Stage-Resolved Proteomic and Structural Insights Into Apocarotenoid Biosynthesis During Saffron (Crocus sativus)...

Area of Science:

• Proteomics
• Plant Biochemistry
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) is a valuable spice.
• Apocarotenoid biosynthesis in saffron stigmas is poorly understood at the proteomic level.
• Key apocarotenoids include crocin, picrocrocin, and safranal.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize stage-specific protein expression during saffron floral development.
• To identify molecular regulators of apocarotenoid biosynthesis.
• To provide a proteomic framework for improving saffron metabolite yield.

Main Methods:

• LC-MS/MS-based proteomics was employed across five developmental stages.
• Bioinformatic analyses included differential abundance, GO enrichment, PPI networks, and KEGG pathway mapping.
• Structural modeling and Limma-based differential expression analysis were used for validation.

Main Results:

• 57 developmentally regulated proteins linked to stigma differentiation and apocarotenoid metabolism were identified.
• Stage-specific protein sets were identified, with 128 proteins in stage A1 and 29 in stage S4.
• Key enzymes like PSY2, CCD2, ALDH2B4, and UGT707B1 were highlighted as central regulators.

Conclusions:

• This study presents a comprehensive proteomic framework for saffron stigma development and apocarotenoid accumulation.
• Identified proteins and pathways offer valuable molecular targets for enhancing saffron metabolite production.
• The findings contribute to understanding the molecular basis of valuable spice compound formation.