Genome-wide identification and expression analysis of calmodulin and calmodulin-like genes in passion fruit (Passiflora edulis) and their involvement in flower and fruit development.

BACKGROUND: The calmodulin (CaM) and calmodulin-like (CML) proteins play regulatory roles in plant growth and development, responses to biotic and abiotic stresses, and other biological processes. As a popular fruit and ornamental crop, it is important to explore the regulatory mechanism of flower and fruit development of passion fruit. RESULTS: In this study, 32 PeCaM/PeCML genes were identified from passion fruit genome and were divided into 9 groups based on phylogenetic analysis. The structural analysis, including conserved motifs, gene structure and homologous modeling, illustrates that the PeCaM/PeCML in the same subgroup have relative conserved structural features. Collinearity analysis suggested that the expansion of the CaM/CML gene family likely took place mainly by segmental duplication, and the whole genome replication events were closely related with the rapid expansion of the gene group. PeCaM/PeCMLs were potentially required for different floral tissues development. Significantly, PeCML26 had extremely high expression levels during ovule and fruit development compared with other PeCML genes, suggesting that PeCML26 had potential functions involved in the development of passion fruit flowers and fruits. The co-presence of various cis-elements associated with growth and development, hormone responsiveness, and stress responsiveness in the promoter regions of these PeCaM/PeCMLs might contribute to their diverse regulatory roles. Furthermore, PeCaM/PeCMLs were also induced by various abiotic stresses. This work provides a comprehensive understanding of the CaM/CML gene family and valuable clues for future studies on the function and evolution of CaM/CML genes in passion fruit. CONCLUSION: A total of 32 PeCaM/PeCML genes were divided into 9 groups. The PeCaM/PeCML genes showed differential expression patterns in floral tissues at different development stages. It is worth noting that PeCML26, which is highly homologous to AtCaM2, not only interacts with multiple BBR-BPC TFs, but also has high expression levels during ovule and fruit development, suggesting that PeCML26 had potential functions involved in the development of passion fruit flowers and fruits. This research lays the foundation for future investigations and validation of the potential function of PeCaM/PeCML genes in the growth and development of passion fruit.

Advances in Tissue Culture and Transformation Studies in Non-model Species: Passiflora spp. (Passifloraceae).

In this chapter, we report advances in tissue culture applied to Passiflora. We present reproducible protocols for somatic embryogenesis, endosperm-derived triploid production, and genetic transformation for such species knowledge generated by our research team and collaborators in the last 20 years. Our research group has pioneered the work on passion fruit somatic embryogenesis, and we directed efforts to characterize several aspects of this morphogenic pathway. Furthermore, we expanded the possibilities of understanding the molecular mechanism related to developmental phase transitions of Passiflora edulis Sims. and P. cincinnata Mast., and a transformation protocol is presented for the overexpression of microRNA156.

A New Species of the Anastrepha pseudoparallela Group (Diptera: Tephritidae) with a Synopsis of the Group in Brazil.

The genus Anastrepha contains some of the most important fruit pests in the Americas. It comprises more than 300 species, of which 129 occur in Brazil. The genus is divided into 26 species groups, including the pseudoparallela group with 31 species, whose known host plants are primarily fruits of the genus Passiflora (Passifloraceae). Fourteen species are recorded in Brazil. Here, a new species of Anastrepha reared from fruits of Passiflora actinia Hook. and Passiflora elegans Mast. from southern Brazil is described and illustrated. In addition, a synopsis of the Brazilian species of the pseudoparallela group is provided.

Aloe vera and tea polyphenols composite coating delays passion fruit senescence by promoting phenolic and flavonoid accumulation.

