Integrating proteomics and metabolomics approaches to elucidate the ripening process in white Psidium guajava

Psidium guajava (guava) exhibits a high content of biomolecules with nutraceutical properties. However, the biochemistry and molecular foundation of guava ripening is unknown. We performed comparative proteomics and metabolomics studies in different fruit tissues at two ripening stages to understand this process in white guava. Our results, suggest the positive contribution of ethylene and abscisic acid (ABA) signaling to the regulation of biochemical changes during guava ripening. We characterized the modulation of several metabolic pathways, including those of sugar and chlorophyll metabolism, abiotic and biotic stress responses, and biosynthesis of carotenoids and secondary metabolites, among others. In addition to ethylene and ABA, we also found a differential accumulation of other growth regulators such as brassinosteroids, cytokinin, methyl-jasmonate, gibberellins and proteins, and discuss their possible implications in the intricate biochemical network associated with guava ripening process. This integrative approach represents a global overview of the metabolic pathway dynamics during guava ripening.