Quinic acids from Aster caucasicus and from transgenic callus expressing a beta-amyrin synthase.

Several different classes of secondary metabolites, including flavonoids, triterpenoid saponins and quinic acid derivatives, are found in Aster spp. (Fam. Asteraceae). Several Aster compounds revealed biological as well as pharmacological activities. In this work, a phytochemical investigation of A. caucasicus evidenced the presence of quinic acid derivatives, as well as the absence of triterpene saponins. To combine in one species the production of different phytochemicals, including triterpenes, an Agrobacterium-mediated transformation of A. caucasicus was set up to introduce A. sedifolius β-amyrin synthase (AsOXA1)-encoding gene under the control of the constitutive promoter CaMV35S. The quali-quantitative analysis of transgenic calli with ectopic expression of AsOXA1 showed, in one sample, a negligible amount of triterpene saponins combined with higher amount of quinic acid derivatives as compared with the wild type callus

Investigating physicochemical, volatile and sensory parameters playing a positive or a negative role on tomato liking

This study aimed at providing further insights into the positive and negative drivers of tomato liking. For this purpose, 13 tomato cultivars representing different typologies were characterized for physicochemical parameters and aroma volatiles, and were assessed by a trained panel for sensory descriptors, and by Italian consumers for liking. The relationships among the different parameters and their effects on consumer liking were studied by Partial Least Squares (PLS) analysis. Among physicochemical traits and sensory descriptors, seeds, reducing sugars, firmness, thick epicarp, soluble solids, sour taste, total acidity, citrate, herbaceous aroma and brightness were found to be drivers of liking, whereas pulp thickness, humidity, fruit weight, diacetyl-like odor and mealiness showed an opposite influence. For the aroma volatiles, 2-isobutylthiazole played a key role on liking and its positive contribution seemed to be supported by (Z)-3-hexen-1-ol, but suppressed by 6-methyl-5-hepten-2-ol, especially when tomatoes had a poor volatile fraction. These results represent a contribution to the knowledge that could lead to more effective breeding strategies aimed at improving tomato sensory quality. (c) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved

Multi-omics data integration provides insights into the post-harvest biology of a long shelf-life tomato landrace

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

TP53 and p16INK4A, but not H-KI-Ras, are involved in tumorigenesis and progression of pleomorphic adenomas.

The putative role of TP53 and p16INK4A tumor suppressor genes and Ras oncogenes in the development and progression of salivary gland neoplasias was studied in 28 cases of pleomorphic adenomas (PA), 4 cases of cystic adenocarcinomas, and 1 case of carcinoma ex-PA. Genetic and epigenetic alterations in the above genes were analyzed by Polymerase Chain Reaction/Single Strand Conformational Polymorphism (PCR/SSCP) and sequencing and by Methylation Specific-PCR (MS-PCR). Mutations in TP53 were found in 14% (4/28) of PAs and in 60% (3/5) of carcinomas. Mutations in H-Ras and K-Ras were identified in4%(1/28) and7% (2/28) of PAs, respectively. Only 20% (1/5) of carcinomas screened displayed mutations in K-Ras. p16INK4A promoter hypermethylation was found in 14% (4/28) of PAs and 100% (5/5) carcinomas. All genetic and epigenetic alterations were detected exclusively in the epithelial and transitional tumor components, and were absent in the mesenchymal parts. Our analysis suggests that TP53 mutations and p16INK4A promoter methylation, but not alterations in the H-Ras and K-Ras genes, might be involved in the malignant progression of PA into carcinoma. J. Cell. Physiol. 207: 654–659, 2006. 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc

Whole-genome re-sequencing of two Italian tomato landraces reveals sequence variations in genes associated with stress tolerance, fruit quality and long shelf-life traits

