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Objective The objective was to assess the efficacy by comparing the percent decrease in FASI (Freckles area and severity index) score in patients of facial freckles treated with Intense pulsed light (IPL) and electrofulguration. Methods This is a comparative interventional study conducted in Dermatology department Mayo Hospital Lahore. Total 240 patients with clinical diagnosis of freckles fulfilling the inclusion criteria were enrolled. Patients were randomly divided into two equal groups, group A (n=120) and group B (n=120). Group A was treated with IPL and group B was treated with electrofulguration. 1st treatment session was given at baseline and total 6 sessions were given with 4 weeks' interval for both treatment modalities. Photographs were taken and FASI score was calculated at baseline and at the end of 6th session. Results Out of 240 patients enrolled in the study, females (53%) out-numbered the males (47%). The percent decrease in FASI was 15.73% with IPL while with electrofulguration it was 14.29% with p value <0.05, showing comparable efficacy with both treatment modalities. Both IPL and electrofulguration showed highly significant reduction in freckles and FASI scores with minimal side effects like postinflammatory hyperpigmentation, erythema and mild pain. But post treatment side effects were less reported with IPL. Patients showed an excellent compliance with both treatment modalities. Conclusion Current study concluded that IPL and electrofulguration are both effective treatment modalities for freckles but post treatment side effects were less reported with IPL. These results have shown that IPL is a safer treatment option than electrofulguration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, we identified changes in protein expression patterns of grapevine buds when treated with hydrogen cyanamide (HC). HC induced a shift of more than 2-folds in the expression of 1250 proteins out of approximately 7000 detected proteins. The majority of the differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were localized in the chloroplast (419) and cytoplasm (347). Most of the detected DEPs were linked with energy metabolism, redox activity, hormone, and stress signaling. Particularly, the DEPs associated with defense and sugar metabolism showed significantly higher expression in HC-treated buds. Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) analysis revealed significant enrichment for circadian rhythm, ribosome, and metabolic pathways. Moreover, the antioxidant activity of peroxidase (POD) increased at initial stages but declined at later stages (18 days post-treatment). This study identified several dormancy-related proteins that regulated signaling, as well as metabolic pathways upon HC application. The outcome of this study provides insights into the role of HC in dormancy release for grapevine production, hence useful to alleviate yield losses in mild winter regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Atriplex crassifolia (A. crassifolia) is a locally occurring member of Chenopodiaceae family that has been used in folk medicine for the treatment of joint pain and inflammation. The present study was focused to determine the analgesic and anti-inflammatory potential of the plant. n-hexane (ACNH) and methanol (ACM) extracts of A. crassifolia were evaluated for in vitro anti-inflammatory potential using protein denaturation inhibition assay. In vivo anti-inflammatory potential was determined by oral administration of 250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg/day of extracts against carrageenan and formalin-induced paw edema models. Inflammatory mediators such as TNF-α, IL-10, IL-1β, NF-kB, IL-4, and IL-6 were estimated in blood samples of animals subjected to formalin model of inflammation. Analgesic activity was determined using acetic acid-induced writhing and tail flick assay model. Phytochemical profiling was done by GC–mass spectrophotometer. The results of in vitro anti-inflammatory activity revealed that both ACNH and ACM displayed eminent inhibition of protein denaturation in concentration-dependent manner. In acute in vivo carrageenan-induced paw edema model, both extracts reduced inflammation at 5th and 6th hour of study (p < 0.05). A. crassifolia extracts exhibited significant inhibition against formalin-induced inflammation with maximum effect at 1000 mg/kg. ACNH and ACM significantly