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Exploring the role of the mitochondrial alternative respiration in carotenoid biosynthesis during tomato fruit ripening

Objective

Tomato is one of the most economically relevant crops in the world and is the main model system for fruit ripening studies at biochemical, genetic and molecular levels. In this climacteric fruit, a sudden increase in respiration takes place at the onset of ripening, usually in concert with increased production of ethylene that eventually impacts fruit color, firmness, taste, and flavor. During ripening, tomato accumulates high contents of health-promoting carotenoids (pro-vitamin A, antioxidants), which require a high production of carbon precursors and ATP. In this respect, both mitochondrial and chromoplast respiration have been proposed to play important roles in fruit ripening and carotenoid metabolism. The general aim of this project is to determine the contribution of mitochondrial respiration to the supply of energy and carbon for the production of carotenoids in tomato fruit during ripening. In particular, we will perform metabolomics of genetically modified tomatoes with altered mitochondrial and chromoplast respiration at different ripening stages. Furthermore, 13C- and 14C-labelling experiments will be performed to trace the fate of carbon from primary to secondary metabolites. In parallel, we will measure the relative glycolytic and TCA cycle fluxes and, for the first time in tomato, the in vivo activities of mitochondrial electron transport chain pathways by using the 18O fractionation technique. Combining these data with the analysis of transcript and protein levels of the main components of respiratory and carotenoid pathways and mathematical modelling will unveil novel metabolic checkpoints and connections between primary and secondary metabolism during fruit ripening. The generated new insights should contribute to the implementation of new biotechnological approaches to produce fruits with enhanced levels of carotenoids and other health-promoting secondary metabolites.

Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)

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Programme(s)

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Topic(s)

Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.

Funding Scheme

Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.

MSCA-IF-EF-ST - Standard EF

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Call for proposal

Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.

(opens in new window) H2020-MSCA-IF-2016

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Coordinator

CENTRE DE RECERCA EN AGRIGENOMICA CSIC-IRTA-UAB-UB
Net EU contribution

Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.

€ 170 121,60
Address
PARC DE RECERCA DE L UAB CAMPUS UAB EDIFICI CRAG BELLATERRA
08193 CERDANYOLA DEL VALLES
Spain

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Region
Este Cataluña Barcelona
Activity type
Other
Links
Total cost

The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.

€ 170 121,60
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