Tomato is a high value crop and the primary model for fleshy fruit development and ripening. Breeding priorities include increased fruit quality, shelf life and tolerance to stresses. To contribute towards this goal, we re-sequenced the genomes of Corbarino (COR) and Lucariello (LUC) landraces, which both possess the traits of plant adaptation to water deficit, prolonged fruit shelf-life and good fruit quality. Through the newly developed pipeline Reconstructor, we generated the genome sequences of COR and LUC using datasets of 65.8M and 56.4M of 30–150bp paired-end reads, respectively. New contigs including reads that could not be mapped to the tomato reference genome were assembled, and a total of 43, 054 and 44, 579 gene loci were annotated in COR and LUC. Both genomes showed novel regions with similarity to Solanum pimpinellifolium and Solanum pennellii. In addition to small deletions and insertions, 2, 000 and 1, 700 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) could exert potentially disruptive effects on 1, 371 and 1, 201 genes in COR and LUC, respectively. A detailed survey of the SNPs occurring in fruit quality, shelf life and stress tolerance related-genes identified several candidates of potential relevance. Variations in ethylene response components may concur in determining peculiar phenotypes of COR and LUC

Sensory Traits and Consumer’s Perceived Quality of Traditional and Modern Fresh Market Tomato Varieties: A Study in Three European Countries

Consumer dissatisfaction with the flavor quality of many modern fresh market tomato varieties has fostered breeders’ interest in sensory quality improvement, and the demand for traditional varieties, which are generally associated with better flavor. To achieve further knowledge on the factors influencing the sensory quality and consumers’ preferences and perception, European traditional and modern fresh market tomato varieties were grown and evaluated in France, Italy, and Spain. Different growing conditions were tested in France (soilless vs. soil) and in Spain (open field vs. greenhouse), while in Italy fruits were evaluated at two ripening stages. Fruit quality was assessed by integrating physicochemical analyses, sensory profiles, and consumer tests. In all three countries, overall modern varieties were perceived as having more intense “tomato flavor” and “overall flavor” than traditional ones. In France and Spain, consumers’ preferences were more oriented towards modern varieties than traditional ones. Significant growing condition effects were found on sensory and physicochemical traits, while the effect on consumers’ overall liking was not significant, largely depending on the genotype. A fair agreement between product configurations from descriptive analysis by trained assessors and Check-All-That-Apply (CATA) questions by consumers was observed. Penalty-lift analysis based on CATA allowed identifying positive and negative drivers of liking

Identification, introgression, and validation of fruit volatile QTLs from a red-fruited wild tomato species

