Structures and functions of suberin in postharvest fruit and vegetable and its regulation: A comprehensive review
Ziang Zhou1, Xiaobo Wei1, Chenggui Yang1
1School of Food Science and Engineering, Ningxia University, Ningxia Key Laboratory for Food Microbial-Applications Technology and Safety Control, Yinchuan 750021, China.
Abstract:
Wound suberin formation is integral to the healing process of postharvest fruit injuries. A comprehensive understanding of suberin synthesis mechanisms and their regulatory factors is essential to address the increasing preservation demands. This review systematically examines the biosynthetic pathways, regulatory elements, and functional roles of suberin in postharvest contexts. Suberin biosynthesis predominantly involves the phenylpropanoid and fatty acid metabolic pathways, generating aliphatic polymers fortified by polyphenolic compounds. The modulation of pathway enzymes by specific regulatory and transcription factors facilitates the augmentation of suberin production. Functionally, suberin acts as a barrier against water loss and fungal invasion, thereby preserving postharvest quality. Drawing on current research, this paper delineates prospective research directions, including the elucidation of suberin assembly and transport mechanisms, the identification of negative regulatory processes, and the investigation of multi-hormone co-regulatory networks.
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