Passion fruits are highly perishable during postharvest storage and transportation, prompting the exploration of natural preservatives. This study investigates the synergistic effects of Aloe vera (ALV) and tea polyphenols (TP) coatings on quality retention, ripening modulation, and associated regulatory mechanisms in stored "golden" passion fruit (Passiflora spp.) at 10 °C. The application of a composite coating comprising 40 % ALV and 0.1 g/L TP led to notable improvements in fruit preservation over a 28-day storage period. At the day of 28, quantitatively, the ALV + TP treatment reduced weight loss by 41.60 %, shrinkage index by 28.13 %, and decay index by 50 %, significantly outperforming the control and individual treatments; the treated fruits exhibited enhanced firmness, reduced ethylene production, and the respiration peak was delayed about 6 days. Metabolomic analysis revealed pronounced alterations in key metabolic pathways, notably phenylpropanoid and flavonoid biosynthesis. Specifically, significant increases in metabolites such as phenolic acids (Feruloylmalic acid and Acropyrone) and flavonoids (Okanin-4'-O-glucoside, Apigenin-8-C-Arabinoside, Quercetin-3-O- (2'-O-galloyl) galactoside, and Catechin callate) were observed. Concurrently, transcript levels of key biosynthetic genes including cinnamate 4-hydroxylase (PeC4H), 4-coumarate-coenzyme a ligase (PeC4L), hydroxycinnamoyl transferase (PeHCT) and flavonol synthase (PeFLS) were significantly up-regulated by ALV + TP coating, indicating a robust activation of these pathways. The findings underscore the effectiveness of the ALV + TP composite coating as an environmentally friendly strategy for enhancing postharvest quality by promoting the accumulation of beneficial phenolic acids and flavonoids in passion fruits.

Pseudomonas flavocrustae sp. nov., an endophyte with plant growth promoting traits isolated from Passiflora incarnata.

A polyphasic approach was applied to characterize taxonomically a novel endophytic bacterial strain, designated as EP178T, which was previously isolated from Passiflora incarnata leaves and characterized as plant-growth promoter. The strain EP178T forms Gram stain-negative and rod-shaped cells, and circular and yellow-pigmented colonies. Its growth occurs at 10-37 °C, at pH 6.0-8.0, and tolerates up to 7% (w/v) NaCl. The major cellular fatty acids found were summed feature 8 (C18:1 ω7c), summed feature 3 (C16:1 ω6c /C16:1 ω7c), and C16:0, and the predominant ubiquinone was Q-9. The phylogenetic and nucleotide-similarity analysis with 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain EP178T belongs to Pseudomonas genus. The genomic-based G + C content was 65.5%. The average nucleotide identity and digital DNA-DNA hybridization values between strains EP178T and the closest type strain, P. oryzihabitans DSM 6835T, were 92.6% and 52.2%, respectively. Various genes associated with plant-growth promoting mechanisms were annotated from genome sequences. Based on the phenotypic, genomic, phylogeny and chemotaxonomic data, strain EP178T represents a new species of the genus Pseudomonas, for which the name Pseudomonas flavocrustae sp. nov. was proposed. The type strain is EP178T (= CBMAI 2609T = ICMP 24844T = MUM 23.01T).

Antidiabetic Effect of Passiflora ligularis Leaves in High Fat-Diet/Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Mice.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a major global public health concern, prompting the ongoing search for new treatment options. Medicinal plants have emerged as one such alternative. Our objective was to evaluate the antidiabetic effect of an extract from the leaves of Passiflora ligularis (P. ligularis). For this purpose, T2DM was first induced in mice using a high-fat diet and low doses of streptozotocin. Subsequently, an aqueous extract or an ethanolic extract of P. ligularis leaves was administered for 21 days. The following relevant results were found: fasting blood glucose levels were reduced by up to 41%, and by 29% after an oral glucose overload. The homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) was reduced by 59%. Histopathologically, better preservation of pancreatic tissue was observed. Regarding oxidative stress parameters, there was an increase of up to 48% in superoxide dismutase (SOD), an increase in catalase (CAT) activity by 35% to 80%, and a decrease in lipid peroxidation (MDA) by 35% to 80% in the liver, kidney, or pancreas. Lastly, regarding the lipid profile, triglycerides (TG) were reduced by up to 30%, total cholesterol (TC) by 35%, and low-density lipoproteins (LDL) by up to 32%, while treatments increased high-density lipoproteins (HDL) by up to 35%. With all the above, we can conclude that P. ligularis leaves showed antihyperglycemic, hypolipidemic, and antioxidant effects, making this species promising for the treatment of T2DM.

Experimental assessment of biostimulants on mung bean growth on a soilless culture system using superabsorbent pectin based hydrogel.

