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Integrated transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying quality formation
Wuhua Zhang1, Yuli Zhou1, Yuexi Du1
1College of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China; Key Laboratory of Cold Region Landscape Plants and Applications, Harbin 150030, China.
Food Research International (Ottawa, Ont.)
|May 5, 2026
Summary
This study reveals key molecular mechanisms driving fruit quality in Rosa acicularis. It identifies specific genes and metabolic pathways crucial for the accumulation of beneficial compounds during ripening.
Area of Science:
- Plant Science
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Rosa acicularis fruits are rich in bioactive compounds, but the mechanisms of quality formation are not fully understood.
- Understanding fruit development and ripening is crucial for optimizing nutritional value.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate developmental changes in fruit quality of Rosa acicularis.
- To elucidate the molecular regulatory mechanisms underlying fruit ripening and bioactive metabolite accumulation.
Main Methods:
- Morphological, physicochemical, and antioxidant analyses were performed across four developmental stages.
- Transcriptomic and metabolomic profiling were conducted at three key stages (mature green, breaker, and ripening stages).
- Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) and quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) were used to identify key regulatory factors.
Main Results:
- Fruit quality attributes, including sugars, organic acids, pectin, polysaccharides, and vitamin C, changed significantly during development.
- Transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses revealed dynamic changes in gene expression and metabolite profiles, particularly flavonoids.
- Integrated analysis identified strong co-expression between genes and metabolites, with specific hub genes (e.g., RaWRKY56) linked to flavonoid accumulation.
Conclusions:
- This study provides an integrated molecular framework for understanding quality formation in Rosa acicularis fruits.
- Key genes and pathways involved in the biosynthesis of bioactive compounds were identified, offering potential targets for crop improvement.
