Master of Science

Rhodococcus rhodochrous DAP 96253, a well-known industrial bacterium, had various 1-hexene monooxygenase (1-HMO) activities when grown on YEMEA plates supplemented with eight different carbohydrates. Besides, 1-HMO exhibited different storage temperature preferences. Lactose could induce the highest 1-HMO activity in R. rhodochrous DAP 96253 while the cells showed the lowest 1-HMO activity when trehalose was the supplement. The 1-HMO activity of R. rhodochrous DAP 96253 was not maintained when stored at 37°C as well as at 4°C and 25°C. Trehalose-induced 1-HMO activity of R. rhodochrous DAP 96253 was more stable from Day 0 to Day 21 at all these three temperatures, compared with the other seven carbohydrates. Immobilization of enzymes can maintain enzyme activity longer, offer easier enzyme storage conditions and make some enzymes reusable, much research has been done in this area. In this study, R. rhodochrous DAP 96253, grown on YEMEA plates supplemented by glucose and urea, was investigated using whole bananas as the inducer of 1-HMO activity and different immobilization methods to maintain this enzyme activity. It was shown that calcium-alginate polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) beads could maintain 1-HMO activity of R. rhodochrous DAP 96253 more stable than calcium-alginate beads. Whole bananas exhibited very obvious effects of inducing 1-HMO activity of R. rhodochrous DAP 96253. A number of recent studies have clearly demonstrated that induced cells of R. rhodochrous DAP 96253 can prolong the shelf-life of post-harvested fruits. With USDA estimates of 40% of all harvested produce in the US not being consumed because of loss of quality, the ability to extend the period of ripeness of produce has great potential to improve the quality of nutrition. Modification or degradation of those signals (primary and secondary) associated with ripening in fruit or the perception of those signals represents a potential mode of action for delayed ripening by induced cells of R. rhodochrous DAP 96253. Ethylene and cyanide are the two primary signals in ripening. In this study, the role of 1-HMO from induced cells was investigated by time-course experiments focusing on 1-HMO activity and stability. In addition, fruit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were detected and compared by GC-FID and GC/MS over the course of fruit ripening. The results show a correlation between 1-HMO activity and stability in delayed fruit ripening. It was further demonstrated that the presence of secondary signal fruit VOCs enhanced 1-HMO activity. Aromatic profiles of treated fruits, by GC-FID and GC/MS, show a consistent picture of VOCs associated with earlier fruit ripening stages.

Fruit ripening is a highly coordinated process involving numerous structural, biochemical and physiological changes, many of which are influenced by both endogenous and environmental stimuli. Light signaling and plant hormones such as ethylene and auxins have been identified as important regulators of tomato fruit ripening. However, it is still not fully understood how light and hormonal signaling cascades interact to control the development and physiology of fleshy fruits. By applying a mutant-based approach, this study investigated the potential interconnection among light, auxin and ethylene signaling cascades during tomato fruit ripening and carotenogenesis. Analysis of ethylene and auxin metabolism and signaling in ripening fruits of the light-hyperresponsive high-pigment 2 (hp2) mutant revealed that the loss of HP2 function promotes the transcription of genes encoding key regulators of fruit ripening and increases ethylene signaling along with the increments in carotenoid synthesis and accumulation typically found in this mutant. Compared to the wild type (WT), significant changes in fruit auxin signaling were also observed in the hp2 mutant, including significantly higher activation of the auxin-responsive promoter DR5, severe down-regulation of all AUXIN/INDOLE-3-ACETIC ACID (Aux/IAA) genes more closely associated with fruit ripening as well as disturbed transcript abundance of genes encoding AUXIN RESPONSE FACTOR (ARF) transcription factors. Evidence of increased tissue responsivity to ethylene and auxins in hp2 ripening fruits is also provided. Moreover, comparing the auxin and ethylene metabolism and signaling in fruits of the phytochrome chromophore-deficient mutant aurea (au) in relation to the WT genotype provided new insights into the phytochrome-hormonal signaling crosstalk regulating the timing of fruit ripening. Compared to the WT, fruits of the au mutant exhibited a delayed-ripening phenotype, which was associated with the late induction of genes encoding master controllers of ripening, delayed ethylene climacteric production as well as coordinated changes in the expression of auxin signaling-related genes. Besides the temporal changes in hormonal signaling associated with ripening, the deficiency in functional phytochromes also seems to repress the cyclization of lycopene, leading to reduced levels of ?