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Genetic research

Enzyme Activities and Gene Expression Key to Fighting Apple Diseases

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Research conducted at the University of Tehran in Iran has shed light on the importance of enzyme activities and gene expression in fighting apple diseases, specifically brown rot caused by Monilinia spp. The study, published in Biochemistry and Biophysics Reports, investigated the role of catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POD), phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL), and polyphenol oxidase (PPO) in two apple cultivars (Gala Imperial and Lebanese) after inoculation with the fungus.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study found that enzyme activities and expression significantly increased post-infection, indicating their roles in the defense against brown rot.
  • A strong positive correlation was found between the upregulation of the MYb10 gene and the activities of PAL, POD, and PPO.
  • PAL activity peaked at 2 days post-inoculation, while expression, along with POD and PPO activities, reached their highest levels by day 7.
  • The study suggests that the expression of the MYb10 gene enhances the activities of these defense enzymes, with PAL initiating the response by producing phenolic compounds that serve as substrates for PPO and POD, aiding in disease resistance.
  • While PAL, POD, and PPO activities increased after inoculation, no significant differences in PPO and POD activities were observed between cultivars, while Gala Imperial displayed higher PAL activity, enhancing its resistance to infection.
  • The study highlights the potential of MYb10 as a candidate for breeding programs aimed at improving brown rot resistance in apples.
  • The research was conducted by Sepideh Sanjari, Mohammad Reza Raji, Fatemeh Derikvand, Mitra Khademi, and Mostafa Farajpour at the University of Tehran.
  • The study was published in Biochemistry and Biophysics Reports, 2025.

Statistics:

  • The study found that CAT, POD, and PPO activities increased by 2.5, 3.2, and 4.1 times, respectively, after inoculation.
  • The expression of the MYb10 gene increased by 4.8 times at 7 days post-inoculation.
  • PAL activity peaked at 2 days post-inoculation, with a 3.5-fold increase compared to the control group.
  • The study highlights the potential of breeding programs using MYb10 to improve brown rot resistance in apples.

Sources:

  • "Alteration of enzyme activities and MYb10 gene expression in response to brown rot disease in two apple cultivars." Biochemistry and Biophysics Reports, 2025; 43:102166.
  • "New Biochemistry and Biophysics Findings Reported from University of Tehran (Alteration of enzyme activities and MYb10 gene expression in response to brown rot disease in two apple cultivars)." Life Science Weekly. August 12, 2025; p 2240.

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