[EN] Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are major determinants of fruit flavor, a primary objective in tomato breeding. A recombinant inbred line (RIL) population consisting of 169 lines derived from a cross between Solanum lycopersicum and a red-fruited wild tomato species Solanum pimpinellifolium accession (SP) was characterized for VOCs in three different seasons. Correlation and hierarchical cluster analyses were performed on the 52 VOCs identified, providing a tool for the putative assignation of individual compounds to metabolic pathways. Quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis, based on a genetic linkage map comprising 297 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), revealed 102 QTLs (75% not described previously) corresponding to 39 different VOCs. The SP alleles exerted a positive effect on most of the underlying apocarotenoid volatile QTLs-regarded as desirable for liking tomato-indicating that alleles inherited from SP are a valuable resource for flavor breeding. An introgression line (IL) population developed from the same parental genotypes provided 12 ILs carrying a single SP introgression and covering 85 VOC QTLs, which were characterized at three locations. The results showed that almost half of the QTLs previously identified in the RILs maintained their effect in an IL form, reinforcing the value of these QTLs for flavor/aroma breeding in cultivated tomato.We thank Erika Moro for valuable help in volatile analysis of the ILs. WB was supported by a fellowship granted by the Universidad de Costa Rica and CSIC-Spain by way of a collaboration agreement between CSIC/UCR. Volatile profiling was performed in the Metabolomic facilities of the IBMCP, CSIC (Spain). This work was supported in part by the Spanish MINECO Project AGL2015-65246-R co-financed by EU FEDER, MINECO Project AGL2011-26957, and the Bilateral agreements of Scientific and Technological Cooperation between the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC) and the Italian National Research Council (CNR). Funding for this project was provided through TRADITOM. TRADITOM has received funding from the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 634561. Networking activities were supported by COST action Fruit Quality FA 1106.Rambla Nebot, JL.; Medina, A.; Fernández Del Carmen, MA.; Barrantes, W.; Grandillo, S.; Cammareri, M.; López Casado, G.... (2016). Identification, introgression, and validation of fruit volatile QTLs from a red-fruited wild tomato species. Journal of Experimental Botany. 68(3):429-442. https://doi.org/10.1093/jxb/erw455S429442683Alba, J. M., Montserrat, M., & Fernández-Muñoz, R. (2008). Resistance to the two-spotted spider mite (Tetranychus urticae) by acylsucroses of wild tomato (Solanum pimpinellifolium) trichomes studied in a recombinant inbred line population. Experimental and Applied Acarology, 47(1), 35-47. doi:10.1007/s10493-008-9192-4Abegaz, E. G., Tandon, K. S., Scott, J. W., Baldwin, E. A., & Shewfelt, R. L. (2004). Partitioning taste from aromatic flavor notes of fresh tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum, Mill) to develop predictive models as a function of volatile and nonvolatile components. Postharvest Biology and Technology, 34(3), 227-235. doi:10.1016/j.postharvbio.2004.05.023Baldwin, E. A., Goodner, K., & Plotto, A. (2008). Interaction of Volatiles, Sugars, and Acids on Perception of Tomato Aroma and Flavor Descriptors. Journal of Food Science, 73(6), S294-S307. doi:10.1111/j.1750-3841.2008.00825.xBarrantes, W., Fernández-del-Carmen, A., López-Casado, G., González-Sánchez, M. Á., Fernández-Muñoz, R., Granell, A., & Monforte, A. J. (2014). Highly efficient genomics-assisted development of a library of introgression lines of Solanum pimpinellifolium. Molecular Breeding, 34(4), 1817-1831. doi:10.1007/s11032-014-0141-0Buttery, R. G., & Ling, L. C. (1993). Volatile Components of Tomato Fruit and Plant Parts. Bioactive Volatile Compounds from Plants, 23-34. doi:10.1021/bk-1993-0525.ch003Capel, C., Fernández del Carmen, A., Alba, J. M., Lima-Silva, V., Hernández-Gras, F., Salinas, M., … Lozano, R. (2015). Wide-genome QTL mapping of fruit quality traits in a tomato RIL population derived from the wild-relative species Solanum pimpinellifolium L. Theoretical and Applied Genetics, 128(10), 2019-2035. doi:10.1007/s00122-015-2563-4Chen, G., Hackett, R., Walker, D., Taylor, A., Lin, Z., & Grierson, D. (2004). Identification of a Specific Isoform of Tomato Lipoxygenase (TomloxC) Involved in the Generation of Fatty Acid-Derived Flavor Compounds. Plant Physiology, 136(1), 2641-2651. doi:10.1104/pp.104.041608Eisen, M. B., Spellman, P. T., Brown, P. O., & Botstein, D. (1998). Cluster analysis and display of genome-wide expression patterns. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 95(25), 14863-14868. doi:10.1073/pnas.95.25.14863Fowlkes, E. B., & Mallows, C. L. (1983). A Method for Comparing Two Hierarchical Clusterings. Journal of the American Statistical Association, 78(383), 553. doi:10.2307/2288117Goulet, C., Kamiyoshihara, Y., Lam, N. B., Richard, T., Taylor, M. G., Tieman, D. M., & Klee, H. J. (2015). Divergence in the Enzymatic Activities of a Tomato and Solanum pennellii Alcohol Acyltransferase Impacts Fruit Volatile Ester Composition. Molecular Plant, 8(1), 153-162. doi:10.1016/j.molp.2014.11.007Goulet, C., Mageroy, M. H., Lam, N. B., Floystad, A., Tieman, D. M., & Klee, H. J. (2012). Role of an esterase in flavor volatile variation within the tomato clade. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 109(46), 19009-19014. doi:10.1073/pnas.1216515109Klee, H. J., & Tieman, D. M. (2013). Genetic challenges of flavor improvement in tomato. Trends in Genetics, 29(4), 257-262. doi:10.1016/j.tig.2012.12.003Kochevenko, A., Araújo, W. L., Maloney, G. S., Tieman, D. M., Do, P. T., Taylor, M. G., … Fernie, A. R. (2012). Catabolism of Branched Chain Amino Acids Supports Respiration but Not Volatile Synthesis in Tomato Fruits. Molecular Plant, 5(2), 366-375. doi:10.1093/mp/ssr108Louveau, T., Leitao, C., Green, S., Hamiaux, C., van der Rest, B., Dechy-Cabaret, O., … Chervin, C. (2010). Predicting the substrate specificity of a glycosyltransferase implicated in the production of phenolic volatiles in tomato fruit. FEBS Journal, 278(2), 390-400. doi:10.1111/j.1742-4658.2010.07962.xMageroy, M. H., Tieman, D. M., Floystad, A., Taylor, M. G., & Klee, H. J. (2011). A Solanum lycopersicum catechol-O-methyltransferase involved in synthesis of the flavor molecule guaiacol. The Plant Journal, 69(6), 1043-1051. doi:10.1111/j.1365-313x.2011.04854.xMathieu, S., Cin, V. D., Fei, Z., Li, H., Bliss, P., Taylor, M. G., … Tieman, D. M. (2008). Flavour compounds in tomato fruits: identification of loci and potential pathways affecting volatile composition. Journal of Experimental Botany, 60(1), 325-337. doi:10.1093/jxb/ern294Matsui, K., Ishii, M., Sasaki, M., Rabinowitch, H. D., & Ben-Oliel, G. (2007). Identification of an Allele Attributable to Formation of Cucumber-like Flavor in Wild Tomato Species (Solanum pennellii) That Was Inactivated during Domestication. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 55(10), 4080-4086. doi:10.1021/jf063756bMATSUI, K., MIYAHARA, C., WILKINSON, J., HIATT, B., KNAUF, V., & KAJIWARA, T. (2000). Fatty Acid Hydroperoxide Lyase in Tomato Fruits: Cloning and Properties of a Recombinant Enzyme Expressed inEscherichia coli. Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Biochemistry, 64(6), 1189-1196. doi:10.1271/bbb.64.1189Monforte, A. J., & Tanksley, S. D. (2000). Development of a set of near isogenic and backcross recombinant inbred lines containing most of the Lycopersicon hirsutum genome in a L. esculentum genetic background: A tool for gene mapping and gene discovery. Genome, 43(5), 803-813. doi:10.1139/gen-43-5-803Orzaez, D., Medina, A., Torre, S., Fernández-Moreno, J. P., Rambla, J. L., Fernández-del-Carmen, A., … Granell, A. (2009). A Visual Reporter System for Virus-Induced Gene Silencing in Tomato Fruit Based on Anthocyanin Accumulation. Plant Physiology, 150(3), 1122-1134. doi:10.1104/pp.109.139006Rambla, J. L., Alfaro, C., Medina, A., Zarzo, M., Primo, J., & Granell, A. (2015). Tomato fruit volatile profiles are highly dependent on sample processing and capturing methods. Metabolomics, 11(6), 1708-1720. doi:10.1007/s11306-015-0824-5Rambla, J. L., Tikunov, Y. M., Monforte, A. J., Bovy, A. G., & Granell, A. (2013). The expanded tomato fruit volatile landscape. Journal of Experimental Botany, 65(16), 4613-4623. doi:10.1093/jxb/eru128Saliba-Colombani, V., Causse, M., Langlois, D., Philouze, J., & Buret, M. (2001). Genetic analysis of organoleptic quality in fresh market tomato. 1. Mapping QTLs for physical and chemical traits. Theoretical and Applied Genetics, 102(2-3), 259-272. doi:10.1007/s001220051643Salinas, M., Capel, C., Alba, J. M., Mora, B., Cuartero, J., Fernández-Muñoz, R., … Capel, J. (2012). Genetic mapping of two QTL from the wild tomato Solanum pimpinellifolium L. controlling resistance against two-spotted spider mite (Tetranychus urticae Koch). Theoretical and Applied Genetics, 126(1), 83-92. doi:10.1007/s00122-012-1961-0Sefton, M. A., Skouroumounis, G. K., Elsey, G. M., & Taylor, D. K. (2011). Occurrence, Sensory Impact, Formation, and Fate of Damascenone in Grapes, Wines, and Other Foods and Beverages. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 59(18), 9717-9746. doi:10.1021/jf201450qShen, J., Tieman, D., Jones, J. B., Taylor, M. G., Schmelz, E., Huffaker, A., … Klee, H. J. (2014). A 13-lipoxygenase, TomloxC, is essential for synthesis of C5 flavour volatiles in tomato. Journal of Experimental Botany, 65(2), 419-428. doi:10.1093/jxb/ert382Sim, S.