Sustainable agriculture initiatives are needed to ensure the food security of the people all over the world. Soilless cultivation methods using hydrogels may give a revolutionary response as well as a more ecological and productive alternative to conventional farming. This study attempted extraction of pectin from the rind of albedo yellow passion fruit (Passiflora edulis var. flavicarpa Degener)and hydrogels from pectin and activated carbon was compared with pure pectin hydrogel; Pectin- Activated Carbon hydrogels (PAC) showed a microporous structure with excellent hydrophilicity and showed superior water holding capacity. Then the prepared hydrogels were examined with various instrumental techniques like FTIR, SEM, XRD, Raman, BET and rheological properties. In the BET analysis, PAC3 shows the highest surface area of 28.771 m2/g when compared to PAC0 at 15.063 m2/g. The germination experiments were performed using mung beans. This study provides an opportunity for the application of pectin hydrogels in agriculture field specifically for home garden or rooftop cultivation.

Passifetilactones A-E, Fatty Acid Lactones from the Fruit and Flowers of Passiflora foetida with Cytotoxic Activity.

Phytochemical investigation of the fruit and flowers of Passiflora foetida led to the isolation of 14 compounds, of which five are previously undescribed fatty acid lactones. Four 2-pyrones, passifetilactones A-D (1-4), and one furanone, passifetilactone E (5), were identified by analysis of spectroscopic and spectrometric data. The previously undescribed lactones were tested for cytotoxic activities against the cancer cell lines HeLa, A549, PC-3, KKU-055, and KKU-213A and two normal cell lines, Vero and MMNK-1. Passifetilactones B (2) and C (3) displayed good to mild cytotoxic activity, at IC50 3.7-25.9 µM and 12.2-19.8 µM, respectively, against six cell lines, but were weakly active against the MMNK-1 cell line. Passifetilactones B and C (2 and 3) showed cell apoptosis induction on the KKU-055 cell line in a flow cytometry experiment. Passifetilactone D (4) is an isolation artifact produced by purification over silica gel, but we demonstrated that it can also be slowly formed within the crude EtOAc extract. This is the first investigation of the flowers and the fruit of this plant.

Protective effects of Passiflora Incarnata on ischemia-reperfusion injury in testicular torsion: an experimental study in a rat model.

OBJECTIVE: The current study aimed to explore the potential protective effect of Passiflora Incarnata L., (PI) in treating IR injury after testicular torsion in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This research investigated the impact of PI on IR damage in male Wistar albino rats. Animals were divided to three groups: group 1 (sham), group 2 (IR), and group 3 (IR+PI). RESULTS: The malondialdehyde (MDA), myeloperoxidase (MPO) and glutathione (GSH) levels did not significantly differ across the groups (p = 0.830, p = 0.153 and p=0.140, respectively). However, Group 3 demonstrated a superior total antioxidant status (TAS) value compared to Group 2 (p = 0.020). Concurrently, Group 3 presented a significantly diminished mean total oxidant status (TOS) relative to Group 2 (p = 0.009). Furthermore, Group 3 showed a markedly improved Johnsen score relative to Group 2 (p < 0.01). IR caused cell degeneration, apoptosis, and fibrosis in testicular tissues. PI treatment, however, mitigated these effects, preserved seminiferous tubule integrity and promoted regular spermatogenesis. Furthermore, it reduced expression of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), Bax, and Annexin V, signifying diminished inflammation and apoptosis, thereby supporting cell survival (p < 0.01, p < 0.01, p < 0.01, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: This study revealed that PI significantly reduces oxidative stress and testicular damage, potentially benefiting therapies for IR injuries.