augmented the inflammatory mediators (p < 0.05). Levels of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, and NF-kB were reduced, while those of IL-4 and IL-10 were upregulated. ACNH displayed maximum analgesic effect at 1000 mg/kg, while ACM showed potent activity at 500 and 1000 mg/kg. The extracts restored the CBC, TLC and CRP toward normal. GC–MS analysis revealed the presence of compounds like n-hexadecanoic acid, Phytol, (9E,11E)-octadecadienoic acid, 2-hydroxy-1-(hydroxymethyl) ethyl ester, 1-hexacosene, vitamin E, campesterol, stigmasterol, gamma sitosterol in both extracts. These compounds have been reported to suppress inflammation by inhibiting inflammatory cytokines. The current study concludes that A. crassifolia possesses significant anti-nociceptive and anti-inflammatory potential owing to the presence of phytochemicals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Dormancy is an essential stage of development in deciduous plants that allows them to tolerate the unfavorable environment. • During different dormancy stages, transcripts related to ABA and GA signaling showed differential expression pattern. • ABA and GA contents showed variation at three different dormancy stages. • This study will offer a useful approach to understand dormancy mechanism using pathway based transcriptomic approach. Abstract Dormancy is an essential stage of development in perennial plants that allows them to tolerate against unfavorable climatic conditions. Based on RNA-seq analysis, we compared the level of transcripts related to Gibberellins (GA) and Abscisic acid (ABA) at three different dormancy stages, i.e. summer buds (C1), para -dormancy (C2), and endo -dormancy (C3). Our results revealed a prominent up-regulation of GA and ABA signaling transcripts at different dormancy stages. Most of the transcripts related to protein phosphatase 2C (PP2C) showed down-regulatory behavior during C2 vs C3. In C1 vs C3, three transcripts related to PYR/PYLs were up-regulated while in C2 vs C3, only one had expressed the low transcript level. Four (SnRK2) related transcripts had exhibited down-regulation in case of C2 vs C3. Six transcripts encoding DELLA proteins in GA signaling pathway showed down-regulation in C1 vs C3 while ten transcripts were up-regulated in case of C2 vs C3. Nine transcripts encoding GID2 proteins were up-regulated in C1 vs C3 whereas six transcripts were down-regulated in C1 vs C3, respectively. The lower ABA content was observed at C3 stage as compared to other two stages whereas GA3 content was higher at C3 stage than C2 stage. The expression profiles depicted that the transcripts related to ABA and GA signaling were involved in dormancy mechanism. Based on these results we can speculate that ABA and GA pathways act as regulatory switches to regulate grape bud dormancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Grapevine ( Vitis vinifera L.) is considered to be one of the most popular and widespread fruit crops in the world. Numerous value added products are prepared from grape fruit and investments are being made to establish new viticulture region (Hoff et al., 2017; Imran et al., 2017). CPPU [forchlorfenuron N-(2-chloro-4-pyridyl)-N-phenylurea] is a synthetic cytokine-like plant regulator which promotes grape berry set and development. The influence of CPPU [forchlorfenuron N-(2-chloro-4-pyridyl)-N-phenylurea] on berry development of ‘Shine Muscat’ ( Vitis labruscana Bailey × V vinifera L.) grapes was evaluated under field conditions. A concentration response was observed over a range of 0, 5, and 10 mg L −1 CPPU that was applied to fruitlets (mean diameter 6 mm) at 2 weeks after full bloom. Gas-chromatography mass-spectrometry (GC–MS) revealed that volatile compounds such as terpenoids and aromatics; especially linalool, geraniol and benzyl alcohols, were greatly reduced in CPPU-treated grapes. In contrast, aliphatics, such as hexanol, were increased in CPPU-treated berries. RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) was conducted to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) that were induced by CPPU, especially those related to volatile biosynthesis. A total of 494, 1237, and 1085 DEGs were detected in CPPU0-vs-CPPU5, CPPU0-vs-CPPU10, and CPPU5-vs-CPPU10 treatments, respectively. The results were compared against two databases (Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG)) to annotate gene descriptions and assign a pathway to each gene. GO