Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 27, 2025

Annotation of Plant Gene Function via Combined Genomics, Metabolomics and Informatics
Published on: June 17, 2012
The Key Metabolic Network and Genes Regulating the Fresh Fruit Texture of Jujube (Ziziphus jujuba Mill.) Revealed via
Shuang Song1, Juan Jin1, Meiyu Li2
1The State Key Laboratory of Genetic Improvement and Germplasm Innovation of Crop Resistance in Arid Desert Regions (Preparation), Key Laboratory of Genome Research and Genetic Improvement of Xinjiang Characteristic Fruits and Vegetables, Institute of Horticulture Crops, Xinjiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Urumqi 830091, China.
Abstract:
The texture of fresh jujube fruit is related to its popularity and commercial value. The metabolic networks and essential genes that regulate the texture of jujube (Ziziphus jujuba) fruit are still unknown. In this study, two jujube cultivars with significantly different textures were selected by a texture analyzer. The four developmental stages of the exocarp and mesocarp of jujube fruit were studied separately using metabolomic and transcriptomic analyses. Differentially accumulated metabolites were enriched in several critical pathways related to cell wall substance synthesis and metabolism. Transcriptome analysis confirmed this by finding enriched differential expression genes in these pathways. Combined analysis showed that 'Galactose metabolism' was the most overlapping pathway in two omics. Genes such as β-Gal, MYB and DOF may affect fruit texture by regulating cell wall substances. Overall, this study provides an essential reference for the establishment of texture-related metabolic and gene networks of jujube fruit.
Related Concept Videos
Fruit Development, Structure, and Function
Regulation of Metabolism
Carbohydrate Metabolism
Starch accounts for approximately 60% of the carbohydrates consumed by humans. Since amylase enzymes cannot function in the stomach's acidic environment, starch can only be digested in the mouth and small intestine. Simple sugars are found naturally in milk and fruits in...
Overview of Metabolism
Plant Metabolism
Sunlight, the primary source of energy in plants, is first absorbed by the chlorophyll pigments present in their leaves. Plants then use this energy to carry out photosynthesis, where water is oxidized into oxygen and carbon dioxide...
Overview of Carbohydrate Metabolism
Glucose transport into cells is facilitated by a family of transport proteins called GLUT (Glucose Transporters). GLUT4 is the primary glucose transporter for insulin-stimulated glucose...
Gene Regulation During Sporulation

