Search Results (1,570)

The present study aims to optimize the extraction process and systematically investigate the bioactivity of polysaccharides derived from Peristrophe roxburghiana (Schult.) Brem. (CPPRs). To this end, the Box–Behnken design–response surface methodology was employed to optimize the extraction parameters of polysaccharides. The optimal extraction conditions were as follows: extraction temperature, 84 °C; extraction duration, 208 min; liquid-to-material ratio, 1:27 g/mL; extraction times, 4 times. The maximum extraction yield reached 17.89%, and the yield under non-optimal extraction conditions is 11–16%. This study systematically investigated the polysaccharides’ physicochemical, structural, and morphological properties using multiple advanced techniques (FTIR, SEM, XRD, HPLC, rheology, and TGA). CPPRs are primarily composed of arabinose, galactose and glucose as the main monosaccharides, amorphous, and capable of low-viscosity gels at low shear rates. Furthermore, CPPRs displayed notable antioxidant activity in vitro, scavenging ABTS^•+ and DPPH^• and reducing Fe³⁺ (with scavenging/reducing rates exceeding 40% at a concentration of 1 mg/mL). Meanwhile, 3 mg/mL CPPRs reduced oxidative damage of red blood cells induced by AAPH, scavenging more than 50% of ROS, and reducing the hemolysis rate by 94.5%. Additionally, CPPRs significantly promoted secretion of cytokines (including TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-10) and NO in RAW264.7 macrophages in vitro compared with the untreated control group. These findings collectively highlight the potential of CPPRs—possessing both antioxidant and immune-enhancing properties—as promising functional ingredients for application in the food and pharmaceutical industries. Full article

Acute inflammation is frequently triggered by pathogen infections and contributes to host mortality. In this study, a new exopolysaccharide (ObEPS) was isolated from the moss endophyte Ovatospora brasiliensis and characterized for its structure and biological activity. Monosaccharide composition analysis revealed that ObEPS was mainly composed of galactose, glucose, mannose, and glucuronic acid. Multi-angle light scattering and conformation analysis showed a molar mass of 10⁵–10⁶ Da and a compact chain conformation. In vitro experiments showed that ObEPS markedly inhibited nitric oxide production and reduced pro-inflammatory cytokine expression in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages. In a systemic Candida albicans infection model, ObEPS combined with fluconazole significantly reduced fungal colony-forming units (CFUs)/g kidney from 3.8 × 10⁵ to 0.1 × 10⁵, with the reduction of pro-inflammatory cytokine levels and tissue damage compared with the EPS-free groups suffering from C. albicans infection. Overall, these findings indicate that ObEPS has potent anti-inflammatory activity and may serve as a promising natural adjunct for mitigating infection-associated inflammatory damage. Full article

Nacre, the iridescent inner layer of mollusk shells, has long been traditionally used in medicine. While we have previously demonstrated its anti-aging effects on muscle and skin, its impact on pancreatic dysfunction and glucose metabolism remains unclear. In this study, we aimed to isolate and identify an active component from nacre extract that improves glucose metabolism and to evaluate its potential to prevent or ameliorate pancreatic dysfunction and glucose metabolic abnormalities in a D-galactose-induced aging mouse model. A polysaccharide component was successfully isolated using a combination of reverse-phase and ion-exchange chromatography. Structural analyses revealed that it was primarily composed of glucose, mannose, and rhamnose, which together accounted for approximately 87% of the total monosaccharide content. Further characterization by FT-IR spectroscopy and MALDI-TOF-MS confirmed its identity as a neutral polysaccharide with glycosidic linkages and an estimated molecular weight of approximately 5000 Da. Intraperitoneal administration of this polysaccharide significantly improved glucose tolerance and prevented a decline in serum insulin levels in D-galactose-induced aging mice. Immunohistochemical analysis of pancreatic tissues revealed that the polysaccharide preserved insulin expression and suppressed the D-galactose-induced upregulation of cellular senescence and apoptosis markers. These findings suggest that this nacre-derived polysaccharide effectively mitigates pancreatic dysfunction and glucose metabolic dysfunction, indicating its potential as a natural therapeutic agent for age-related metabolic disorders. Full article