covers three domains: biological processes, molecular functions and cellular components. Pathway enrichment annotation demonstrated that highly ranked genes were associated with the fatty acid degradation and biosynthesis, phenylpropanoid metabolism and biosynthesis, carotenoid biosynthesis, and plant hormone signal transduction. Analysis with qRT-PCR of twelve selected transcripts validated the data obtained by RNA-seq. Additionally, we also found that genes such as CCDs (carotenoid cleavage dioxygenase), LOX (lipoxygenase), GGDP reductase (geranylgeranyl diphosphate reductase), PAL (phenylalanine ammonia-lyase) and some hormones related genes, were closely involved in the formation of volatiles compounds in CPPU treated berries. In summary, our results provide the first sequential transcriptomic atlas of CPPU treated grape berries which significantly increases our understanding of volatile metabolites and biosynthesis pathways in grape affected by CPPU. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Bud dormancy is an important biological phenomenon of perennial plants that enables them to survive under harsh environmental circumstances. Grape (Vitis vinifera) is one of the most grown fruit crop worldwide; however, underlying mechanisms involved in grape bud dormancy are not yet clear. This work was aimed to explore the underlying molecular mechanism regulating bud dormancy in grape. Results: We have performed transcriptome and differential transcript expression analyses of "Shine Muscat" grape buds using the Illumina RNA-seq system. Comparisons of transcript expression levels among three stages of dormancy, paradormancy (PD) vs endodormancy (ED), summer buds (SB) vs ED and SB vs PD, resulted in the detection of 8949, 9780 and 3938 differentially expressed transcripts, respectively. Out of approximately 78 million high-quality generated reads, 6096 transcripts were differentially expressed (log2 ratio ⩾ 1, FDR ⩽ 0.001). Grape reference genome was used for alignment of sequence reads and to measure the expression level of transcripts. Furthermore, findings obtained were then compared using two different databases; Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), to annotate the transcript descriptions and to assign a pathway to each transcript. KEGG analysis revealed that secondary metabolites biosynthesis and plant hormone signaling was found most enriched out of the 127 total pathways. In the comparisons of the PD vs ED and SB vs ED stages of grape buds, the gibberellin (GA) and abscisic acid (ABA) pathways were found to be the most enriched. The ABA and GA pathways were further analyzed to observe the expression pattern of differentially expressed transcripts. Transcripts related to the PP2C family (ABA pathway) were found to be up-regulated in the PD vs ED comparison and down-regulated in the SB vs ED and SB vs PD comparisons. GID1 family transcripts (GA pathway) were up-regulated while DELLA family transcripts were down-regulated during the three dormancy stages. Differentially expressed transcripts (DEGs) related to redox activity were abundant in the GO biological process category. RT-qPCR assay results for 12 selected transcripts validated the data obtained by RNA-seq. Conclusion: At this stage, taking into account the results obtained so far, it is possible to put forward a hypothesis for the molecular mechanism underlying grape bud dormancy, which may pave the way for ultimate improvements in the grape industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Volatile compounds are considered to be essential for the flavor and aroma quality of grapes. Thidiazuron (TDZ) is a commonly used growth regulator in grape cultivation that stimulates larger berries and prevents fruit drop. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of TDZ on the production of aroma volatiles and to identify the key genes involved in the terpene biosynthesis pathways that are affected by this compound. Treatment with TDZ had a negative effect on the concentration of volatile compounds, especially on monoterpenes, which likely impacts the sensory characteristics of the fruit. The expression analysis of genes related to the monoterpenoid biosynthesis pathways confirmed that treatment with TDZ negatively regulated the key genes DXS1, DXS3, DXR, HDR, VvPNGer and VvPNlinNer1. Specifically, the expression levels of the aforementioned genes were down-regulated in almost all berry development stages in the