Fruit Ripening and Abscission: From Genomics to Metabolomics

The field of fruit ripening involves complex interactions among metabolites that are regulated by various genetic factors, including transcription factors (TFs). The current understanding highlights TFs as key regulators in this process. Despite ongoing research, there remains a lack of comprehensive knowledge about how these TFs influence metabolite accumulation during fruit ripening stages. Recent advances have seen the integration of techniques such as CRISPR/Cas9-mediated mutagenesis with metabolomics and transcriptomics to probe these regulatory pathways. However, challenges continue as researches seek to define the unique roles of specific TFs in modulating crucial metabolites like carotenoids and sugars, with existing studies calling for more detailed investigations.

This Research Topic aims to elucidate the complex networks controlling fruit ripening and metabolite modulation. It seeks answers to how mutations in certain TFs may enhance the accumulation of sugars like fructose and glucose in fruits, alongside their role in influencing sugar transport mechanisms. A crucial aspect of this Research Topic involves testing the hypothesis regarding the direct binding of these TFs to elements in the SWEET12c promoter, thus influencing its expression and impacting fruit sugar content.

To gather further insights into the range and limitations of this research topic, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:

• The regulatory roles of TFs in fruit ripening
• Effects of CRISPR/Cas9 on fruit ripening processes
• Impact of TF mutations on metabolite levels
• Influence of TFs on fruit metabolite compositions
• Mechanisms by which TFs adjust sugar transport in fruits

Note: This Research Topic also considers articles exploring the role of transcription factors, CRISPR/Cas9 effects, metabolite analysis, and mechanisms of sugar transport control in fruits.

Dr. Andika is currently employed by JR Simplot and, as such, will not participate in the review of any manuscript related to this company. The remaining Topic Editors declare that they have no competing interests with regard to the subject of this Research Topic.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Review
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Review
• Systematic Review

Keywords: Fruit, Ripening, Abscission, Metabolites, Transcription, CRISPR

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.