The extremophilic strain Vreelandella titanicae Zn11_249 was isolated from Salar de Uyuni, an environment with high salinity, among other extreme factors. This study researched the optimised production, characterisation, antioxidant activity, and cytotoxicity of exopolysaccharides (EPS) produced by this strain under different ionic stresses. Zn11_249 was cultured in a minimal medium with glucose as the sole carbon source as a control, and under kosmotropic (NaCl, 1 M) and chaotropic (LiCl, 0.3 M) conditions, yielding EPS_U1, EPS_U2, and EPS_U3, respectively. Maximum EPS production (336 mg/L) occurred under chaotropic conditions after 96 h. EPSs were characterised using the following techniques: Gas chromatography (GC-MS); Attenuated Total Reflectance Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR); Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA); and Differential Scanning Calorimetry, (DSC). The results showed differences between the molecular weights for EPS_U1 (3.9 × 10⁴ Da), EPS_U2 (3.9 × 10⁴ Da), and EPS_U3 (5.85 × 10⁴ Da). Their monosaccharide molar ratios (%) were 40/25/25/10 in EPS_U1, 10/30/30/30 in EPS_U2, and 25/25/25/25 in EPS_U3, composed of mannose, galactose, rhamnose, and glucose, respectively. Functional group analysis confirmed their heteropolysaccharide nature. Thermal profiles suggest the potential of these exopolysaccharides as biomaterials. Antioxidant tests demonstrated significant activity against DPPH, OH, and O₂ radicals, while cytotoxicity assays showed no toxicity. These results highlight the biotechnological potential of EPSs from Veelandella titanicae Zn11_249 for biomedical and cosmetic uses. Full article

Mushrooms, renowned for their nutritional value and bioactive compounds, offer potential health benefits, including antioxidants and anti-aging properties. Aging, characterized by cellular and tissue decline, is often associated with autophagy dysfunction, a crucial cellular cleaning process. This study aimed to investigate the neuroprotective, hepatoprotective, and antimicrobial properties of extracts from four medicinal and edible mushrooms: Ganoderma lucidum, Hericium erinaceus, Pleurotus ostreatus, and Agaricus bisporus. The protein, total phenol, and flavonoid content of mushroom extracts were determined. Aging was induced with 120 mg/kg D-galactose and treated with 500 mg/kg mushroom extracts. The study evaluated liver enzyme levels, histopathological changes in liver and brain tissues, gene expression correlated to neurodegeneration (SEPT5-SV2B-ATXN2-PARK2), telomere length, and immunomodulatory and pro-inflammatory (IL-2-IL-4-IL-6) gene expression pathways. Additionally, the antimicrobial potential of mushroom extracts was assessed against several bacteria (Lysinibacillus odyssey, Lysinibacillus fusiformis, Klebsiella oxytoca, and Escherichia coli) using agar well diffusion and lowest minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) methods. By exploring these diverse aspects, this study aimed to provide a foundation for a better understanding of the potential of mushrooms as natural neuroprotective, hepatoprotective, and antimicrobial agents and their potential applications in human health. Results indicated that all mushroom extracts effectively mitigated oxidative stress. Agaricus bisporus exhibited the highest protein and flavonoid content, and Pleurotus ostreatus displayed the highest phenolic content. Notably, Hericium erinaceus and Ganoderma lucidum extracts demonstrated significant neuroprotective and hepatoprotective properties against D-galactose-induced aging, as evidenced by histopathological examination. All extracts exhibited a significant decrease (p < 0.001) in liver function (serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase (GOT) and alanine aminotransferase (GPT)) and showed immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects, characterized by upregulated IL-2 and IL-4 gene expression and downregulated IL-6 gene expression. Hericium erinaceus demonstrated the most pronounced upregulation (p < 0.001) of SEPT5, SV2B, and telomere length gene expression, suggesting potential anti-aging effects. Furthermore, all mushroom extracts displayed antimicrobial activity against the tested bacterial strains, except Hericium erinaceus, which exhibited antibacterial activity solely against E. coli. Agaricus bisporus exhibited the largest inhibition zones (22 ± 0.06 mm) against Lysinibacillus odyssey, while Hericium erinaceus displayed the largest inhibition zone against E. coli. The MIC value was observed with Agaricus bisporus extract against Lysinibacillus odyssey (1.95 ± 0.16 mg/mL). Lysinibacillus fusiformis exhibited the highest resistance to the tested mushroom extracts. These findings suggest that these edible and medicinal mushrooms possess a wide range of health-promoting properties, including neuroprotective, hepatoprotective, and antimicrobial activities. Further research is needed to fully understand the underlying mechanisms and optimize applications. However, our results provide a strong foundation for exploring these mushrooms as potential natural agents that promote overall health and combat age-related decline. Full article