-C., Durstewitz, G., Plieske, J., Wieseke, R., Ganal, M. W., Van Deynze, A., … Francis, D. M. (2012). Development of a Large SNP Genotyping Array and Generation of High-Density Genetic Maps in Tomato. PLoS ONE, 7(7), e40563. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0040563Simkin, A. J., Schwartz, S. H., Auldridge, M., Taylor, M. G., & Klee, H. J. (2004). The tomato carotenoid cleavage dioxygenase 1 genes contribute to the formation of the flavor volatiles β-ionone, pseudoionone, and geranylacetone. The Plant Journal, 40(6), 882-892. doi:10.1111/j.1365-313x.2004.02263.xSkouroumounis GK Massywestropp RA Sefton MA Williams PJ . 1993. beta-Damascenone formation in juices and wines. In: Schreier P Winterhalter P , eds. Progress in flavour precursor studies: analysis, generation, biotechnology. Proceedings of the International Conference, Würzburg, Germany, September 30–October 2, 1992, 275–278.Speirs, J., Lee, E., Holt, K., Yong-Duk, K., Steele Scott, N., Loveys, B., & Schuch, W. (1998). Genetic Manipulation of Alcohol Dehydrogenase Levels in Ripening Tomato Fruit Affects the Balance of Some Flavor Aldehydes and Alcohols. Plant Physiology, 117(3), 1047-1058. doi:10.1104/pp.117.3.1047Tadmor, Y., Fridman, E., Gur, A., Larkov, O., Lastochkin, E., Ravid, U., … Lewinsohn, E. (2002). Identification ofmalodorous, a Wild Species Allele Affecting Tomato Aroma That Was Selected against during Domestication. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 50(7), 2005-2009. doi:10.1021/jf011237xTieman, D., Bliss, P., McIntyre, L. M., Blandon-Ubeda, A., Bies, D., Odabasi, A. Z., … Klee, H. J. (2012). The Chemical Interactions Underlying Tomato Flavor Preferences. Current Biology, 22(11), 1035-1039. doi:10.1016/j.cub.2012.04.016Tieman, D., Taylor, M., Schauer, N., Fernie, A. R., Hanson, A. D., & Klee, H. J. (2006). Tomato aromatic amino acid decarboxylases participate in synthesis of the flavor volatiles 2-phenylethanol and 2-phenylacetaldehyde. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 103(21), 8287-8292. doi:10.1073/pnas.0602469103Tieman, D., Zeigler, M., Schmelz, E., Taylor, M. G., Rushing, S., Jones, J. B., & Klee, H. J. (2010). Functional analysis of a tomato salicylic acid methyl transferase and its role in synthesis of the flavor volatile methyl salicylate. The Plant Journal, 62(1), 113-123. doi:10.1111/j.1365-313x.2010.04128.xTieman, D. M., Loucas, H. M., Kim, J. Y., Clark, D. G., & Klee, H. J. (2007). Tomato phenylacetaldehyde reductases catalyze the last step in the synthesis of the aroma volatile 2-phenylethanol. Phytochemistry, 68(21), 2660-2669. doi:10.1016/j.phytochem.2007.06.005Tieman, D. M., Zeigler, M., Schmelz, E. A., Taylor, M. G., Bliss, P., Kirst, M., & Klee, H. J. (2006). Identification of loci affecting flavour volatile emissions in tomato fruits. Journal of Experimental Botany, 57(4), 887-896. doi:10.1093/jxb/erj074Tikunov, Y., Lommen, A., de Vos, C. H. R., Verhoeven, H. A., Bino, R. J., Hall, R. D., & Bovy, A. G. (2005). A Novel Approach for Nontargeted Data Analysis for Metabolomics. Large-Scale Profiling of Tomato Fruit Volatiles. Plant Physiology, 139(3), 1125-1137. doi:10.1104/pp.105.068130Tikunov, Y. M., Molthoff, J., de Vos, R. C. H., Beekwilder, J., van Houwelingen, A., van der Hooft, J. J. J., … Bovy, A. G. (2013). NON-SMOKY GLYCOSYLTRANSFERASE1 Prevents the Release of Smoky Aroma from Tomato Fruit. The Plant Cell, 25(8), 3067-3078. doi:10.1105/tpc.113.114231Van Ooijen JW . 2006. JoinMap® 4. Software for the calculation of genetic linkage maps in experimental populations. Wageningen, The Netherlands: Kyazma BV.Vogel, J. T., Tieman, D. M., Sims, C. A., Odabasi, A. Z., Clark, D. G., & Klee, H. J. (2010). Carotenoid content impacts flavor acceptability in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum). Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture, 90(13), 2233-2240. doi:10.1002/jsfa.4076Voorrips, R. E. (2002). MapChart: Software for the Graphical Presentation of Linkage Maps and QTLs. Journal of Heredity, 93(1), 77-78. doi:10.1093/jhered/93.1.77Zanor, M. I., Rambla, J.-L., Chaïb, J., Steppa, A., Medina, A., Granell, A., … Causse, M. (2009). Metabolic characterization of loci affecting sensory attributes in tomato allows an assessment of the influence of the levels of primary metabolites and volatile organic contents. Journal of Experimental Botany, 60(7), 2139-2154. doi:10.1093/jxb/erp086Zorrilla-Fontanesi, Y., Rambla, J.-L., Cabeza, A., Medina, J. J., Sánchez-Sevilla, J. F., Valpuesta, V., … Amaya, I. (2012). Genetic Analysis of Strawberry Fruit Aroma and Identification of O-Methyltransferase FaOMT as the Locus Controlling Natural Variation in Mesifurane Content. Plant Physiology, 159(2), 851-870. doi:10.1104/pp.111.18831

