utilization rate of the whole‐plant areca nut is low, which not only causes resource waste but also damages the environment. Establishing effective, safe, and environmentally friendly techniques and methods is necessary for the comprehensive utilization of A. catechu resources. In this review, we summarized the traditional and advanced methods for the extraction and identification of main bioactive substances in A. catechu and compared the advantages and disadvantages of these methods. Furthermore, the possible trends and perspectives for future use of A. catechu are also discussed. Our objective is to extend the application of this bioactive ingredient to improve the added value, provide valuable information for developing new A. catechu products and derivatives, and improve the comprehensive utilization of areca nut resources.

Integrated transcriptomic and lipidomic analysis provides key insights into lipid content changes during pecan (Carya illinoensis) fruit development

Pecans [Carya illinoinensis (Wangenh.) K. Koch] are highly valued for their abundance of quality healthy lipids, positively impacting human health and making themselves a preferred choice for nutritionally rich foods. However, a comprehensive understanding of the high-resolution characteristics of pecan fruit lipid composition and its dynamic changes, as well as the transfer between embryo and pericarp during development, remains incomplete. In this study, through integrated multi-omics analysis, we observed significant spatiotemporal heterogeneity in lipid changes between the pericarp and embryo. It showed smaller fluctuations and more stable lipid levels in the pericarp while exhibiting a dynamic pattern of initially increasing and then decreasing lipid content in the embryo. In this study, a total of 52 differentially expressed genes were identified, related to fatty acid synthesis and metabolism pathways in the two tissues, with changes in oleic acid and linoleic acid composition being the primary features of the embryo. This research lays the foundation for further understanding the differential regulation mechanisms of lipid metabolism between embryo and pericarp. Overall, this study filled the knowledge gap regarding dynamic changes in pericarp lipid metabolites, provided crucial insights into the lipid metabolism network during pecan fruit development, and established a scientific basis for the genetic improvement of pecan crops.

Comprehensive insights into areca nut: active components and omics technologies for bioactivity evaluation and quality control

Areca nut (AN), the fruit or seed of Areca catechu Linn, has many uses, including chewing and medicinal purposes. It has sparked worries about health due to the presence of alkaloids. Chewing AN may have a variety of negative consequences; however, the medicinal use of AN has no notable adverse effects. To completely understand and effectively use AN, researchers have investigated its chemical makeup or biological activity, analyzed the variations between different AN species and different periods, and improved extraction and processing procedures. Today, an increasing number of researchers are exploring the underlying reasons for AN variations, as well as the molecular mechanisms of biosynthesis of chemical components, to comprehend and change AN at the genetic level. This review presents an overview of the clinical study, pharmacology, and detection of the main bioactive components in AN, and the main factors influencing their content, delving into the omics applications in AN research. On the basis of the discussions and summaries, this review identifies current research gaps and proposes future directions for investigation.

Integrated transcriptomics and metabolomics analyses of the effects of bagging treatment on carotenoid biosynthesis and regulation of Areca catechu L

Introduction

Fresh Aareca nut fruit for fresh fruit chewing commonly found in green or dark green hues. Despite its economic significance, there is currently insufficient research on the study of color and luster of areca. And the areca nut fruits after bagging showed obvious color change from green to tender yellow. In the study, we tried to explain this interesting variation in exocarp color.

Methods

Fruits were bagged (with a double-layered black interior and yellow exterior) 45 days after pollination and subsequently harvested 120 days after pollination. In this study, we examined the the chlorophyll and carotenoid content of pericarp exocarp, integrated transcriptomics and metabolomics to study the effects of bagging on the carotenoid pathway at the molecular level.

Results

It was found that the chlorophyll and carotenoid content of bagged areca nut (YP) exocarp was significantly reduced. A total of 21 differentially expressed metabolites (DEMs) and 1784 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were screened by transcriptomics and metabolomics. Three key genes in the carotenoid biosynthesis pathway as candidate genes for qPCR validation by co-analysis, which suggested their role in the regulation of pathways related to crtB, crtZ and CYP707A.

Discussion

We described that light intensity may appear as a main factor influencing the noted shift from green to yellow and the ensuing reduction in carotenoid content after bagging.