Ready for discovery: uncovering the genetic switch newswise

Newswise – Fruit ripening involves complex metabolic changes that affect sensory properties such as color, flavor and texture, making fruits more attractive for consumption. These changes are particularly pronounced in climacteric fruits, which experience increased ethylene production. Ethylene biosynthesis is regulated by various transcription factors, but the specifics of this regulation in pear are largely unknown. Based on these challenges, it is necessary to conduct in-depth research on the genetic and molecular mechanisms driving pear fruit ripening.

Researchers at Nanjing Agricultural University have identified a key homeodomain transcription factor involved in pear fruit ripening. their studies (DOI: 10.1093/h/uhae086)Published in Journal on 28 March 2024 horticultural researchfinds out how PBHB.G7.2 Regulates ethylene biosynthesis by binding to PbACS1b Gene promoter. This research uncovers new insights into the genetic control of fruit ripening, paving the way for advances in horticultural practices.

The study focused on identifying transcription factors involved in ethylene biosynthesis during pear fruit ripening. Through transcriptome analysis, researchers identified PbHB.G7.2, which directly binds to the promoter. PbACS1b, enhancing its activity and increasing ethylene production. PbHB.G7.2 interacts with other homeodomain transcription factors, PbHB.G1 and PbHB.G2.1, thereby inhibiting its transcriptional activation. These interactions are important because they control the level of ethylene produced, which affects the ripening process. In over-expression experiments, PBHB.G7.2 Ethylene production was significantly increased in pear fruit callus, confirming its role in ethylene biosynthesis. Dual-luciferase assay demonstrated that PbHB.G7.2 enhances PbACS1b The activity of the promoter indicates the binding region within the upstream sequence of the gene. Researchers further validate the physical interaction between PbHB.G7.2 and PbACS1b Promoter via electrophoretic mobility shift assay.

Dr. Shao-Ling Zhang, a senior researcher at Nanjing Agricultural University, said, “This discovery is an important advance in our understanding of the genetic regulation of fruit ripening. Identifying PbHB.G7.2 as a key regulator of ethylene biosynthesis is valuable. Providing insights that can be applied to improve pear cultivation and enhance fruit quality, this research highlights the importance of molecular studies in addressing agricultural challenges.

Identification of the role of PbHB.G7.2 in ethylene biosynthesis during pear fruit ripening opens new avenues for developing targeted breeding strategies to improve fruit quality. By manipulating the expression of this transcription factor, it may be possible to control the ripening process, leading to longer shelf life and better tasting fruits. Additionally, these findings can also be applied to other climate fruits, offering broader implications for the horticultural and agricultural industries. This research highlights the potential of genetic studies to advance agricultural practices and ensure food security.

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Reference

DOI

10.1093/hour/uhae086

original source url

https://doi.org/10.1093/hr/uhae086

Funding Information

This work was supported by the Bioinformatics Center of Nanjing Agricultural University, Jiangsu Seed Industry Revitalization Project (JBGS(2021)022), Jiangsu Province Key Research and Development Program (Modern Agriculture) (BE2022381), Jiangsu Agricultural Science and Technology Was. Innovation Fund (CX(20)2020), and the Designated Fund for China Agricultural Research System (CARS-28).

About this horticultural research

horticultural research is an open access journal of Nanjing Agricultural University and ranked number one in the Horticulture category of the Journal Citation Report™ from Clarivate, 2022. The journal is committed to publishing original research articles, reviews, viewpoints, commentaries, correspondence articles and letters. Editors deal with all major horticultural plants and topics, including biotechnology, breeding, cellular and molecular biology, evolution, genetics, inter-species interactions, physiology and the origin and domestication of crops.