-carotene and lutein in the fruit tissues. Although the exact molecular mechanisms behind the altered hormonal responses in tomato fruits triggered by changes in light signaling remain to be further elucidated, the data obtained in this study provide clear evidence that an intricate crosstalk among light, ethylene and auxin signaling may be involved in controlling tomato fruit ripening and carotenogenesis. Therefore, these findings open up a window of opportunity for further improvement in the regulation of ripening-associated processes through the combined manipulation of hormonal and light signaling-related genes / O amadurecimento de frutos é um processo altamente regulado que envolve várias mudanças estruturais, bioquímicas e fisiológicas, muitas das quais são influenciadas tanto por fatores endógenos quanto ambientais. O sinal luminoso, bem como os hormônios vegetais etileno e auxina têm se revelado importantes reguladores do amadurecimento de frutos. Porém, ainda não está totalmente esclarecido como as cascatas de sinalização luminosa e hormonal interagem a fim de controlar o desenvolvimento e a fisiologia dos frutos carnosos. O presente estudo teve como objetivo analisar as interações entre as cascatas de sinalização da luz, do etileno e das auxinas durante o amadurecimento e carotenogênese em frutos de tomateiro por meio do uso de mutantes fotomorfogênicos dessa espécie. As análises do metabolismo e sinalização do etileno e das auxinas em frutos do mutante high-pigment 2 (hp2), o qual apresenta respostas exageradas à luz, revelaram que a perda da função do gene HP2 resultou no aumento dos níveis de transcritos de genes que codificam os reguladores-chaves do processo de amadurecimento bem como um incremento na sinalização do etileno, sendo que essas mudanças estiveram atreladas ao maior acúmulo de carotenoides tipicamente encontrados neste mutante. Comparado ao genótipo selvagem, frutos do mutante hp2 também apresentaram uma elevação considerável na sinalização das auxinas, incluindo incrementos na ativação do promotor DR5, regulação negativa da maioria dos genes AUXIN/INDOLE-3-ACETIC ACID (Aux/IAA) envolvidos no amadurecimento do tomate, bem como alterações na abundância de transcritos dos genes que codificam os fatores de transcrição AUXIN RESPONSE FACTOR (ARF). Indícios obtidos também sugerem uma maior responsividade dos frutos de hp2 aos hormônios etileno e auxinas. Além disso, as análises do metabolismo e a sinalização das auxinas e do etileno realizadas em frutos do mutante aurea (au), deficiente na síntese do cromóforo dos fitocromos, indicaram que a interação entre esses fotorreceptores e fitormônios influencia o início do amadurecimento dos frutos de tomateiro. Os frutos deste mutante, quando comparados ao selvagem, exibiram um atraso no amadurecimento, o qual se mostrou temporalmente relacionado à indução tardia dos genes que controlam esse processo, ao atraso na produção climatérica do etileno, bem como associado a alterações nos níveis de transcritos de genes-chaves relacionados com a sinalização das auxinas. Além das mudanças temporais na sinalização hormonal associadas ao amadurecimento, os dados obtidos também sugerem que a deficiência em fitocromos funcionais reprime a ciclização do licopeno, levando a níveis reduzidos de ?-caroteno e luteína nos tecidos dos frutos. Embora os mecanismos moleculares responsáveis pelas alterações nas respostas hormonais desencadeadas pela luz ainda precisem ser melhor elucidados em frutos de tomateiro, os dados obtidos neste estudo forneceram evidências de que uma complexa interação entre a sinalização luminosa, do etileno e das auxinas estaria envolvida no controle do amadurecimento e carotenogênese nessa espécie. Portanto, estas descobertas trazem consigo oportunidades de melhoria na regulação de eventos relacionados ao processo de amadurecimento por meio da manipulação combinada de genes relacionados à sinalização luminosa e hormonal

