Spatio-temporal dynamics of lettuce metabolome: A framework for targeted nutritional quality improvement

Authors: Simko, Ivan

Submitted to: Plants
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 11/24/2024
Publication Date: 11/26/2024
Citation: Simko, I. 2024. Spatio-temporal dynamics of lettuce metabolome: A framework for targeted nutritional quality improvement. Plants. 13(23). Article 3316. https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13233316.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13233316

Interpretive Summary: Lettuce is a popular, nutritious vegetable packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and other compounds that contribute to better health. These nutrients not only make it a valuable food for reducing risks of chronic illnesses, like heart disease and diabetes, but also enhance its role in a balanced diet. This study explores how lettuce produces and stores these beneficial compounds as it grows. When lettuce from young to mature stages was examined, it was found that different nutrients, like flavonoids and vitamins, concentrate in certain areas of the leaves at specific growth stages. For instance, younger plants had higher levels of flavonoids, while older plants accumulated more sugars and amino acids. Closure of a lettuce head also affected nutrient levels, often decreasing flavonoids. These findings offer new ideas for optimizing lettuce varieties to enhance their nutritional value, helping both farmers and consumers enjoy healthier, higher-quality lettuce.

Technical Abstract: Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) is a valuable leafy vegetable rich in vitamins and antioxidants. This study presents a comprehensive spatio-temporal analysis of the lettuce metabolome, revealing complex dynamics in metabolite accumulation influenced by plant age, leaf position, proximodistal distribution within a leaf, and head closure. Widely targeted metabolomics identified 1,905 compounds, with flavonoids, phenolic acids, and lipids as the largest classes. Young plants exhibited higher flavonoids, while older plants accumulated more saccharides and amino acids. Metabolites showed distinct spatial distributions, with flavonoids and vitamins concentrated in leaf tips and terpenoids declining from base to tip. Head closure significantly reduced flavonoid levels. The results provide insights into the interplay between developmental processes, plant architecture, and genetic regulation of lettuce metabolism, informing targeted strategies for improving crop quality and nutritional profiles.