TDZ-treated samples. The novel results from the present study can be used to aid in the development of food products which maintain the flavor quality and sensory characteristics of grape. Furthermore, these findings can provide the theoretical basis that can help to optimize the utilization of TDZ for the field production of grapes at a commercial scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrogen cyanamide (HC) is an agrochemical compound that is frequently used to break bud dormancy in grapevines grown under mild winter conditions globally. The present study was carried out to provide an in-depth understanding of the molecular mechanism associated with HC releasing bud dormancy in grapevines. For this purpose, RNA-seq based transcriptomic and tandem mass tag (TMT)-based proteomic information was acquired and critically analyzed. The combined results of transcriptomic and proteomic analysis were utilized to demonstrate differential expression pattern of genes at the translational and transcriptional levels. The outcome of the proteomic analysis revealed that a total of 7135 proteins (p-value ≤ 0.05; fold change ≥ 1.5) between the treatments (HC treated versus control) were identified, out of which 6224 were quantified. Among these differentially expressed proteins (DEPs), the majority of these proteins were related to heat shock, oxidoreductase activity, and energy metabolism. Metabolic, ribosomal, and hormonal signaling pathways were found to be significantly enriched at both the transcriptional and translational levels. It was illustrated that genes associated with metabolic and oxidoreductase activity were mainly involved in the regulation of bud dormancy at the transcriptomic and proteomic levels. The current work furnishes a new track to decipher the molecular mechanism of bud dormancy after HC treatment in grapes. Functional characterization of key genes and proteins will be informative in exactly pinpointing the crosstalk between transcription and translation in the release of bud dormancy after HC application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective The objective of this study was to see the efficacy of intralesional vitamin D3 injection in treatment of warts. The efficacy was assessed in the term of =50% improvement in warts after treatment at 3rd month. Methods This was a descriptive case series study and was completed in 6 months duration in dermatology department, Mayo hospital Lahore. A total of 97 cases of cutaneous warts fulfilling inclusion criteria were enrolled after getting approval from hospital ethical committee. All cases were included through OPD of Dermatology, Mayo Hospital Lahore after taking informed consent. Initially, lesions were anaesthetized with 0.1 ml of prilocaine (20 mg/ml). A 21-gauge syringe was used to inject 0.2 ml of vitamin D3 (7.5 mg/ml) slowly into the base of each wart. According to the treatment protocol, injections of vitamin D3 were given monthly with a maximum of 2 sessions. Per single session, the total amount injected into a patient was 7.5 mg. The whole procedure was done by consultant dermatologist having more than 5 years of experience. The treatment response = 50% was recorded as per operational definition at 3rd month. All data was recorded by researchers themselves on the prescribed proforma. Results The mean age of all cases was 40.94±11.53 with minimum and maximum age as 18 and 60 years. There were 56 (57.7%) male and 41 (42.3%) female cases. A total of 79 (81.4%) cases achieved efficacy of treatment while in 18 (18.6%) cases efficacy was not seen. Efficacy was seen in 77.5% cases who had duration of disease < 6 months and 92.3% of cases who had duration of disease since = 6 months. The frequency of efficacy was statistically same in both genders and both duration of disease groups. These results showed that intralesional vitamin D3 was effective in the treatment of different types of cutaneous warts with high significance level. Conclusion It was concluded that intralesional vitamin D3 injection was highly effective in treatment of cutaneous warts. Hence, intralesional vitamin D3 being an effective, inexpensive and safe treatment must be opted for this common problem in our society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is indispensable to comprehend the mechanism that regulates plant responses to drought conditions to intensify the water use efficiency of stone fruits. The physiological, biochemical and