Rhodococcus has diverse metabolic capabilities, such as delaying ripening of certain climacteric fruit. Nitrile hydratase (NHase), amidase, 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate deaminase (ACC deaminase), cyanidase, and β-cyanoalanine synthase-like enzyme (βCAS-like) are possibly involved in fruit ripening. The activity of these enzymes in Rhodococcus rhodochrous DAP 96253 cells were induced with selected multiple inducers (i.e. cobalt and urea). This research showed that the supplementation of selected sugars, i.e. trehalose and maltodextrin in growth media and storage buffers of R. rhodochrous DAP 96253 affected activity and stability of the enzymes mentioned above. Thermostability and osmostability of the five enzymes in whole cells (plate grown and fermented) were evaluated in this study, i.e. βCAS-like was more stable than the other four enzymes in storage conditions. Immobilized biocatalysts have practical advantages over the use of “free” whole cells. Immobilization of whole rhodococcal cells (plate grown and fermented) was employed, using techniques such as glutaraldehyde-polyethylenimine (GA-PEI) cross-linking, waxing and calcium-alginate entrapment. The GA-PEI immobilized catalysts were non-replicating and more stable in storage conditions than the catalysts produced by the other two methods. Wax or calcium-alginate immobilized catalysts (live catalysts) showed higher enzyme activity than the GA-PEI catalyst. The effects of whole and immobilized catalysts were evaluated on delayed ripening of fruit. Both free whole cells and immobilized catalysts delayed the ripening of bananas and peaches. Delayed ripening experiments showed that the catalysts were effective in direct contact and not in contact with fruit. Moreover, both free whole cells and immobilized catalysts showed antifungal activity against Aspergillus niger and Penicillium spp. Gas chromatography was performed to analyze volatile interactions between the biocatalysts and fruit. This analysis revealed that cyanide in an atmosphere with ethylene was utilized by the biocatalysts. There was also less volatile production by exposed fruit (bananas) than fruit unexposed to biocatalysts, either rhodococcal immobilized catalysts or live whole cells (plate grown and fermented).

Rhodococcus has diverse metabolic capabilities, such as delaying ripening of certain climacteric fruit. Nitrile hydratase (NHase), amidase, 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate deaminase (ACC deaminase), cyanidase, and β-cyanoalanine synthase-like enzyme (βCAS-like) are possibly involved in fruit ripening. The activity of these enzymes in Rhodococcus rhodochrous DAP 96253 cells were induced with selected multiple inducers (i.e. cobalt and urea). This research showed that the supplementation of selected sugars, i.e. trehalose and maltodextrin in growth media and storage buffers of R. rhodochrous DAP 96253 affected activity and stability of the enzymes mentioned above. Thermostability and osmostability of the five enzymes in whole cells (plate grown and fermented) were evaluated in this study, i.e. βCAS-like was more stable than the other four enzymes in storage conditions. Immobilized biocatalysts have practical advantages over the use of “free” whole cells. Immobilization of whole rhodococcal cells (plate grown and fermented) was employed, using techniques such as glutaraldehyde-polyethylenimine (GA-PEI) cross-linking, waxing and calcium-alginate entrapment. The GA-PEI immobilized catalysts were non-replicating and more stable in storage conditions than the catalysts produced by the other two methods. Wax or calcium-alginate immobilized catalysts (live catalysts) showed higher enzyme activity than the GA-PEI catalyst. The effects of whole and immobilized catalysts were evaluated on delayed ripening of fruit. Both free whole cells and immobilized catalysts delayed the ripening of bananas and peaches. Delayed ripening experiments showed that the catalysts were effective in direct contact and not in contact with fruit. Moreover, both free whole cells and immobilized catalysts showed antifungal activity against Aspergillus niger and Penicillium spp. Gas chromatography was performed to analyze volatile interactions between the biocatalysts and fruit. This analysis revealed that cyanide in an atmosphere with ethylene was utilized by the biocatalysts. There was also less volatile production by exposed fruit (bananas) than fruit unexposed to biocatalysts, either rhodococcal immobilized catalysts or live whole cells (plate grown and fermented).

