Gene expression and metabolite changes during Tuber magnatum fruiting body storage

The organoleptic features of truffles may be lost after the harvest because of physiological changes that can occur during storage. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of different 4°C post-harvest storage periods on gene expression and non-volatile metabolites in Tuber magnatum fruiting bodies. The up-regulation of genes related to cell wall metabolism and to a putative laccase points to cell wall modification and browning events during fridge storage. Time course RT-qPCR experiments have demonstrated that such transcription events probably depend on the ripening status, since this is delayed in partially ripe fruiting bodies. Changes in linoleate-derived metabolites occured during the first three days of cold storage, while the other metabolites, such as the aminoacids, did not change. In conclusion, taken together, the results demonstrate that complex molecular events occur in white truffles in the post-harvest period and before their use as fresh products.