Integrative Analysis of Metabolome and Transcriptome Reveals Molecular Insight into Metabolomic Variations during...

Area of Science:

• Plant Physiology and Biochemistry
• Metabolomics
• Fruit Development

Background:

• Hawthorn (Crataegus pinnatifida var. major) is a Chinese fruit tree with significant nutritional and medicinal value.
• Fruit quality and health benefits are linked to dynamic changes in flavor, aroma, and bioactive phytochemicals during development and ripening.
• Understanding metabolite dynamics and regulatory networks is crucial for elucidating hawthorn's active substance formation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify and analyze the dynamic changes in metabolites during hawthorn fruit development.
• To explore the regulatory networks underlying metabolite accumulation.
• To provide a theoretical basis for improving hawthorn fruit quality and developing functional components.

Main Methods:

• Broad targeted metabolomics approach applied to hawthorn fruits at five developmental stages.
• Analysis of primary and secondary metabolites, including sugars, organic acids, phenolic acids, and flavonoids.
• Integration of metabolomic and transcriptomic data to correlate gene expression with metabolite changes.

Main Results:

• Identified 998 primary and secondary metabolites, with most sugars accumulating during development, accelerating at ripening.
• Observed continuous accumulation of citric, isocitric, and quinic acids, alongside significant decreases in other organic acids.
• Detected 189 phenolic acids and 199 flavonoids; flavonoid levels decreased in later stages, while two anthocyanins increased during ripening.
• Correlation analysis revealed interconnections between primary and secondary metabolites.
• Transcriptomic data linked differentially expressed genes (DEGs), such as citrate synthase (CS), to the accumulation of specific metabolites like citric acid.

Conclusions:

• Hawthorn fruit development is characterized by significant metabolic shifts, including dynamic changes in sugars, organic acids, and phenolic compounds.
• Metabolite accumulation is influenced by gene expression, providing insights into the molecular mechanisms of hawthorn fruit quality formation.
• The study lays a foundation for enhancing hawthorn's nutritional and medicinal value through targeted breeding and cultivation strategies.