TP53 mutations and S-Phase fraction are independent prognostic indicators in locally advanced laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma

Larynx tumor is a rare neoplasia that represent only the 2% of all human tumor. In particular, the 90% of tumor that occur in this organ correspond to the laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC). From the biomolecular point of view, it was shown that the TP53 gene mutations are the most common events observed in the early phases of LSCC carcinogenesis. However, them prognostic significance remains controversial. Besides, the prognostic significance of DNA ploidy has been well established for other solid tumors, but its role in LSCC is still controversial. The aim of this study was, therefore, to prospectively evaluate the prognostic significance of TP53 mutations, DNA-ploidy and S-phase fraction (SPF) in LSCC patients. Prospective analysis of 81 patients who underwent resective surgery for primary operable locally advanced LSCC patients (stages III and IV) was performed. Tumor DNA was screened for TP53 mutations by PCR/SSCP and sequencing; DNA flow cytometry was performed on mechanically disaggregated sample of frozen tumor tissue. The median follow-up time in our study group was 71 months (range 11-137 months). Fourthy-four percent of patients (36/81) have, at least, a mutation in the TP53 gene. Of them, 22% (8/36) have double mutations and 6% (2/36) have triple mutations. In total, 47 TP53 mutations were observed. The majority (42%) of these occur in exon 5 (20/47), while the mutations in exons 6, 7 and 8 are represented in 14, 7 and 6 patients respectively (30%, 15% and 13%). The flow cytometry analysis showed that sixty-three percent of the cases (51/81) were DNA aneuploidy and 14% of these (7/51) were multiclonal. LSCC patients were divided into two groups using median SPF level as cut-off point: low SPF 15.1 % and high SPF >15.1 %, Even though it seems that TP53 mutations promotes the LSCC carcinogenesis in young people (p< 0.05), there was not any association between this variable and the clinicopathological or the other biomolecular variables. At univariate analysis, the Kaplan and Meier text show that DNA aneuploidy, high SPF, any TP53 mutations and, in particular, the mutations that occur in exons 5 and 8 proved to be significantly related to quicker disease relapse and short OS. At multivariate analysis, the Cox proportional hazards model show that the major significant predictors for both disease relapse and death were high SPF and any TP53 mutations. In conclusion, any TP53 mutations, more than specific mutations in exon 5 and 8, are important biological indicators to predict the outcome of patients indicating these mutations have biological relevance in terms of LSCC disease course. Our study has also identify high SPF as independent prognostic factors in locally advanced LSCC patients

