The differential expression of the two key genes involved in fructan biosynthetic pathway in artichoke vs. wild cardoon improves inulin-type fructans

The artichoke (Cynara cardunculus subsp. scolymus) is an intriguing source of indigestible sugar polymers such as inulin-type fructans. Artichoke represents important component a traditional Mediterranean diet and its edible parts are good many high added value compounds inulin, polymer showing relevant prebiotic properties. Compared to the cultivated varieties, wild cardoon (C. var. sylvestris) growing naturally under harsh conditions well-adapted marginal areas, could have potential for use in sustainable production stressed lands. Here, we evaluated by enzymatic assay, amount fructans both two different organs, heads rhizomes. expression pattern genes encoding key enzymes sucrose:sucrose 1-fructosyltransferase fructan 1-fructosyltransferase, involved biosynthesis, been also evaluated. Our results showed that was higher than heads, together with biosynthetic pathway. A conspicuous content found rhizome, supporting significant role these storage protection from cold and/or winter stresses.