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Published on: April 30, 2018
Aptamers as Potential Inhibitors of Ethylene Biosynthesis: Identification and In Silico Selection
Diana Laura Aparicio-Breceda1, Cristian Patricia Cabrales-Arellano2, Efren Delgado3
1Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, National Technological Institute of Mexico (TecNM)-Durango Institute of Technology (ITD), Blvd. Felipe Pescador 1830, Nueva Vizcaya, Durango 34080, Durango, Mexico.
Researchers computationally identified novel aptamers targeting key enzymes in ethylene biosynthesis. These aptamers show potential for delaying fruit ripening and reducing food waste, offering a promising avenue for postharvest loss mitigation.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Computational Biology
- Agricultural Science
Background:
- Food waste is a significant global issue, with 13.3% of food wasted globally in 2020.
- Ethylene biosynthesis is crucial for fruit ripening, plant growth, and senescence.
- Traditional aptamer selection is costly, inefficient, and time-consuming.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify aptamers with high predicted affinity for ACC synthase and ACC oxidase using in silico methods.
- To establish a computational foundation for developing aptamer-based inhibitors to control fruit ripening.
- To reduce postharvest food losses through targeted intervention in ethylene biosynthesis.
Main Methods:
- In silico molecular docking was employed to evaluate aptamer-enzyme binding potential.
- ZDOCK was used for preliminary screening of aptamer-enzyme interactions.
- HDOCK was utilized for refined analysis of binding affinity and specificity.
Main Results:
- Aptamers AB451 and ABR6P.1 demonstrated promising binding affinity for ACC synthase.
- Aptamers RO33828 and O0O6O1 showed optimal predicted binding for ACC oxidase.
- These findings provide a computational basis for novel aptamer development.
Conclusions:
- Computational identification of aptamers targeting ethylene biosynthesis enzymes is feasible and efficient.
- The identified aptamers hold potential as inhibitors to delay fruit ripening.
- Further experimental validation is necessary to confirm the inhibitory function and efficacy in reducing postharvest losses.