OBJETIVO: Explorar el posible efecto protector de Passiflora incarnata L. (PI) en el tratamiento de la lesión por isquemia-reperfusión (IR) después de una torsión testicular en ratas. MÉTODO: Se estudió el impacto de Passiflora incarnata en el daño por IR en ratas Wistar albinas machos. Los animales se dividieron tres grupos: 1 (simulado), 2 (IR) y 3 (IR+PI). RESULTADOS: Los niveles de malondialdehyde (MDA), myeloperoxidase (MPO) y glutathione (GSH) no difirieron significativamente entre los grupos (p = 0.830, p = 0.153 y p = 0.140, respectivamente). Sin embargo, el grupo 3 tuvo un valor de estado antioxidante total (TAS) superior en comparación con el grupo 2 (p = 0.020). Al mismo tiempo, el grupo 3 presentó un estado oxidante total (TOS) medio significativamente disminuido en comparación con el grupo 2 (p = 0.009). El grupo 3 mostró una mejora notable en la puntuación de Johnsen en comparación con el grupo 2 (p < 0.01). La IR causó degeneración celular, apoptosis y fibrosis en los tejidos testiculares. El tratamiento con PI mitigó estos efectos, preservó la integridad de los túbulos seminíferos y promovió la espermatogénesis regular. Además, redujo la expresión de factor de necrosis tumoral alfa, Bax y anexina V, lo que significa una disminución de la inflamación y de la apoptosis, respaldando así la supervivencia celular (p < 0.01, p < 0.01 y p < 0.01, respectivamente). CONCLUSIONES: Este estudio reveló que PI reduce significativamente el estrés oxidativo y el daño testicular, beneficiando potencialmente las terapias para lesiones por IR.

In vitro simulated digestion and fermentation characteristics of pectic polysaccharides from fresh passion fruit (Passiflora edulis f. flavicarpa L.) peel.

In this study, two pectic polysaccharides (PFP-T and PFP-UM) were extracted from fresh passion fruit peels using three-phase partitioning (TPP) and sequential ultrasound-microwave-assisted TPP methods, respectively, and their effects on the in vitro gastrointestinal digestion and fecal fermentation characteristics were examined. The results indicate that gastrointestinal digestion has a minimal effect on the physicochemical and structural characteristics of PFP-T and PFP-UM. However, during in vitro fecal fermentation, both undigested PFP-T and PFP-UM are significantly degraded and utilized by intestinal microorganisms, showing increased the total relative abundance of Firmicutes and Bacteroidota in the intestinal flora. Notably, compared with PFP-UM, PFP-T better promoted the reproduction of beneficial bacteria such as Prevotella, Megasphaera and Dialister, while suppressed the growth of harmful genera including Escherichia-Shigella, producing higher content of short-chain fatty acids. Therefore, our findings suggest that PFP-T derived from passion fruit peel has potential as a dietary supplement for promoting intestinal health.

Cytogenomic Characterization of Transposable Elements and Satellite DNA in Passiflora L. Species.

The species Passiflora alata, P. cincinnata, and P. edulis have great economic value due to the use of their fruits for human consumption. In this study, we compared the repetitive genome fractions of these three species. The compositions of the repetitive DNA of these three species' genomes were analyzed using clustering and identification of the repetitive sequences with RepeatExplorer. It was found that repetitive DNA content represents 74.70%, 66.86%, and 62.24% of the genome of P. alata, P. edulis, and P. cincinnata, respectively. LTR Ty3/Gypsy retrotransposons represent the highest genome proportions in P. alata and P. edulis, while Ty1/Copia comprises the largest proportion of P. cincinnata genome. Chromosomal mapping by Fluorescent In Situ Hybridization (FISH) showed that LTR retrotransposons have a dispersed distribution along chromosomes. The subtelomeric region of chromosomes is where 145 bp satellite DNA is located, suggesting that these elements may play important roles in genome structure and organization in these species. In this work, we obtained the first global characterization of the composition of repetitive DNA in Passiflora, showing that an increase in genome size is related to an increase in repetitive DNA, which represents an important evolutionary route for these species.

A Scoping Review on Carotenoid Profiling in Passiflora spp.: A Vast Avenue for Expanding the Knowledge on the Species.

The Passiflora genus is recognised for its ethnopharmacological, sensorial, and nutritional significance. Yet, the screening of its dietary and bioactive molecules has mainly targeted hydrophilic metabolites. Following the PRISMA-P protocol, this review assessed the current knowledge on carotenoid composition and analysis within Passiflora, examining 968 records from seven databases and including 17 studies focusing on carotenoid separation and identification in plant parts. Those publications originated in America and Asia. P. edulis was the most frequently examined species of a total of ten, while pulp was the most studied plant part (16 studies). Carotenoid analysis involved primarily high-performance liquid chromatography separation on C18 columns and detection using diode array detectors (64.71%). Most studies identified the provitamin A ß-carotene and xanthophylls lutein and zeaxanthin, with their geometric configuration often neglected. Only one study described carotenoid esters. Besides the methodology's insufficient description, the lack of use of more accurate techniques and practices led to a high risk of bias in the carotenoid assignment in 17.65% of the articles. This review highlights the opportunity to broaden carotenoid studies to other species and parts within the diverse Passiflora genus, especially to wild, locally available fruits, which may have a strategic role in enhancing food diversity and security amidst climatic changes. Additionally, it urges the use of more accurate and efficient analytical methods based on green chemistry to better identify Passiflora carotenoids.

