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(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

PHYTOCHROME-INTERACTING FACTOR 3 mediates light-dependent induction of tocopherol biosynthesis during tomato fruit ripening

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Author(s):
Gramegna, Giovanna [1] ; Rosado, Daniele [1] ; Sanchez Carranza, Ana Paula [1] ; Cruz, Aline Bertinatto [1] ; Simon-Moya, Miguel [2] ; Llorente, Briardo [2, 3, 4] ; Rodriguez-Concepcion, Manuel [2] ; Freschi, Luciano [1] ; Rossi, Magdalena [1]
Total Authors: 9
Affiliation:
[1] Univ Sao Paulo, Inst Biociencias, Dept Bot, Rua Matao 277, BR-05508900 Sao Paulo, SP - Brazil
[2] CSIC IRTA UAB UB, Ctr Res Agr Genom, Campus UAB Bellaterra, Barcelona 08193 - Spain
[3] Macquarie Univ, Dept Mol Sci, N Ryde, NSW 2109 - Australia
[4] CSIRO, Synthet Biol Future Sci Platform, Melbourne, Vic 3004 - Australia
Total Affiliations: 4
Document type: Journal article
Source: PLANT CELL AND ENVIRONMENT; v. 42, n. 4, p. 1328-1339, APR 2019.
Web of Science Citations: 6
Abstract

Tocopherols are important antioxidants exclusively produced in plastids that protect the photosynthetic apparatus from oxidative stress. These compounds with vitamin E activity are also essential dietary nutrients for humans. Although the tocopherol biosynthetic pathway has been elucidated, the mechanisms that regulate tocopherol production and accumulation remain elusive. Here, we investigated the regulatory mechanism underlying tocopherol biosynthesis during ripening in tomato fruits, which are an important source of vitamin E. Our results show that ripening under light conditions increases tocopherol fruit content in a phytochrome-dependent manner by the transcriptional regulation of biosynthetic genes. Moreover, we show that light-controlled expression of the GERANYLGERANYL DIPHOSPHATE REDUCTASE (SlGGDR) gene, responsible for the synthesis of the central tocopherol precursor phytyl diphosphate, is mediated by PHYTOCHROME-INTERACTING FACTOR 3 (SlPIF3). In the absence of light, SlPIF3 physically interacts with the promoter of SlGGDR, down-regulating its expression. By contrast, light activation of phytochromes prevents the interaction between SlPIF3 and the SlGGDR promoter, leading to transcriptional derepression and higher availability of the PDP precursor for tocopherol biosynthesis. The unraveled mechanism provides a new strategy to manipulate fruit metabolism towards improving tomato nutritional quality. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 16/01128-9 - Light and hormonal regulation of nutritional quality in Solanum lycopersicum
Grantee:Maria Magdalena Rossi
Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants