The study of withered grape infection by Penicillium, a potentially toxigenic fungus, is relevant to preserve
grape quality during the post-harvest dehydration process. This report describes the first proteomic
analysis of Amarone wine grapes, infected by two strains of Penicillium expansum (Pe1) and Penicillium
crustosum (Pc4). Protein identification by MS analysis allowed a better understanding of physiological
mechanisms underlying the pathogen attack. The Pe1 strain had a major impact on Vitis vinifera protein
expression inducing pathogenesis-related proteins and other protein species involved in energy
metabolism. A greater expression of new Penicillium proteins involved in energy metabolism and some
protein species related to redox homeostasis has been observed on grapes infected by Pc4 strain.
Moreover, the new induced proteins in infected grapes could represent potential markers in withered
grapes, thus creating the chance to develop case-sensitive prevention strategies to inhibit fungal growth