Forni Cinzia, Braglia Roberto, Beninati Simone, Lentini Alessandro, Ronci Maurizio, Urbani Andrea, Provenzano Bruno, Frattarelli Andrea, Tabolacci Claudio, Damiano Carmine
Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via della Ricerca Scientifica, Rome, Italy.
Cryo Letters. 2010 Sep-Oct;31(5):413-25.
Changes in metabolism and protein expression were analysed during cryopreservation of the ancient apple variety Annurca. Our experiments concerned transglutaminase activity, polyamine levels and protein expression associated with shoot tip dehydration. Cryopreserved shoot tips displayed 72% regrowth after treatment in liquid medium with 0.75 M sucrose for 1 day followed by dehydration to 19% moisture content (fresh weight basis). After dehydration, the concentration of polyamines putrescine and spermidine decreased compared with untreated controls, while spermine concentration remained unaffected. Transglutaminase activity was slightly reduced in treated samples, while post-thaw regrowth enzyme activity approached control values. We also detected significant changes in protein expression profiles and identified six proteins related with stress response or involved in the slowing down of the cell cycle. The relationship between biochemical parameters, protein synthesis and cryotolerance is discussed.
