Structures and functions of suberin in postharvest fruit and vegetable and its regulation: A comprehensive review.
- 2025-09
- International journal of biological macromolecules 322
- Ziang Zhou
- Xiaobo Wei
- Chenggui Yang
- Yaoran Li
- Xiaopeng Wei
- Huiyan Liu
- Haitian Fang
- Linchun Mao
- PubMed: 40812636
- DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2025.146760
Study Design
- Type
- Review
- Funding
- Unclear
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.