SLC35A2-CDG is a congenital disorder of glycosylation caused by mutations in the SLC35A2 gene encoding a Golgi-localized UDP-galactose transporter. This transporter plays an essential role in glycan synthesis by transporting UDP-galactose from the cytoplasm into the Golgi lumen. Its dysfunction leads to impaired galactose-containing glycans and various neurological symptoms, although the underlying mechanisms remain largely unknown. We identified a novel SLC35A2-CDG patient carrying a pathogenic variant (c.617_620del, p.(Gln206ArgfsTer45)) who exhibited neurological abnormalities including bilateral ventriculomegaly. To investigate the disease mechanism, we established the first Drosophila model of SLC35A2-CDG. Knockout of Ugalt, the fly ortholog of SLC35A2, resulted in embryonic lethality, indicating its essential role. Knockdown of Ugalt reduced mucin-type O-glycans on muscles and neuromuscular junctions (NMJs), without affecting N-glycans. Ugalt knockdown larvae exhibited mislocalized NMJ boutons accompanied by a deficiency in basement membrane components on muscles. This phenotype resembles that of mutants of dC1GalT1 and dGlcAT-P, both involved in mucin-type O-glycosylation. Genetic interaction between Ugalt and dC1GalT1 was confirmed through double knockdown and double heterozygous analyses. Given that Drosophila NMJs are widely used as a model for mammalian central synapses, our findings suggest that Ugalt regulates NMJ architecture via mucin-type O-glycosylation and provide insights into the molecular basis of neurological abnormalities in SLC35A2-CDG. Full article

This study presents a characterization of exopolysaccharide (EPS)-producing Streptococcus thermophilus strains isolated from goat milk, including information about structural and functional characteristics of EPS. The isolates exhibited efficient lactose fermentation, broad carbohydrate utilization, and desirable enzymatic activities for technological applications, particularly aminopeptidases and acid phosphatase, while lacking harmful enzymes and virulence traits. Among the four strains studied, GM4 emerged as a particularly promising probiotic due to its sensitivity to all tested antibiotics, high β-galactosidase activity (56.2 × 10³ Miller units), moderate antioxidant capacity (scavenging 22.7% of DPPH and 5.7% hydroxyl radicals), cholesterol-lowering ability (26.9%), high auto-aggregation capacity (46.8%), and co-aggregation (>30%) with key foodborne pathogens including Escherichia coli, Listeria monocytogenes, and Staphylococcus aureus. GM4 produced an EPS with high dextranase resistance, and its production was enhanced in lactose-enriched media (yield = 2.58 g/L). The purified EPS consisted of two heteropolysaccharides (12.0 kDa and 112 kDa), primarily composed of glucose (Glc, 53%) and mannose (Man, 29%), with minor contributions from uronic acids (8%), ribose (6%), arabinose (2%), and galactose (2%). Key glycosidic linkages included (1→4)-Glc, (1→2,6)-Man, (1→2)-Man, and (1→4,6)-Glc. Functional assays demonstrated notable antioxidant activity, with 52.5% DPPH and 12.9% hydroxyl radical scavenging at 3 mg/mL EPS. These findings highlight S. thermophilus GM4 as a safe, technological, and functional candidate for dairy and probiotic applications, with its EPS exhibiting properties suitable for functional food incorporation. Full article

