Summary
This study provides comprehensive biochemical characterisation of apple-derived nanovesicles (ADNVs), identifying their composition as exosomes and exocyst-positive organelles carrying plant-protective proteins and bioactive miRNAs. Through in vitro experiments with human fibroblasts, the authors demonstrate that ADNVs trigger intracellular calcium signalling and exert antioxidant effects, establishing a mechanistic link between plant nanovesicle exposure and cellular stress responses. Notably, organic apple cultivars produced substantially more ADNVs with elevated bioactive lipid content compared to integrated production systems.
Regional applicability
The findings are applicable to United Kingdom horticultural research and product development, particularly given widespread apple consumption and waste streams in UK agriculture. The distinction between organic and integrated production methods aligns with UK farming certification systems and consumer interest in organic produce, though further work would be needed to validate findings across UK-grown cultivars and determine practical applications in food or pharmaceutical contexts.
Key measures
Nanovesicle size and molecular markers (Exo70, TET-3-like proteins); proteomic and lipidomic profiles; small RNA sequencing; intracellular Ca²⁺ levels in human fibroblasts; antioxidant effects; nanovesicle yield and composition by production method (organic vs. integrated)
Outcomes reported
The study characterised apple-derived nanovesicles (ADNVs) through proteomic and lipidomic analysis, identifying their composition as exocyst-positive organelles and MVB-derived exosomes, and demonstrated that ADNVs trigger intracellular calcium signalling and antioxidant responses in human fibroblasts. Organic apple cultivars yielded substantially higher ADNV production and were enriched in bioactive lysophospholipids compared to integrated production methods.
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