molecular responses of drought-treated peach leaves were investigated. Results revealed that drought-treated plants manifested a significant attenuation in water potential as compared to control plants. Furthermore, sorbitol and proline contents were accumulated contrary to glucose, fructose, and sucrose that were dwindled significantly throughout the drought period. Similarly, the activities of antioxidant enzymes and expression pattern of related genes were hoisted to counter the lipid peroxidation in drought-treated plants. Moreover, reduced stomatal conductance has repressed the photosynthesis process and linked genes during drought stress. The expression level of regulatory genes (dehydration-responsive element-bindings and WRKYs) exhibited up-regulation in the drought-treated group. Overall, this study asserts that 'Yoshihime' peach cultivar possesses unique physiological, biochemical, and molecular responses under different spells of drought stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Psoriasis is chronic inflammatory disease having prevalence of 3% in developed world. Most of these patients have low levels of serum vitamin D. The objective of the study is to determine vitamin D levels in serum of patients having chronic plaque psoriasis. Methods In this cross sectional study 400 patients who fulfilled the selection criteria were enrolled from Dermatology Department Mayo Hospital Lahore over 6 months (June 6, 2018-December 6, 2018). Informed consent was taken. Demographic profile was noted. Their blood samples were taken after aseptic measures and sent to hospital laboratory for analysis of Vitamin D levels by ELISA method. The levels of Vitamin D3 were labeled as; Deficient (<20ng/ml), Insufficient (20ng/ml-30ng/ml), Desirable (>30ng/ml). Results The mean age of patients was 30.20±5.81 years with range of 18-40 years. 177(44.2%) cases were 18-29 years old and 223 (55.8%) cases were 30-40 years of age. There were 166 (41.5%) males and 234 (58.5%) cases were female. A total of 168(42%) cases had disease duration 6->12 months and 232(58%) cases had disease duration >12 months. A total of 118 (29.5%) cases had mild, 183 (45.75%) cases had moderate and 99 (24.75%) cases had severe disease. There were 69(17.2%) cases that had desirable vitamin D levels, 135 (33.8%) cases had vitamin D deficiency while 196 (49%) cases had insufficient vitamin D levels. Conclusion Findings of this study concludes that only 17.2% patients had desirable vitamin D levels while rest of the 82.8% cases had low levels of vitamin D levels. Hence, while treating patients with psoriasis, treatment of Vitamin D deficiency must also be considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Atopic dermatitis is an itchy dry skin problem commonly present in children. The evaluation of vitamin D level in atopic patients with regular supplementation can help to improve disease outcome and prognosis. To find frequency of serum 25(OH) D (vitamin D) level in patients of atopic dermatitis. Methods This cross sectional study was performed at Mayo Hospital Lahore, dermatology facility, over a period of 6 months. A total of 95 clinically diagnosed cases of atopic dermatitis (AD) meeting inclusion criteria were enrolled after taking informed consent. All basic demographical data and other contact details were taken from each patient. Blood samples were taken from the antecubital veins and were sent to hospital laboratory for the measurement of serum 25(OH) D levels. Results The mean age of cases was 21.93±13.02 years with minimum and maximum age as 1and 45 years. There were 51 male and 44 female cases. The mean body mass index (BMI) was 25.39±3.62 with minimum and maximum BMI as 20.10 and 32.70. The mean serum vitamin D level was 31.26±13.85ng/ml with minimum and maximum serum vitamin D level as 15.20 and 54.90ng/ml. There were 44 (46.3%) cases who had serum level of vitamin D <20ng/ml and 51(53.7%) cases had serum level of vitamin D =20ng/ml. Conclusion It is concluded that frequency of serum vitamin D level <20ng/ml was seen in 46.3%. Hence in patients of atopic dermatitis vitamin D levels should be checked and if found low then vitamin D supplementation must be given additionally. This additional supplementation will help patients to reduce the severity of the disease and better prognosis of standard care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dodder (Cuscuta reflexa Roxb.) is found locally as parasitic weed on host