Ph.D. (Biochemistry) / This study consistsof two parts namely: • Phosphoproteins in ripening mango fruit tissue: Effect of y-irradiation and various effectors on protein phosphorylation during the climacteric rise, climacteric peak and post-climacteric stages of ripening. • Protein kinase (EC 2.7.10 and EC 2.7.11) activities in ripening mango fruit tissue: Classification, purification and characterisation.

Oil palm can accumulate up to 90% oil in its mesocarp, the highest level observed in the plant kingdom. In contrast, the closely related date palm accumulates almost exclusively sugars. To gain insight into the mechanisms that lead to such an extreme difference in carbon partitioning, the transcriptome and metabolite content of oil palm and date palm were compared during mesocarp development. Compared with date palm, the high oil content in oil palm was associated with much higher transcript levels for all fatty acid synthesis enzymes, specific plastid transporters, and key enzymes of plastidial carbon metabolism, including phosphofructokinase, pyruvate kinase, and pyruvate dehydrogenase. Transcripts representing an ortholog of the WRI1 transcription factor were 57-fold higher in oil palm relative to date palm and displayed a temporal pattern similar to its target genes. Unexpectedly, despite more than a 100-fold difference in flux to lipids, most enzymes of triacylglycerol assembly were expressed at similar levels in oil palm and date palm. Similarly, transcript levels for all but one cytosolic enzyme of glycolysis were comparable in both species. Together, these data point to synthesis of fatty acids and supply of pyruvate in the plastid, rather than acyl assembly into triacylglycerol, as a major control over the storage of oil in the mesocarp of oil palm. In addition to greatly increasing molecular resources devoted to oil palm and date palm, the combination of temporal and comparative studies illustrates how deep sequencing can provide insights into gene expression patterns of two species that lack genome sequence information.

A conversão do amido, armazenado nas frutas durante seu desenvolvimento, em açúcares, é desempenhada por várias enzimas, constituindo-se em um dos principais processos do amadurecimento. A função das enzimas hidrolíticas, alfa-amilase e beta-amilase, no metabolismo amido-sacarose durante o amadurecimento de bananas, foi avaliada através da determinação dos perfis de transcrição e tradução dos seus genes. Utilizando-se da expressão heteróloga de clones de cDNA das amilases, foi possível obter as proteínas recombinantes, inclusive na sua forma enzimaticamente ativa, bem como induzir a produção de anticorpos policlonais em coelhos, com os quais pode-se acompanhar a variação nos níveis de expressão de cada uma das duas enzimas. O tratamento de bananas com o hormônio etileno induziu a antecipação dos processos de degradação do amido e síntese de açúcares em relação ao grupo de frutas controle. Enquanto no grupo controle, as variações nos níveis de proteína e transcrição relativos à alfa-amilase sugerem que há redução na expressão do gene, no grupo tratado com etileno não foi possível detectar a expressão da proteína, apesar dos incrementos na transcrição e atividade. Tal fato pode ser associado à degradação do grânulo de amido e conseqüente solubilização de proteínas ligadas à sua superfície e ao provável aumento no turnover de proteínas promovidos pelo etileno. Em resposta ao tratamento com etileno, houve antecipação dos picos de atividade relacionados especificamente com a beta-amilase, o mesmo ocorreu na detecção do transcrito e sua proteína. Tais resultados sugerem que em bananas, os padrões de expressão e atividade da beta-amilase estão diretamente relacionados à degradação do amido, respondendo também às variações hormonais na fruta, não sendo possível afirmar o mesmo para alfa-amilase. / The starch breakdown in plants is accomplished by several enzymes and pathways and it is the main feature of the ripening in climacteric fruits, such as banana. The function of the hydrolytic enzymes, alpha-amylase and beta-amylase, in the starch-to-sugar metabolism during banana ripening, was evaluated through the determination of the profiles of transcription and translation of its genes. Using the heterologous expression of amylases cDNA clones, was possible to get recombinant proteins in its enzymatically active form, as well as inducing the production of the polyclonal antibodies in rabbits, and use this to evaluate the expression profile of each one enzyme. The treatment of bananas with the hormone ethylene induced the anticipation of the processes of degradation of starch and synthesis of sugars in relation to the control group. While in the control group the variations of protein and transcription levels for alpha-amylase suggests a reduction in the gene expression, in the ethylene group was not possible to detect the expression of the protein, despite the increments in the transcription and activity. Such fact can be associated with the degradation of the starch granules and the resultant surface protein solubilization, and the probable increase in the protein turnover promoted by ethylene treatment. In response to the ethylene, the peak related to beta-amylase activity has been anticipated and the same was occurred with the transcription and translation of this enzyme. These results suggest that the profile of expression and activity of beta-amylase are directly related to the degradation of starch and do respond to hormonal treatment of banana fruits, which could not be affirmed for the enzyme alpha-amylase.

