Summary: The overall objective of this project was: Determine the role of farnesyl protein transferase in signaling the peel cell death associated with scald development. Using antibodies to human and tomato FPT, we have identified presence of the protein in apples. In light of research findings coupled with molecular modeling studies, oxidation of FPT due to farnesene radicals may contribute to cell-death scald symptoms. Our research in the first year concentrated on the role of organic radicals (farnesene oxidation products) as destructive analogs of FPP that kill FPT, interfering with cellular signaling, causing cell death, and producing the symptoms of superficial scald. However, our experimental results from year one indicated a need to further examine FPT activity in light of the documented role of ethylene in the development of scald, and the possibility that inactivation of FPT could putatively prevent scald.