plants. This plant often causes irritation on the hands. The main objective of the present investigation was to evaluate its irritation potential on animal skin. Skins irritating chemical constituents were separated in the form of various fractions. To do this, solvents with various polarities were used to extract least-polar compounds (petroleum ether extract), constituents of intermediate polarities [Chloroform (CHCl3) extract] and polar constituents [methanol (MeOH) extract] from pulverized biomass of Cuscuta reflexa. Ten fractions were collected from methanol extract by Liquid Column Chromatography and purified by Thin Layer Chromatography. The irritation potential of these purified fractions was evaluated on rabbit's skin. Fractions eluted by CHCI3 / MeOH (90:10), CHCI3 / MeOH (40:60) and CHCI3 / MeOH (20:80) showed more irritant potential. These biologically active purified fractions were characterized by Ultra Violet (UV) and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The presence of -OH, -COOH, or ketonic group and a double bond in these fractions were liable to be reacted with the cell membrane and cellular contents of both superficial and deeper layers of epidermis causing irritancy. It was concluded that Cuscuta reflexa contained skin irritant compounds. © 2014 Friends Science Publishers [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Comprehensive analysis of chestnut phenylpropanoids and flavonoids (PFs) biosynthesis. • Forty-four DAMs and 58 DEGs were annotated to PFs biosynthesis pathway. • WGCNA identifies key module involved in PFs biosynthesis. Chinese chestnut is a globally important tree nut crop. The kernels of chestnut form a rich source of phenylpropanoids and flavonoids (PFs), which are important bioactive phytochemicals with potential health and nutritional benefits. To explore the metabolic basis of PFs accumulation in Chinese chestnut kernels, untargeted metabolomic and transcriptomic analysis of four kernel developmental stages (HLS1-HLS4) were performed. In total, 455 (in positive ion mode) and 521 (in negative ion mode) differentially accumulated metabolites (DAMs) were identified. Most components were classified into the categories "organic acids and derivatives", "lipids and lipid-like molecules" and "phenylpropanoids and polyketides", with twenty-five and nineteen DAMs annotated as phenylpropanoids and flavonoids respectively. Furthermore, transcriptomics analysis of the kernels was used to assess transcript expression levels. The phenylpropanoid biosynthesis pathway (ko00940) was significantly enriched in the comparison of HLS1-vs-HLS4, HLS2-vs-HLS3, HLS2-vs-HLS4, HLS3-vs-HLS4. Weighted gene co-expression correlation network analysis (WGCNA) was performed by integrating metabolomics and transcriptomics data to investigate the association between PFs and their structural genes, which revealed key enzyme genes (PAL, C4H, 4CL, CHS, CHI, F3H, F3′H, DFR and LAR) linked to the synthesis of PFs. In addition, key members of transcription factors families (e.g., ERFs) that potentially participate in the regulation of PFs biosynthesis by acting on structural gene promoters were screened with a correlative analysis method according to their specific expression patterns in chestnut kernels. This comprehensive data set lays a foundation for further research into the biosynthesis and metabolism of PFs, which will be valuable for genetically improving and future breeding of high-PFs Chinese chestnut varieties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the deeper coloring mechanism of berry, the 'Benitaka' (Be) grape, ABA treatment on 'Benitaka' (Be (ABA)), and its deeper coloring bud mutation 'Brasil' (Br) grape were compared three weeks post-ABA treatment (11 weeks post-flowering, 200 mg/g ABA). Firstly, the ABA-treated group exhibited a deeper coloring at three weeks post-ABA treatment than the 'Brasil'. Deeper color in 'Brasil' was caused by higher content of peonidin-3-O-monoglucoside, malvidin-3-O-monoglucoside, and malvidin-3-O-coumarylglucoside, while the deeper color in ABA-treated group was mainly caused by higher content of cyanidin-3-O-monoglucoside and peonidin-3-O-monoglucoside. In addition, the results revealed that 'Brasil' showed deeper coloring than 'Benitaka' was probably due to the higher expression of the VvmybA1 and VvmybA1-1 genes, similar with ABA-treated group. Compared with 'Benitaka', the distinction between the ABA-treated group and 