Our knowledge of the factors mediating ethylene-dependent and -independent ripening of climacteric fruit remains limited. Besides the known importance of ethylene roles, auxin has also been emerged as crucial to regulating ripening. Furthermore, the crosstalk between ethylene and auxin in tomato fruit ripening still awaits clarification. ERFs (Ethylene Responsive Factors) are transcription factors belonging to a large family acting downstream on ethylene signaling that direclty regulate ripening-related metabolisms, but their specific roles are still lacking. We present here a comprehensive expression profiling of tomato ERFs in wild-type and tomato ripening-impaired tomato mutants (Nr, rin and nor) indicating that out of the 77 ERFs present in the tomato genome, 27 show enhanced expression at the onset of ripening, while 28 display a ripening-associated decrease in expression, suggesting that different ERFs may have contrasting roles in fruit ripening. Members of subclass E, ERF.E1, ERF.E2 and ERF.E4, show dramatic down-regulation in the ripening mutants suggesting their expression might be instrumental to fruit ripening. The study illustrates the high complexity of the regulatory network interconnecting RIN and ERFs and identifies subclass E members as the most active ERFs in ethylene- and RIN/NOR-dependent ripening. Additionally, with the aim to shed more light into ethylene and auxin interplay, hormonal treatments were applied to tomato fruits and several ripening aspects were then evaluated such as the volatile profile. Overall, results elicited that auxin delay the onset of ripening further showing epistatic effects over the influence of ethylene. Several ripening-related genes, including components of the ethylene signaling, were affected by auxin suggesting potential crosstalk points between the two hormones. Moreover, ethylene appears as potentially part of the auxin regulation through inducing its conjugation. The modulation of hormone levels in tomato fruit throughout ripening can be useful to help designing approaches that both improve fruit quality and extend shelf life. / O conhecimento acerca dos fatores dependentes e independentes de etileno que regulam o amadurecimento de frutos climatéricos é ainda limitado. Além da importância conhecida do etileno, a auxina também tem sido apontada como crucial para o controle do amadurecimento. Mais ainda, há poucos estudos envolvendo o crosstalk entre etileno e auxina em frutos de tomateiro. ERFs (Ethylene Responsive Factors) são fatores de transcrição que atuam nos últimos níveis da via de sinalização de etileno, regulando diretamente metabolismos associados ao amadurecimento. Contudo, seus papéis específicos ainda são desconhecidos. O presente estudo revela o perfil detalhado de expressão de ERFs em tomate selvagem e nos mutantes cujo amadurecimento é comprometido (Nr, rin e nor) indicando que dos 77 ERFs presentes no genoma, 27 apresentam aumento de expressão no início do amadurecimento, enquanto 28 apresentam redução, sugerindo que diferentes ERFs possivelmente têm papéis distintos na regulação do amadurecimento. Membros da subclasse E, ERF.E1, ERF.E2 e ERF.E4, apresentam drástica redução de expressão nos mutantes Nr, rin e nor apontando que tais fatores devem atuar fortemente no amadurecimento. O estudo ilustra também a complexidade das vias de regulação envolvendo RIN e ERFs e ainda aponta os membros da subslasse E como os mais ativos ERFs atuando nas vias etileno-dependentes e RIN/NOR-dependentes. Indo além, com o objetivo de se aprofundar no crosstalk entre etileno e auxina, tratamentos hormonais foram aplicados em frutos de tomateiro e diversos parâmetros do amadurecimento foram avaliados. De uma maneira geral, a auxina retarda o amadurecimento e ainda parece sobrepor os efeitos indutórios do etileno. Genes relacionados ao amadurecimento, incluindo genes relacionados à via de sinalização de etileno, foram afetados pela auxina sugerindo potenciais pontos de crosstalk entre os dois hormônios. O etileno ainda parece regular o metabolismo de auxina no fruto via indução de conjugação pela ativação de GH3s. Compreender o papel dos hormônios no controle da maturação é essencial para o desenvolvimento de tecnologias que visam melhorar a qualidade pós-colheita de frutos.

