SRNAome and transcriptome analysis provide insight into strawberry fruit ripening

Area of Science:

• Plant Biology
• Molecular Biology
• Genomics

Background:

• Strawberry fruit ripening is a multifaceted process influenced by various regulatory factors.
• Understanding the intricate molecular mechanisms governing ripening is crucial for agricultural advancements.

Purpose of the Study:

• To elucidate the regulatory mechanisms of strawberry fruit ripening using integrated sRNAome and transcriptome analyses.
• To identify key microRNAs (miRNAs) and transcription factors (TFs) involved in the ripening process.

Main Methods:

• Combined analysis of small RNA sequencing (sRNAome) and transcriptome sequencing.
• Identification and differential expression analysis of known and novel miRNAs.
• Target prediction for differentially expressed miRNAs and identification of associated TFs.
• Differential gene expression analysis to identify genes related to fruit ripening.

Main Results:

• 124 known and 190 novel miRNAs were identified, with 62 showing significant differential expression.
• Key transcription factors (SPL, ARF, WRKY, TCP) were implicated in ripening regulation.
• Elevated CO2 was found to postpone ripening, associated with differential expression of specific miRNAs (miR156, miR166f, miR171a, miR171d).
• 313 differentially expressed genes related to cell wall metabolism, color, and ethylene signaling were identified, including TFs (MYB, SPL, NAC, TCP, ARF).

Conclusions:

• A comprehensive regulatory model for strawberry fruit ripening was established, integrating miRNA and TF networks.
• The findings provide valuable insights into the coordinated regulatory network governing strawberry fruit development and ripening.