'Brasil' was the expression of VvmybA1 gene. The gene expression was delayed in the ABA-treated group until three weeks post treatment. The VvmybA1 gene and transcription factor play an important role in the anthocyanin biosynthesis, and showed the difference in expressions of the VvmybA1 and VvmybA1-1 gene during different period of time probably due to different kind of anthocyanins. Based on these results, a possible mechanism of anthocyanins biosynthesis was established to elaborate the reason for the deeper coloring in ABA-treated 'Benitaka' and 'Brasil' grapes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • 25 mg/L GA 3 +10 mg/L CPPU can nearly eliminated russet on grape berry peel. • The changes of enzyme activity (PAL) can effect the russet on grape berry peel. • Coatomer subunit beta'-2 (like) genes may participate in the elimination of russet. Abstract Russet on grape peel is a physiological disorder that effects grape quality and can be reduced or eliminated by different concentrations of GA 3 (gibberellic acid) + CPPU (N-(2-chloro-4-pyridyl)-N'-phenylurea). We have performed transcriptome and differential transcript expression analyses in 'Shine Muscat' grape at fruiting stage using Illumina RNA-seq to elucidate the mechanisms of russet elimination. 'Shine Muscat' clusters were treated with 25 mg/L GA 3 (GA) at full-bloom stage and 15 days after the full-bloom stage had a far less rusted appearance (˜5% of total peel) as compared to control treatment (CK) (> 20% of total peel). Approximately all russeted peel was eliminated after treatment with (25 mg/L GA3 + 10 mg/L CPPU) at full-bloom stage and 15 days after full-bloom stage (GA + CPPU). Measurement of enzyme activity indicated the GA + CPPU treatment had the lowest phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL), 4-coumarate (4CL), and peroxidase (POD) enzyme activity. Analyses of three RNA-seq libraries identified 2385 transcripts (1271 up-regulated transcripts and 1114 down-regulated transcripts) with significant expression changes. RNA-seq and qRT-PCR following GA3 and CPPU application identified two putative mechanisms responsible for reducing or eliminating russet at berry pericarp: PAL activity was positively correlated with russet on peel and up-regulation of condition-specific genes expressed in the endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi non-clathrin-coated vesicles genes are potentially involved in the elimination of russet. GA 3 coupled with CPPU can approximately eliminate russet after application of above mentioned treatments.and PAL activity is shown to positively correlated with the elimination of russet. Furthermore, other factors are likely to be involved in the elimination of russet due to up-regulation of condition-specific coatomer subunit beta'-2 like genes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Physiological (metabolite analysis) and molecular (gene expression) approaches were used to understand the mechanism underlying russet formation in response to the application of GA3 and CPPU (Forchlorfenuron) in a Japanese table grape cultivar 'Shine Muscat'. Several different concentrations of GA3 and GA3 + CPPU [25 mg L−1 GA3 (A), 25 mg L−1 GA3 + 5 mg L−1 CPPU (B), 25 mg L−1 GA3 + 10 mg L−1 CPPU (C), and 25 mg L−1 GA3 + 15 mg L−1 CPPU (D)] were applied to grape berry clusters at two weeks after flowering (WAF). No russet was observed on the berries treated with the 'C' combination. Lower levels of phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) activity was observed in the treated samples, relative to the untreated material. Reduced peroxide (POD) activity was also observed in response to different treatments, while the expression of Peroxidase 17 and Phenylalanine ammonia-lyase G1 genes mirrored lignin content. Increased activity of 4-coenzyme A ligase (4CL) may contribute to decreasing the level of russet and help to improve grape berry quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bud dormancy is an essential and complex physiological process in perennial plants. Abscisic acid (ABA) is the major hormone regulating bud dormancy, however, the gene, SHORT VEGETATIVE PHASE (SVP) also plays a pivotal role. The combined regulation of SVP and ABA in the endodormancy network remains poorly characterized. In the present study, we demonstrate the growth inhibitory functions of VvSVP3 by its overexpressing it in tobacco and poplar. VvSVP3 -overexpressing poplar plants