Submitted by Angela Maria de Oliveira (amolivei@uepg.br) on 2019-03-13T20:32:40Z No. of bitstreams: 2 license_rdf: 811 bytes, checksum: e39d27027a6cc9cb039ad269a5db8e34 (MD5) Leticia Reis.pdf: 1857887 bytes, checksum: c5958c1e2ba4b807200b9f42a266b1d9 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2019-03-13T20:32:40Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 2 license_rdf: 811 bytes, checksum: e39d27027a6cc9cb039ad269a5db8e34 (MD5) Leticia Reis.pdf: 1857887 bytes, checksum: c5958c1e2ba4b807200b9f42a266b1d9 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2018-10-24 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / Em virtude da respiração e, produção e resposta ao etileno, os frutos carnosos foram classificados em climatéricos e não-climatéricos. De maneira genérica, os frutos climatéricos são aqueles cujo amadurecimento ocorre concomitantemente a um pico na respiração e aumento na produção de etileno; são extremamente responsivos ao etileno exógeno; e são conhecidos por serem capazes de completar a maturação mesmo destacados da planta mãe, já que o ponto de maturação fisiológica antecede o ponto de colheita. Já os frutos não-climatéricos, não apresentam pico respiratório e de produção de etileno durante a maturação; não respondem ao etileno exógeno na maioria dos casos; e não são capazes de amadurecer destacados da planta mãe, já que o ponto de maturação fisiológica coincide com o ponto de colheita. Estudos realizados principalmente em tomate, modelo climatério de fruto de polpa, geraram informações importantes sobre a produção, percepção e transdução de sinal do etileno, bem como, sua influência na mudança de cor, sabor, textura e aroma dos frutos, o que possibilitou o desenvolvimento de tecnologias de produção, colheita e pós-colheita mais eficientes. Todavia, no amadurecimento de frutos não-climatéricos, embora muitos trabalhos estejam sendo realizados, ainda existem muitas questões a serem elucidadas. Dentre os frutos nãoclimatéricos, o morango (Fragaria ananassa L Dutch) é o sistema mais estudado para o entendimento do papel do etileno na regulação da maturação, incluindo vários genes relacionados com a maturação já caracterizados. Recentemente, o melão (Cucumis melo L.), vem surgindo como uma nova proposta de modelo de estudos devido a presença de variedades climatéricas e não-climatéricas, possibilitando a comparação entre frutos modelo da mesma espécie. Assim, no presente estudo, frutos de morango var ‘Albion’ ligado à planta mãe em quatro estágios de desenvolvimento (verde, branco, rosa e vermelho) foram imersos em três diferentes tratamentos (Ethephon - composto gerador de etileno, 1-MCP - inibidor de percepção de etileno, ou água - contendo solventes e diluentes), mais um controle absoluto que não recebeu tratamento. Na maturação, todos os frutos foram colhidos e avaliados para mostrar o efeito do etileno em importantes atributos físico-químicos e compostos de qualidade não voláteis. Observou-se que o tratamento com ethefon afetou a dimensão dos frutos, a firmeza, o teor de antocianinas e o teor de alguns aminoácidos. O tratamento com 1-MCP em qualquer fase de desenvolvimento não teve efeito em nenhuma das variáveis medidas. Um segundo estudo foi conduzido com melão não-climatérico (Cucumis melo var. Amarelo) para caracterizar a expressão de importantes genes do metabolismo do açúcar durante quatro estágios de desenvolvimento do fruto (verde pequeno, verde grande, mudança de cor e totalmente maduro), pois pouco se sabe sobre o metabolismo do açúcar do melão não-climatérico e também devido à suposta ligação entre o metabolismo do açúcar e a vida de prateleira desses frutos. Os genes-alvo foram escolhidos usando informações prévias de um sequenciamento RNAseq do melão Amarelo. Os genes que codificam enzimas que consomem açúcar para fornecimento de energia foram mais expressos no