Mining microbiome data to identify antagonists of grapevine downy mildew (Plasmopara viticola)

Context and purpose. Viticulture has exerted a profound influence on the landscape and biodiversity of numerous countries for centuries.

The objective of this study is to review the scientific evidences and to advance into the knowledge of the molecular mechanisms of astringency. Astringency has been described as the drying, roughing and puckering sensation perceived when some food and beverages are tasted (1). The main, but possibly not the only, mechanism for the astringency is the precipitation of salivary proteins (2,3). Between phenolic compounds found in red wines, flavan-3-ols are the group usually related to the development of this sensation. Other compounds, phenolic or not, like anthocyanins, polysaccharides and mannoproteins could act modifying or modulating astringency perception by hindering the interaction between flavanols and salivary proteins either because of their interaction with the flavanols or because of their interaction with the salivary proteins.

Young white wines should be consumed within a short time after bottling to avoid loss of their fresh, fruity attributes. Shelf-life of white wines can be extended if they are stored under suitable conditions of time and temperature prior to consumption.

Rotundone, the pepper aroma compound, has been detected in wines made from a large number of grape varieties. However, given the fact that analyzed wines were sourced from different winegrowing regions and seasons, made using different winemaking techniques and at different scales, it remains difficult to assess the real variety potential to produce rotundone.

DNA-binding proteins play a pivotal role in critical cellular processes such as DNA replication, transcription, recombination, repair, and other essential activities. Consequently, investigating the interactions between DNA and proteins is of paramount importance to gain insights into these fundamental cellular mechanisms. Several methodologies have been devised to uncover DNA-protein interactions, which can be broadly categorized into two approaches. The “protein-centered” approach focuses on identifying the DNA sequences bound by a specific transcription factor or a set of TFs. Techniques falling within this category include chromatin immunoprecipitation, and protein-binding microarrays.