Non-smoky glycosyltransferase1 prevents the release of smoky aroma from tomato fruit

Plant Cell. 2013 Aug;25(8):3067-78. doi: 10.1105/tpc.113.114231. Epub 2013 Aug 16.

Abstract

Phenylpropanoid volatiles are responsible for the key tomato fruit (Solanum lycopersicum) aroma attribute termed "smoky." Release of these volatiles from their glycosylated precursors, rather than their biosynthesis, is the major determinant of smoky aroma in cultivated tomato. using a combinatorial omics approach, we identified the non-smoky glycosyltransferase1 (NSGT1) gene. Expression of NSGT1 is induced during fruit ripening, and the encoded enzyme converts the cleavable diglycosides of the smoky-related phenylpropanoid volatiles into noncleavable triglycosides, thereby preventing their deglycosylation and release from tomato fruit upon tissue disruption. In an nsgt1/nsgt1 background, further glycosylation of phenylpropanoid volatile diglycosides does not occur, thereby enabling their cleavage and the release of corresponding volatiles. Using reverse genetics approaches, the NSGT1-mediated glycosylation was shown to be the molecular mechanism underlying the major quantitative trait locus for smoky aroma. Sensory trials with transgenic fruits, in which the inactive nsgt1 was complemented with the functional NSGT1, showed a significant and perceivable reduction in smoky aroma. NSGT1 may be used in a precision breeding strategy toward development of tomato fruits with distinct flavor phenotypes.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Chromatography, Liquid
  • Chromosome Segregation / genetics
  • Chromosomes, Plant / genetics
  • Eugenol / chemistry
  • Fruit / enzymology*
  • Fruit / genetics
  • Fruit / growth & development
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Plant
  • Genetic Markers
  • Genome, Plant / genetics
  • Glycosides / chemistry
  • Glycosides / metabolism
  • Glycosylation
  • Glycosyltransferases / metabolism*
  • Guaiacol / chemistry
  • Humans
  • Mass Spectrometry
  • Metabolome / genetics
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Odorants / analysis*
  • Phylogeny
  • Plant Proteins / genetics
  • Plant Proteins / metabolism*
  • Plants, Genetically Modified
  • Salicylates / chemistry
  • Solanum lycopersicum / enzymology*
  • Solanum lycopersicum / genetics
  • Solanum lycopersicum / metabolism
  • Transcription, Genetic

Substances

  • Genetic Markers
  • Glycosides
  • Plant Proteins
  • Salicylates
  • Eugenol
  • Guaiacol
  • Glycosyltransferases
  • methyl salicylate

Associated data

  • GENBANK/KC696865
  • GENBANK/KC696866
  • GENBANK/KC696867
  • GENBANK/KC696868