High-Resolution Temporal Transcriptome and Metabolome Atlas of Vitis davidii Berry Development Provides Insights into...

Area of Science:

• Plant Biology
• Genomics
• Metabolomics

Background:

• Vitis davidii berries possess a unique metabolite profile, including low malate, reduced soluble sugars, and high anthocyanin diglucosides.
• Understanding the genetic and metabolic regulation of these traits is crucial for grapevine breeding and quality improvement.

Purpose of the Study:

• To elucidate the regulatory basis of the distinctive metabolite profile in Vitis davidii berries.
• To identify key genes and metabolic pathways involved in berry development and quality traits.

Main Methods:

• Integrated transcriptomic and metabolomic analysis across 18 developmental stages.
• Weighted Gene Coexpression Network Analysis (WGCNA) to identify candidate hub genes.
• Transient transformation in grapevine callus for preliminary gene function validation.

Main Results:

• Veraison identified as a critical window for metabolic reprogramming and transcriptional divergence.
• Candidate hub genes potentially regulating soluble sugar and anthocyanin accumulation were identified.
• Preliminary evidence suggests VdNAC17 regulates soluble sugar accumulation and VdbZIP30 coordinates sugar and anthocyanin levels.

Conclusions:

• A high-resolution multiomics atlas provides a foundational regulatory framework for V. davidii berry quality.
• Identified genes (VdNAC17, VdbZIP30) are promising genetic targets for enhancing grapevine breeding programs.
• The study highlights species-specific transcriptional divergences influencing berry characteristics.