European traditional tomatoes galore: a result of farmers’ selection of a few diversity-rich loci

A comprehensive collection of 1254 tomato accessions, corresponding to European traditional and modern varieties, early domesticated varieties, and wild relatives, was analyzed by genotyping by sequencing. A continuous genetic gradient between the traditional and modern varieties was observed. European traditional tomatoes displayed very low genetic diversity, with only 298 polymorphic loci (95% threshold) out of 64 943 total variants. European traditional tomatoes could be classified into several genetic groups. Two main clusters consisting of Spanish and Italian accessions showed higher genetic diversity than the remaining varieties, suggesting that these regions might be independent secondary centers of diversity with a different history. Other varieties seem to be the result of a more recent complex pattern of migrations and hybridizations among the European regions. Several polymorphic loci were associated in a genome-wide association study with fruit morphological traits in the European traditional collection. The corresponding alleles were found to contribute to the distinctive phenotypic characteristic of the genetic varietal groups. The few highly polymorphic loci associated with morphological traits in an otherwise a low-diversity population suggests a history of balancing selection, in which tomato farmers likely maintained the morphological variation by inadvertently applying a high selective pressure within different varietal types.This work was supported by the European Commission H2020 research and innovation program through TRADITOM grant agreement no. 634561, G2P-SOL, grant agreement no. 677379, and HARNESSTOM grant agreement no. 101000716. MP is grateful to the Spanish Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación for a postdoctoral grant (IJC2019-039091-I/AEI/10.13039/501100011033).Postprint (published version

Genetic and Biotechnological Approaches to Improve Fruit Bioactive Content: A Focus on Eggplant and Tomato Anthocyanins

Anthocyanins are a large group of water-soluble flavonoid pigments. These specialized metabolites are ubiquitous in the plant kingdom and play an essential role not only in plant reproduction and dispersal but also in responses to biotic and abiotic stresses. Anthocyanins are recognized as important health-promoting and chronic-disease-preventing components in the human diet. Therefore, interest in developing food crops with improved levels and compositions of these important nutraceuticals is growing. This review focuses on work conducted to elucidate the genetic control of the anthocyanin pathway and modulate anthocyanin content in eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) and tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.), two solanaceous fruit vegetables of worldwide relevance. While anthocyanin levels in eggplant fruit have always been an important quality trait, anthocyanin-based, purple-fruited tomato cultivars are currently a novelty. As detailed in this review, this difference in the anthocyanin content of the cultivated germplasm has largely influenced genetic studies as well as breeding and transgenic approaches to improve the anthocyanin content/profile of these two important solanaceous crops. The information provided should be of help to researchers and breeders in devising strategies to address the increasing consumer demand for nutraceutical foods