Widely targeted metabolomics analysis reveals new biomarkers and mechanistic insights on chestnut (Castanea mollissima Bl.) calcification process.

Chestnut calcification is a quality deterioration due to fast water loss, which has been of deep concern for chestnut quality control because its mechanism is unclear. In order to find out the different key metabolites and metabolic pathways related to the occurrence of chestnut calcification, in this study, liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) based widely targeted metabolomics analysis was performed on chestnuts that were stored at 50%-55% (low relative humidity, LRH) at 25 °C and 85%-90% (high relative humidity, HRH) at 25 °C. A total of 611 metabolites were detected, and 55 differentially accumulated metabolites were identified as key metabolites involved in chestnut calcification process. The decrease in some monosaccharides accompanied with the increase in some unsaturated fatty acids indicated the degradation of chestnut cell wall and cell membrane during calcification process. As a stress response, amino acid metabolism related to membrane stability was significantly activated. In addition, the enhancement of phenylpropanoid biosynthesis pathway and flavonoid biosynthesis pathway characterized by the accumulation of lignin precursors and antioxidants suggested that lignification process was triggered in calcified chestnut. Therefore, the degradation and hardening of the cell wall and membrane damage were proposed to be associated with the calcification occurrence of chestnut. The metabolic profile of chestnut characterized in this study provided new insights into chestnut calcification process and laid a foundation for further chestnut quality control.