Quantitative proteomic analysis of pre- and post-harvest peach fruit ripening based on iTRAQ technique

To further elucidate the molecular mechanism involved in peach (Prunus persica cv. Xiacui) fruit ripening, a differential proteomic analysis was conducted using iTRAQ based strategy for studying peach fruit ripening from day 15 before commercial harvesting (D0) to 15-day storage period at 25 degrees C. 64 differentially expressed proteins (>= 1.5-fold, p <= 0.05) were successfully identified. Lipoxygenase (LOX) family members exposed the status of causing disorder metabolism and senescence by increased expressions. Some well-known antioxidant enzymes did not show significant expressions especially in later storage time. Nevertheless, proteins involved in ABA metabolism were up-regulated, demonstrating the important role of ABA in adaptation of plants to various environmental stresses. Glutathione S-transferase, cysteine proteinase inhibitor, transcription factor bHLH135 all showed great potential in response to ROS or other stresses. Proteins associated with flavonoid biosynthesis and amino acid metabolism also revealed critical roles in metabolism during storage.