Constrained by site conditions and water resources, pear tree cultivation faces increasing drought stress. Paecilomyces variotii extract (PVE), a novel biostimulant extracted from wild sea buckthorn root-isolated strains and containing chitin, humic/fulvic acids, and beneficial microbes, has gained attention due to its high activity and efficacy in alleviating plant stresses (e.g., drought). In this study, Pyrus pyrifolia ‘Qiu Yue’ was used as the experimental material, and pot experiments were conducted to examine the drought-mitigating effects of different PVE concentrations. Drought stress was achieved by maintaining soil water content at 35–45% of water holding capacity for 45 days under natural evaporation conditions in rain shelters. The growth status of pear trees, soil enzyme activity, and metabolite levels were analyzed. The results showed that the application of 5 ng/mL PVE promoted pear tree growth, enhanced leaf antioxidant enzyme activity, and improved photosynthetic capacity and soil enzyme activity. Under normal water conditions, the shoot growth length, plant height, stem diameter, and root system activity of the 5 ng/mL PVE group were 31.91%, 12.05%, 3.54%, and 10.94% higher than those of the control group, respectively. Under drought stress, these values increased by 25.12%, 8.87%, 12.21%, and 16.98%, respectively. The addition of 5 ng/mL PVE facilitates trehalose release and upregulates starch-sucrose, glycerophospholipid, and galactose metabolic pathways, thereby potentiating drought stress tolerance in pear trees. However, at 20 ng/mL, reductions were observed in pear tree growth indicators, leaf antioxidant enzyme activity, soil enzyme activity, and trehalose content in root exudates compared to the 5 ng/mL PVE treatment. Overall, 5 ng/mL PVE effectively promotes pear tree growth and enhances drought resistance, making it suitable for broader use in pear cultivation practices. Full article

The production of microbial lipids through single-cell oil (SCO) technologies has gained increasing attention as a sustainable alternative source of lipids for industrial applications. This development is driven by the limitations of plant-based oils, particularly their competition with food production and demand for arable land. Cutaneotrichosporon oleaginosus has been recognized as one of the most promising oleaginous microorganisms for efficient SCO production. To improve sustainability and economic viability, it is vital to understand the underlying metabolic mechanism of SCO production as well as needs and limitations in bioprocess engineering for the efficient utilization of carbon sources derived from diverse agricultural and industrial side streams. This review focuses on recent studies exploring the potential of SCO production through C. oleaginosus in a bioprocess context through the application of low-cost agro-industrial by-products as alternative carbon sources aiming to supply lipid raw materials for various industrial applications. C. oleaginosus can grow on different agro-industrial waste-derived substrates, including lignocellulosic biomass hydrolysates, biodiesel production process side streams, chitin-based by-products, cheese whey permeates, fungal biomass hydrolysates and algal biomass hydrolysates. These substrates contain various carbon sources, such as glucose, galactose, mannose, xylose, lactose, N-acetyl-glucosamine and glycerol, facilitating efficient SCO production. Additionally, the specific composition of SCO sourced from C. oleaginosus, including the presence of functional compounds like squalene and prevalent long-chain unsaturated fatty acids in its fatty acid profile, make it an ideal option to be used as a raw material in cosmetics, biofuel and food products. This comprehensive overview aims to shed light on the potential of C. oleaginosus in leveraging carbon source alternatives for sustainable SCO production for multifaceted, industrial applications of SCO. Full article

Carbohydrates are a primary nutrient for plant growth, and sugar transporter proteins play a crucial role in sugar allocation. In this study, hexose transporter genes encoding in the genome of colored calla lily ‘Jingcai Yangguang’ (Zantedeschia elliottiana cv. Jingcai Yangguang) were identified, and their expression patterns following infection by Pectobacterium carotovora subsp. Carotovora were investigated. Additionally, the transport characteristics of three hexose transporters, ZeSTP7, ZeSTP15, and ZeSTP17, were determined. The results showed that the sugar transporter protein family in Z. elliottiana comprises 18 members, most of which possess 12 transmembrane domains. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the ZeSTP gene family was divided into five subgroups. Tandem gene duplication events were identified on the 16 chromosomes of Z. elliottiana, with multiple tandemly duplicated genes detected. Comparative analysis of synteny between species identified ZeSTP8 and OsSTP22 as homologous gene pairs, while OsSTP6 (OsMST6) was identified as a homologous gene pair with both ZeSTP14 and ZeSTP17. Following infection by P. carotovora subsp. carotovora, the transcript levels of ZeSTP7, ZeSTP15, and ZeST17 were all significantly elevated. Yeast mutant hexose complementation tests indicated that ZeSTP7 could transport glucose and galactose, whereas ZeSTP15 and ZeSTP17 exhibited limited transport capacity in this respect. This study provides a systematic identification and analysis of hexose transporter genes at the genome-wide level, highlighting the role of ZeSTP genes in the response of colored calla lily to soft rot and laying a theoretical foundation for further understanding the functions of sugar transporter genes. Full article

