Transcriptomic analysis of genes involved in the biosynthesis, recycling and degradation of L-ascorbic acid in pepper fruits (Capsicum annuum L.)

Sweet pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) is widely recognized among the vegetables with high content of ascorbic acid (AsA). However, the metabolic pathways involved in the biosynthesis, recycling and degradation of AsA and their relative contribution to the concentration of AsA have not been established yet. In the present work, the expression levels of selected genes involved in the AsA biosynthesis, degradation and recycling pathways were analyzed during development and ripening of pepper fruit cv. Palermo and in mature fruit of four cultivars (Lipari, C-116, Surrentino and Italverde) with different AsA concentrations. An inverse correlation was found between the expression of the biosynthetic genes and AsA concentrations, which could indicate that a feedback mechanism regulates AsA homeostasis in pepper fruits. Interestingly, analysis of mRNA levels of ascorbate oxidase, involved in the degradation of AsA, suggests that this enzyme plays a critical role in the regulation of the AsA pool during fruit development and ripening.

► Ascorbic acid contents were determined in pepper fruits.
► Expression levels of genes involved in ascorbic acid metabolism were analyzed.
► Expression of biosynthetic genes inversely correlated with AsA concentrations.
► Ascorbate oxidase seems to play a critical role in the regulation of the AsA pool.