Multi-omics data integration provides insights into the post-harvest biology of a long shelf-life tomato landrace. Issue 1 (31st January 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Aiese Cigliano, Riccardo; Aversano, Riccardo; Di Matteo, Antonio; Palombieri, Samuela; Termolino, Pasquale; Angelini, Claudia; Bostan, Hamed; Cammareri, Maria; Consiglio, Federica Maria; Della Ragione, Floriana; Paparo, Rosa; Valkov, Vladimir Totev; Vitiello, Antonella; Carputo, Domenico; Chiusano, Maria Luisa; D'Esposito, Maurizio; Grandillo, Silvana; Matarazzo, Maria Rosaria; Frusciante, Luigi; D'Agostino, Nunzio; Conicella, Clara
• Is Part Of: Horticulture research. Volume 9:Issue 1(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-01-31
• Subjects: Horticulture -- Research -- Periodicals; 635.072
• DOI: 10.1093/hr/uhab042
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2052-7276

Abstract

Abstract: In this study we investigated the transcriptome and epigenome dynamics of the tomato fruit during post-harvest in a landrace belonging to a group of tomatoes ( Solanum lycopersicum L.) collectively known as "Piennolo del Vesuvio", all characterized by a long shelf-life. Expression of protein-coding genes and microRNAs as well as DNA methylation patterns and histone modifications were analysed in distinct post-harvest phases. Multi-omics data integration contributed to the elucidation of the molecular mechanisms underlying processes leading to long shelf-life. We unveiled global changes in transcriptome and epigenome. DNA methylation increased and the repressive histone mark H3K27me3 was lost as the fruit progressed from red ripe to 150 days post-harvest. Thousands of genes were differentially expressed, about half of which were potentially epi-regulated as they were engaged in at least one epi-mark change in addition to being microRNA targets in ~5% of cases. Down-regulation of the ripening regulator MADS-RIN and of genes involved in ethylene response and cell wall degradation was consistent with the delayed fruit softening. Large-scale epigenome reprogramming that occurred in the fruit during post-harvest likely contributed to delayed fruit senescence.