Assessing high-temperature and pressure extraction of bioactive water-soluble polysaccharides from passion fruit mesocarp.

The mesocarp (albedo) of passion fruit is considered a waste product but rich in soluble fibers, especially pectins. Biological activity and health benefits of pectins have recently emerged, especially in colorectal cancer and attenuating inflammation. Pectin conventional extraction often uses mineral acids, which can be hazardous to the environment, and alternatives can be costly. Here, we assessed a high-temperature and pressure method to extract pectin from the passion fruit albedo and evaluated the differences from the water-soluble fractions extracted. HPSEC, HPAEC, FTIR-ATR, and HSQC-NMR were performed to identify and confirm the highly methylated homogalacturonan structures. The heat-modified samples showed a decreased molecular size compared to the untreated sample. Colorectal cancer cell lines showed reduced viability after being treated with different doses of modified samples, with two of them, LW-MP3 and 4, showing the most potent effects. All samples were detected inside cells by immunofluorescence assay. It was observed that LW-MP3 and 4 upregulated the p53 protein, indicating cell-cycle arrest and the cleaved caspase-9 in one of the cell lines, with LW-MP4 enhancing cell death by apoptosis. Since the modified samples were composed of hydrolyzed homogalacturonans, those probably were the responsible structures for these anti-cancer effects.

A 224-bp Indel in the Promoter of PeMYB114 Accounts for Anthocyanin Accumulation of Skin in Passion Fruit (Passiflora spp.).

Passion fruit (Passiflora spp.) is an important fruit tree in the family Passifloraceae. The color of the fruit skin, a significant agricultural trait, is determined by the content of anthocyanin in passion fruit. However, the regulatory mechanisms behind the accumulation of anthocyanin in different passion fruit skin colors remain unclear. In the study, we identified and characterized a R2R3-MYB transcription factor, PeMYB114, which functions as a transcriptional activator in anthocyanin biosynthesis. Yeast one-hybrid system and dual-luciferase analysis showed that PeMYB114 could directly activate the expression of anthocyanin structural genes (PeCHS and PeDFR). Furthermore, a natural variation in the promoter region of PeMYB114 alters its expression. PeMYB114purple accessions with the 224-bp insertion have a higher anthocyanin level than PeMYB114yellow accessions with the 224-bp deletion. The findings enhance our understanding of anthocyanin accumulation in fruits and provide genetic resources for genome design for improving passion fruit quality.

Preparation and characterization of zein-caseinate-pectin complex nanoparticles for encapsulation of curcumin: pectin extracted by high-speed shearing from passion fruit (Passiflora edulis f. flavicarpa) peel.

BACKGROUND: Pectin extracted by high-speed shearing from passion fruit peel (HSSP) is a potentially excellent wall material for encapsulating curcumin, which has multiple advantages over pectin prepared by heated water extraction. HSSP was used to fabricate complex nanoparticles of zein-sodium caseinate-pectin for encapsulation of curcumin in this study. The influence of heating on the physicochemical properties of the composite nanoparticles was also investigated, as well as the effect of composite nanoparticles on the encapsulation efficiency, antioxidant activity and release characteristics of curcumin. RESULTS: The nanoparticles were formed through electrostatic interactions, hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions between the proteins and HSSP. A temperature of 50 °C was more favorable for generating compact and small-sized nanoparticles, which could effectively improve the encapsulation efficiency and functional properties. Moreover, compared to other pectin used in the study, the nanoparticles prepared with HSSP showed the best functionality with a particle size of 234.28 ± 0.85 nm, encapsulation rate of 90.22 ± 0.54%, free radical scavenging rate of 78.97% and strongest protective capacity in simulated gastric fluid and intestinal release effect. CONCLUSION: Zein-sodium caseinate-HSSP is effective for encapsulating and delivering hydrophobic bioactive substances such as curcumin, which has potential applications in the functional food and pharmaceutical industries. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Plant growth regulators and mobilization of reserves in imbibition phases of yellow passion fruit.