início do desenvolvimento, principalmente no estágio de desenvolvimento verde grande, enquanto os genes que codificam enzimas que sintetizam açúcar e / ou direcionam esse açúcar para armazenamento foram mais expressos geralmente no estágio de mudança de cor e mantendo alta expressão em frutos maduros. Ambos estudos fornecem informações importantes sobre o amadurecimento de frutos não climatéricos que podem ser usados para melhorar as tecnologias de manejo, colheita e pós-colheita no futuro. / Based on respiration, ethylene production and ethylene response, fleshy fruit are classified as climacteric or non-climacteric. Generically, climacteric fruit are those whose maturation occurs concomitantly to a peak in respiration and increase in ethylene production; are extremely responsive to exogenous ethylene; and are able to complete ripening detached from the mother plant if physiological maturation occurs prior to harvest. On the other hand, non-climacteric fruit are classified as having no respiratory peak nor rise in ethylene production during maturation; do not respond to exogenous ethylene in most cases; and are unable to ripen detached from the mother plant, since physiological ripeness must coincide with the time of harvest. Studies conducted mainly on tomatoes, a model climacteric fruit, generated important information on ethylene production, perception, and signal transduction, as well as their influence on change of color, flavor, texture and aroma, which allowed the development of more efficient production, harvesting and post-harvest technologies. However, in the maturation of non-climacteric fruits, although much research has been conducted, there are still many questions to be elucidated. Among the non-climacteric fruits, strawberry (Fragaria ananassa L. Dutch) is the most studied system for understanding the role of ethylene in ripening regulation with several genes related to ripening already characterized. Recently, the melon fruit (Cucumis melo L.), is emerging as a new model to study fruit ripening due to the presence of climatic and non-climatic cultivars, allowing the comparison of results among model fruit of the same species. Therefore, in the present study ‘Albion’ strawberry fruit on the plant at four developmental stages (Green, White, Pink and Red) were immersed in three different treatments (Ethephon – an ethylene-generating compound, 1-MCP - an ethylene perception inhibitor, or Water - containing solvents and diluents), plus one absolute control that received no treatment. At ripeness all fruit were harvested and evaluated to show the effect of ethylene on important physical-chemical attributes and non-volatile quality compounds. Ethephon treatment was observed to affect fruit dimension, firmness, anthocyanins and amino acid content. Treatment with 1-MCP at any developmental stage had no effect on any of the variables measured. A second study was conducted with a non-climacteric melon fruit (Cucumis melo cv. ‘Yellow’) to characterize the expression of important sugar metabolism genes during four fruit development stages (small green, large green, color change and full ripe) to relate sugar metabolism of non-climacteric melon with possible linkage to sugar metabolism and shelf life of these fruits. The target genes were choosen using previous information from a RNAseq sequencing of ‘Yellow’ melon. Genes encoding enzymes that metabolise sugar for energy were observed to be more expressed early in development at the large green development stage, while genes encoding enzymes that synthesize sugar and/or direct this sugar to storage were observed to be expressed later in development, at the color change and full ripe stages. Both studies provided important information about non-climacteric fruit ripening that can be used to improve management, harvest and post-harvest technologies in the future.