UDP-Gal-β-1,4 galactosyltransferase-V (GalT-V) is a member of a large family of galactosyltransferases whose function is to transfer galactose from the nucleotide sugar UDP-galactose to a glycosphingolipid glucosylceramide, to generate lactosylceramide (LacCer). It also causes the N and O glycosylation of proteins in the Trans Golgi area. LacCer is a bioactive lipid second messenger that activates an “oxidative stress pathway”, leading to critical phenotypes, e.g., cell proliferation, migration angiogenesis, autophagy, and apoptosis. It also activates an “inflammatory pathway” that contributes to the progression of disease pathology. β-1,4-GalT-V gene expression is regulated by the binding of the transcription factor Sp-1, one of the most O-GlcNAcylated nuclear factors. This review elaborates the role of the Sp-1/GalT-V axis in disease phenotypes and therapeutic approaches targeting not only Sp-1 but also Notch-1, Wnt-1 frizzled, hedgehog, and β-catenin. Recent evidence suggests that β-1,4GalT-V may glycosylate Notch-1 and, thus, regulate a VEGF-independent angiogenic pathway, promoting glioma-like stem cell differentiation into endothelial cells, thus contributing to angiogenesis. These findings have significant implications for cancer and cardiovascular disease, as tumor vascularization often resumes aggressively following anti-VEGF therapy. Moreover, LacCer can induce angiogenesis independent of VEGF and its level are reported to be high in tumor tissues. Thus, targeting both VEGF-dependent and VEGF-independent pathways may offer novel therapeutic strategies. This review also presents an up-to-date therapeutic approach targeting the β-1,4-GalT-V interactome. In summary, the β-1,4-GalT-V interactome orchestrates a broad network of signaling pathways essential for maintaining cellular homeostasis. Conversely, its dysregulation can promote unchecked proliferation, angiogenesis, and inflammation, contributing to the initiation and progression of multiple diseases. Environmental factors and smoking can influence β-1,4-GalT-V expression and its interactome, whereas elevated β-1,4-GalT-V expression may serve as a diagnostic biomarker of colorectal cancer, inflammation—exacerbated by factors that may worsen pre-existing cancer malignancies, such as smoking and a Western diet—and atherosclerosis, amplifying disease progression. Increased β-1,4-GalT-V expression is frequently associated with tumor aggressiveness and chronic inflammation, underscoring its potential as both a biomarker and therapeutic target in colorectal and other β-1,4-GalT-V-driven cancers, as well as in cardiovascular and inflammatory diseases. Full article

Soluble sugars are among the key components determining the flavor quality of rapeseed bolting. However, the potential regulatory network governing the biosynthesis of soluble sugars during the growth and development of rapeseed bolting remains largely unknown. In this study, the total soluble sugar and starch contents were measured at the seedling and bolting stages in 203 Brassica napus germplasms. Among them, the inbred lines No51 and No106 were identified as high- and low-sugar materials, respectively. A comparative analysis of the soluble sugar composition between these two extreme lines revealed that sucrose and glucose are the key metabolites contributing to differences in the soluble sugar content. A total of 36,893 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified by transcriptomics, including 19,031 significantly upregulated genes and 17,862 downregulated genes. Metabolomics has identified 25 common and unique metabolites. The combined analysis of transcriptomics and metabolomics showed that differentially expressed genes and metabolites were mainly concentrated in starch and sucrose metabolism, galactose metabolism, and the interconversion of pentose and glucuronic acid. The expression patterns obtained by RNA seq and qRT PCR are highly consistent. A regulatory network related to soluble sugar synthesis and metabolism was constructed, leading to the identification of BnaC02G0100500ZS, BnaC02G0100700ZS, and BnaC02G0092700ZS as potential key genes involved in the regulation of soluble sugar biosynthesis. Full article

Galectin-9 (Gal-9, LGALS9) is a member of the family of carbohydrate-binding lectins known as galectins. Galectins bind a diverse repertoire of galactose-bearing glycoprotein receptors expressed across multiple cell types. These interactions elicit a broad spectrum of pleiotropic effects important in both normal physiology and disease pathogenesis. Gal-9 contains two separate carbohydrate recognition domains with overlapping yet also divergent binding affinities for distinct glycostructures. This tandem repeat motif enables fine-tuning of its various biological functions. Additional control of Gal-9 activity is provided via multiple gene variants, protein isoforms, tissue distribution, and cell type-associated glycoprotein binding profiles. Within the tumor microenvironment, Gal-9 interacts with immune, non-immune, and cancer cells to influence malignant progression. Its binding of the premier immune checkpoint glycoreceptors, T-cell immunoglobulin and mucin-domain-containing-3 (TIM-3) and programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1), places Gal-9 apart as a burgeoning target for immunotherapy. In this review, we delve into important aspects of Gal-9 immunobiology in tumorigenesis, including glycobiological and lineage-dependent functions. We further examine Gal-9 as a promising new glyco-immune checkpoint target for cancer therapy. Full article