The production of seedlings of the passion fruit tree, usually, is sexual, and the seeds are not uniform in the seedling emergence, and soaking treatments of seeds can provide faster and more uniform germination. It was aimed to study the action of plant growth regulators and the mobilization of reserves in the stages of soaking of yellow passion fruit seeds. The seeds were soaked for five hours in solutions containing plant growth regulators, in a completely randomized design, in a factorial 8 x 4, with four replications. The first factor corresponds to eight plant growth regulators: T1 - distilled water (control); T2 - 6-benzylaminepurine ​​500 mg L-1; T3 - 4-(3-indolyl) butyric acid 500 mg L-1; T4 - gibberellic acid 500 mg L-1; T5 - spermine 250 mg L-1; T6 - spermine 750 mg L-1; T7 - spermidine 750 mg L-1; T8 - spermidine 1250 mg L-1; and the second factor, to the four soaking times: zero, four, 72 and 120 hours, corresponding, respectively, to the dry seed, and to phases I, II, and III of the imbibition curve. It was evaluated the biochemical composition of seeds (lipids, soluble sugars and starch). The seeds showed accumulation of lipids in phase III; the content of soluble sugars increased in phase I and decreased in phase II. The starch content increased until the phase II and decreased in phase III. Starch is the main reserve in the seeds and the main source of energy used in phase III; soaking the seeds in polyamines generates an accumulation of lipids in the seeds and soaking in plant growth regulators increases the burning of starch.

Novel 4-Chromanone-Derived Compounds as Plant Immunity Inducers against CMV Disease in Passiflora spp. (Passion Fruit).

This study involved the design and synthesis of a series of novel 4-chromanone-derived compounds. Their in vivo anti-cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) activity in field trials against CMV disease in Passiflora spp. was then assessed. Bioassay results demonstrated that compounds 7c and 7g exhibited remarkable curative effects and protection against CMV, with inhibition rates of 57.69% and 51.73% and 56.13% and 52.39%, respectively, surpassing those of dufulin and comparable to ningnanmycin. Field trials results indicated that compound 7c displayed significant efficacy against CMV disease in Passiflora spp. (passion fruit) after the third spraying at a concentration of 200 mg/L, with a relative control efficiency of 47.49%, surpassing that of dufulin and comparable to ningnanmycin. Meanwhile, nutritional quality test results revealed that compound 7c effectively enhanced the disease resistance of Passiflora spp., as evidenced by significant increases in soluble protein, soluble sugar, total phenol, and chlorophyll contents in Passiflora spp. leaves as well as improved the flavor and taste of Passiflora spp. fruits, as demonstrated by notable increases in soluble protein, soluble sugar, soluble solid, and vitamin C contents in Passiflora spp. fruits. Additionally, a transcriptome analysis revealed that compound 7c primarily targeted the abscisic acid (ABA) signaling pathway, a crucial plant hormone signal transduction pathway, thereby augmenting resistance against CMV disease in Passiflora spp. Therefore, this study demonstrates the potential application of these novel 4-chromanone-derived compounds as effective inducers of plant immunity for controlling CMV disease in Passiflora spp. in the coming decades.

Modulación por Passiflora edulis de triglicéridos y colesterol intracelulares en líneas celulares de cáncer colorrectal SW480 y sus derivadas metastásicas (SW620) / Modulation by Passiflora edulis of intracellular triglycerides and cholesterol in SW480 col orectal cancer cell lines and their metastatic derivatives (SW620)

Cancer cells modify lipid metabolism to proliferate, Passiflora edulis ( P. edulis ) fruit juice (ZuFru) has antitumor activity, but whether a mechanism is through modulation of cell lipids is unknown. T o establish if ZuFru modifies cholesterol and triglycerides in SW480 and SW620. ZuFru composition was studied by phytochemical march; antiproliferative activity by sulforhodamine B, cholesterol , and triglycerides by Folch method. Z ufru contains anthocyanins, flavonoids, alkaloids , and tannins. Cell lines showed differences in their growth rate ( p =0.049). At 39.6 µg/m L of ZuFru, cell viability was decreased: SW480 (45.6%) and SW620 (45.1%). In SW480, cholesterol (44.6%) and triglycerides (46.5%) decreased; In SW620, cholesterol decreased 14.8% and triglycerides increased 7%, with significant differences for both lines. A ntiproliferative activity of ZuFru could be associated with the inhibition of intracellular biosynthesis of cholesterol and triglycerides in SW480. Action mechanisms need to be further investigated.

