HY5 Positively Regulates Autophagy to Mediate Red Light-Induced Tomato Fruit Ripening

Area of Science:

• Plant biology
• Molecular genetics
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Red light influences plant development, including fruit ripening.
• The molecular mechanisms connecting light signaling to autophagy in fruit maturation are not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To elucidate the molecular link between red light signaling and autophagy during tomato fruit ripening.
• To identify key genetic factors involved in this process.

Main Methods:

• Investigated the role of red light in tomato pericarp autophagy.
• Analyzed the function of the transcription factor HY5 and ATG10 gene expression.
• Utilized genetic mutants (hy5) and gene overexpression techniques.

Main Results:

• Red light exposure significantly enhances autophagy in tomato pericarp, promoting fruit coloration.
• The transcription factor HY5 is crucial, directly activating ATG10 expression to mediate the red light response.
• Overexpression of ATG10 restored autophagic activity and improved fruit coloration in hy5 mutants.

Conclusions:

• The HY5-ATG10 regulatory module establishes a direct link between red light perception and autophagy.
• This pathway is essential for coordinating light signaling with fruit maturation and coloration in tomatoes.
• Targeting the HY5-ATG10 pathway presents a potential strategy for enhancing tomato fruit color.