The detection of aliphatic and aromatic biogenic amines (BAs) is important in food spoilage, environmental monitoring, and disease diagnosis and treatment. Existing fluorescent probes predominantly detect aliphatic BAs with single signal variation and low sensitivity, impairing the adaptability of discriminative sensing platforms. Herein, we present a visual chemosensor (galactose-functionalized pyrrolopyrrole aza-BODIPY, PPAB-Gal) that simultaneously detects eight aliphatic and aromatic BAs in a real-time and intuitive way based on their unique electronic and structural features. Our findings reveal that the dual colorimetric and ratiometric emission changes are rapidly produced in presence of eight BAs through a noncovalent interaction (π–π stacking and hydrogen bond)-assisted chromophore reaction. Specifically, other lone-pair electrons containing compounds, such as secondary amines, tertiary amines, NH₃, and thiol, fail to exhibit these changes. As a result, superior sensing performances with distinctly dual signals (Δλ_ab = 130 nm, Δλ_em = 150 nm), a low LOD (~25 nM), and fast response time (<2 min) were obtained. Based on these advantages, a qualitative and smartphone-assisted sensing platform with a PPAB-Gal-loaded TLC plate is developed for visual detection of putrescine and cadaverine vapor. More importantly, we construct a connection between a standard quantitative index for the TVBN value and fluorescence signals to quantitatively determine the freshness of tuna and shrimp, and the method is facile and convenient for real-time and on-site detection in practical application. Furthermore, since the overexpressed spermine is an important biomarker of cancer diagnosis and treatment, PPAB-Gal NPs can be used to ratiometrically image spermine in living cells. This work provides a promising sensing method for BAs with a novel fluorescent material in food safety fields and biomedical assays. Full article

Peach (Prunus persica (L.)) fruits are abundant in nutrients, with fruit shape and sugar content serving as critical indicators of fruit quality. Melatonin plays a pivotal role in peach fruit development; however, the mechanisms by which it regulates fruit shape development, sugar metabolism, and secondary metabolites remain largely unknown. In this study, peach trees were sprayed with 150 µM melatonin 20 days after pollination. Traditional methods were used to investigate fruit morphology, total soluble solids (TSSs), and titratable acidity content (TAC), while liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS) was employed to analyze sugar metabolites during fruit development. The results indicated that melatonin treatment augmented the transverse and longitudinal diameters of peach fruits by 12% and 6%, respectively, and elevated the contents of soluble solids and titratable acid by 7% and 6%, respectively. The single fruit weight experienced a significant increase of 29.4%, whereas fruit firmness at maturity remained unchanged. Metabolite analysis demonstrated that melatonin decreased the levels of sucrose and D-sorbitol in mature fruits but enhanced the accumulation of D-fructose, L-rhamnose, and xylose. Significantly, melatonin expedited the degradation of galactose, D-mannose, and methyl-D-pyranogalactoside prior to maturity (all three substances naturally decline with fruit ripening), highlighting its role in promoting fruit ripening. In conclusion, exogenous melatonin improves the internal nutrition and flavor quality of fruit by regulating the accumulation of primary and secondary metabolites during fruit ripening. Specifically, the increase in D-fructose (a major contributor to sweetness) and L-rhamnose (a potential precursor for aroma compounds) enhances fruit flavor profile. The accelerated degradation of galactose, D-mannose, and methyl-D-pyranogalactoside (components of cell wall polysaccharides) prior to maturity, alongside the metabolic shift favoring fructose accumulation over sucrose, highlights melatonin’s role in promoting fruit ripening and softening processes. It also promotes fruit enlargement and single fruit weight without affecting fruit firmness. This study establishes a theoretical basis for the further investigation of the molecular mechanisms underlying melatonin’s role in peach fruits and for enhancing quality-focused breeding practices. Full article