Las células cancerosas modifican el metabolismo lipídico para proliferar; el zumo de fruta (ZuFru) de Passiflora edulis ( P. edulis ) tiene activida d antitumoral, sin embargo, se desconoce si se involucran los lípidos celulares. E stablecer si ZuFru modifica colesterol y triglicéridos en células SW480 y SW620. C omposición del ZuFru, actividad antiproliferativa, colesterol y triglicéridos. Se encontraro n antocianinas, flavonoides, alcaloides y taninos. Las líneas celulares mostraron diferencias en su tasa de crecimiento ( p =0 . 049); ZuFru 39,6 µg/ml se disminuyó la viabilidad celular; SW480 (45,6%) y SW620 (45,1%); en SW480 colesterol (44,6%) y triglicérid os (46,5%) en SW620, colesterol (14,8%) y los triglicéridos aumentaron 7%, con diferencias significativas para ambas líneas. La actividad antiproliferativa del ZuFru podría estar asociada a la inhibición de la biosíntesis intracelular de colesterol y de tr iglicéridos en SW480, pero no en SW620. Estos mecanismos de acción deben ser fuertemente investigados.

In vitro regeneration of triploid from mature endosperm culture of Passiflora edulis "Mantianxing".

The regeneration of shoots from endosperm tissue is a highly effective method to obtain triploid plants. In this study, we elucidated the establishment of an in vitro regeneration system from endosperm culture for the production of Passiflora edulis "Mantianxing." The highest callus induction rate (83.33%) was obtained on the media supplemented with 1.0 mg/L TDZ. Meanwhile, the MS medium containing 1.0 mg/L 6-BA and 0.4 mg/L IBA gave the optimum 75% shoot bud induction. Chromosome analysis revealed that the chromosomal count of P. edulis "Mantianxing" regenerated from endosperm tissues was 27 (2n = 3x = 27), which indicated that shoots regenerated from endosperm tissues were triploids. Triploid P. edulis had more drought resistance than diploid plants. Our study provided a method for breeding of passion fruit by means of a stable and reproducible regeneration system from endosperm culture, leading to the generation of triploid plants.

Tissue-specific proteome profile analysis reveals regulatory and stress responsive networks in passion fruit during storage.

Passiflora edulis, commonly known as passion fruit, is a crop with a fragrant aroma and refreshingly tropical flavor that is a valuable source of antioxidants. It offers a unique opportunity for growers because of its adaptability to tropical and subtropical climates. Passion fruit can be sold in the fresh market or used in value-added products, but its postharvest shelf life has not been well-researched, nor have superior cultivars been well-developed. Understanding the proteins expressed at the tissue level during the postharvest stage can help improve fruit quality and extend shelf life. In this study, we carried out comparative proteomics analysis on four passion fruit tissues, the epicarp, mesocarp, endocarp, and pulp, using multiplexed isobaric tandem mass tag (TMT) labeling quantitation. A total of 3352 proteins were identified, including 295 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs). Of these DEPs, 213 showed a fold increase greater than 1.45 (50 proteins) or a fold decrease less than 0.45 (163 proteins) with different patterns among tissue types. Among the DEPs, there were proteins expressed with functions in oxygen scavenging, lipid peroxidation, response to heat stress, and pathogen resistance. Thirty-six proteins were designated as hypothetical proteins were characterized for potential functions in immunity, cell structure, homeostasis, stress response, protein metabolism and miraculin biosynthesis. This research provides insight into tissue-specific pathways that can be further studied within fruit physiology and postharvest shelf life to aid in implementing effective plant breeding programs. Knowing the tissue-specific function of fruit is essential for improving fruit quality, developing new varieties, identifying health benefits, and optimizing processing techniques.