prematurely stopped growing under short day, exhibiting delayed bud break in early spring. VvSVP3 regulates ABA, the gibberellic acid (GA) pathway, and the callose synthesis to promote dormancy within its network. In addition, exogenous application of ABA positively affects VvSVP3 expression. A transcriptomics and proteomics combined approach identified that VvPYL9 is a target gene of VvSVP3 , which directly binds to a CArG motif in the VvPYL9 promoter to activate its expression. In summary, our results revealed the feedback regulation between VvSVP3 gene, ABA metabolism, and the dormancy signaling pathway in grape. It also provides new insights into the functional role of callose and ABA regulation in dormancy. • VvSVP3 induces callose synthesis and VvPYL9 expression, and simultaneously negatively regulates the GA metabolic pathway to maintain dormancy. • VvSVP3 gene prevents premature budbreak during dormancy. • VvSVP3 functions in vivo by forming heterodimers with other VvSVP genes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Japanese apricot is an imperative stone fruit plant with numerous processing importance. The failure of reproductive system is the most common cause of fruit loss, through which pistil abortion is the fundamental one. To understand this mechanism, we used a combination of transcriptomic and metabolomic approaches to investigate the biochemical and molecular basis of flavonoid biosynthesis. Due to the regulated expression of flavonoid pathway-related genes in plants, flavonoid biosynthesis is largely regulated at the transcriptional level. A total of 2272 differently expressed genes and 215 differential metabolites were found. The expression of the genes and metabolites encoding flavonoid biosynthesis was lower in abnormal pistils that are in line with the flavonoid quantification from abnormal pistils. Besides, a couple of genes were also detected related to MYB, MADS, NAC and bHLH transcription factors. Remarkably, we found 'hydroxycinnamoyl transferase (LOC103323133)' and flavonoid related metabolite '2-hydroxycinnamic acid' was lower expressed in abnormal pistil, proposing the cause of pistil abortion. Collectively, the present study delivers inclusive transcriptional and metabolic datasets that proposed valuable prospects to unravel the genetic mechanism underlying pistil abortion. [Display omitted] • The biochemical and molecular basis of flavonoid biosynthesis is studied using transcriptomic and metabolomics approaches • The expression of the genes and metabolites encoding flavonoid biosynthesis was lower in abnormal pistils • "Hydroxycinnamoyl transferase' and '2-hydroxycinnamic acid' was lower expressed might be the cause of pistil abortion [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Significant variations were observed during sugar accumulation at different stages in apricot. • The genes related to sugar metabolism and transport in apricot were extensively studied. • ParSuSy5 , ParSuSy6 , ParSuSy7 and ParFK1 genes were highly expressed during sugar accumulation. Sugars are considered as an essential signaling molecule for fruit growth and development, which plays a key role in fruit quality. Up to now, the mechanism controlling sugar metabolism and transport in apricot is unclear. Therefore, in the present study, we measured sugar contents at six different stages of fruit development and ripening, and significant variations were observed throughout these stages. The concentration of glucose and fructose first decreased then increased, sucrose concentration first increased then decreased, while the concentration of sorbitol gradually decreased from growth to maturity. Furthermore, thirty sugar transporter genes related to sucrose synthesis and transport were identified and categorized into different subfamilies based on the phylogenetic analysis. The result of cis -regulatory components showed that under different plant hormones, biotic and abiotic stresses, few elements could be regulated. The correlation analysis showed a higher relationship between ParSuSy5, ParSuSy6, ParSuSy7, and ParFK1 genes and sugar contents, indicating that these genes might have a key role in sugar accumulation and fruit quality. In general, these findings will provide a deep understanding of genomic information and expression profiles of sugar transporter genes, which will contribute toward improvement in fruit quality of apricot. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]