terclim by ICS banner
IVES 9 IVES Conference Series 9 Optimized protocol for high-quality RNA extraction from grape tissues using sorbitol pre-wash

Optimized protocol for high-quality RNA extraction from grape tissues using sorbitol pre-wash

Abstract

Obtaining high-quality RNA from grape tissues, including berry pulp, berry skins, stems, rachis, or roots, is challenging due to their composition, which includes polysaccharides, phenolic compounds, sugars, and organic acids that can negatively affect RNA extraction. For instance, polyphenols and other secondary metabolites can bind to RNA, making it difficult to extract a pure sample. Additionally, RNA can co-precipitate with polysaccharides, leading to lower extraction yield. Also, sugars and organic acids can interfere with the pH and ionic properties of the extraction buffer. To address these challenges, we optimized a protocol for RNA isolation from grape tissues. Although commercial kits can provide a rapid extraction, they were inefficient for these plant materials. Similarly, protocols that work well for other vegetal tissues were also inefficient and time-consuming on grape tissues. To overcome these limitations, we added a sorbitol pre-wash step to both a three-day long protocol based on LiCl precipitation and a commercial kit. Our results showed that the addition of a sorbitol pre-wash improved multiple parameters: the A260/280 absorbance ratio, integrity and quality (IQ), and RNA integrity number (RIN). Sorbitol played a crucial role in ensuring high-quality RNA extraction from grape tissues. It inhibits RNase, thereby preserving RNA integrity and stability. It also helps in disrupting cellular membranes, facilitating the release of RNA, and maintains the osmotic pressure through hypertonicity, which is beneficial to RNA extraction. By using sorbitol, commercial kits can be used to extract RNA from challenging grape tissues, leading to an efficient and time-saving procedure.

DOI:

Publication date: June 13, 2024

Issue: Open GPB 2024

Type: Poster

Authors

Annalisa Prencipe1, Antonella Salerno1,2, Marco Vendemia2, Carlo Bergamini2, Margherita D’Amico2, Lucia Rosaria Forleo2, Teodora Basile2, Maria Francesca Cardone2, Antonio Domenico Marsico2, Riccardo Velasco2, Mario Ventura1, Flavia Angela Maria Maggiolini2*

1 Department of Biosciences, Biotechnology and Environment, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70125 Bari, Italy
2 Council for Agricultural Research and Economics – Research Center Viticulture and Enology (CREA-VE), Via Casamassima 148-70010 Turi (Ba), Italy

Contact the author*

Keywords

Vitis vinifera, RNA, sorbitol, extraction protocol

Tags

IVES Conference Series | Open GPB | Open GPB 2024

Citation

Related articles…

Oenological performances of new white grape varieties

The wine industry works to minimize pesticides and adapt to climate change. Breeding programs have developed disease-resistant grape varieties, particularly against downy and powdery mildew, to minimize pesticide applications [1]. However, their enological potential remains underexplored.

Untargeted metabolomics to identify potential chemical markers responsible for the permissiveness of red wines against Brettanomyces bruxellensis

Red wines constitute the majority of the wines produced in Bordeaux. All along the winemaking process, many microorganisms may develop in wine. A lot of them are useful but a common defect found in wine is linked to the development of Brettanomyces bruxellensis, a yeast that produces volatile phenols. These molecules are responsible for an unwanted sensorial defect described as similar to “horse sweat”, “burnt plastic” or “leather”. It has been shown that while some wines are very permissive and easily contaminated, others are pretty resistant to Brettanomyces development. However, common parameters such as pH, alcohol or sugars composition cannot fully explain the differences observed in wine permissiveness.

Color stabilization properties of oenological tannins

The use of oenological tannins is authorized for many years by the OIV and advised for color stabilization. For this reason, winemakers look for a better understanding of tannins/anthocyanins interactions to produce deeply colored wines with great color stability during aging.

The role of rootstock and its genetic background in plant mineral status

In this video recording of the IVES science meeting 2025, Marine Morel (EGFV, Univ. Bordeaux, Bordeaux Sciences Agro, INRAE, ISVV, Villenave-d’Ornon, France) speaks about the role of rootstock and its genetic background in plant mineral status. This presentation is based on an original article accessible for free on OENO One.

Generation of radicals in wine by cavitation and study of their interaction with metals, phenols and carboxylic acids

High-power ultrasounds have been related to an accelerated aging of wines, an effect that has been associated to the formation of radical species caused by the cavitation phenomenon [1]. This phenomenon consists of the formation of bubbles in the liquid medium that, when they collapse, cause high-pressure hot spots and temperatures of up to 4800 k [2], notably increasing the reactivity in the medium.