1-Methylcyclopropene, a gas with a molecular weight of 54.09g/mol is an inhibitor of ethylene action[1]. By competitively binding to ethylene receptors, 1-Methylcyclopropene effectively inhibits the ethylene signaling pathway, thereby delaying plant maturation, senescence, and stress-induced physiological disorders[2]. 1-Methylcyclopropene is capable of regulating the reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging system via activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway, thereby establishing an ethylene-independent antioxidant defense mechanism[3]. 1-Methylcyclopropene has been widely used in the research on fruit preservation to reduce ethylene production and respiration, and inhibited fruit softening and titratable acidity loss[4-5].
In vitro, 1-Methylcyclopropene (1µL/L) of pretreatment for 24 hours can delay the softening of Actinidia arguta fruit within 49 days by reducing the activity of cell wall modifying enzymes[6].
In vivo, 1-Methylcyclopropene treatment via oral administration of at a dose of 6.5mg/kg/day for 8 weeks induced liver injury and dysfunction, as well as oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation in Wistar rats[7].
References:
[1] Blankenship S M, Dole J M. 1-Methylcyclopropene: a review[J]. Postharvest biology and technology, 2003, 28(1): 1-25.
[2] Guo S M, Xue K Y, Si S Y, et al. Mechanisms of 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) in regulating ethylene signal transduction and its role in stress responses: a review[J]. Plant Science, 2025: 112918.
[3] Guo F, Han J, Jin M, et al. Effects of sucrose and 1-MCP on enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidants in postharvest Gynura bicolor DC[J]. Plant Physiology and Biochemistry, 2025, 219: 109319.
[4] Watkins C B. The use of 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) on fruits and vegetables[J]. Biotechnology advances, 2006, 24(4): 389-409.
[5] DeEll J R, Murr D P, Porteous M D, et al. Influence of temperature and duration of 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) treatment on apple quality[J]. Postharvest biology and Technology, 2002, 24(3): 349-353.
[6] Xiong S, Sun X, Tian M, et al. 1-Methylcyclopropene treatment delays the softening of Actinidia arguta fruit by reducing cell wall degradation and modulating carbohydrate metabolism[J]. Food Chemistry, 2023, 411: 135485.
[7] Ouali A, Boukerche S, Trea F, et al. In vivo and in silico studies assessment of the effects of oral exposure to 1-methylcyclopropene on liver function in male albino rats[J]. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, India Section B: Biological Sciences, 2024, 94(3): 597-606.