Comparative physiological and transcriptomic analyses provide insights into fruit softening in Chinese cherry [Cerasus pseudocerasus (Lindl.) G.Don]

Fruit softening is a complex, genetically programmed and environmentally regulated process, which undergoes biochemical physiological changes during fruit development. The molecular mechanisms that determine these in Chinese cherry [ Cerasus peseudocerasus (Lindl.) G.Don] fruits are still unknown. In the present study, of hard-fleshed ‘Hongfei’ soft-fleshed ‘Pengzhoubai’ varieties were selected to illustrate at different developmental stages. We analyzed characteristics transcriptome profiles identify key cell wall components candidate genes related construct co-expression networks. dynamic (cellulose, hemicellulose, pectin, lignin), degrading enzyme activities, microstructure closely firmness softening. A total 6,757 3,998 differentially expressed (DEGs) screened between stages varieties, respectively. Comprehensive functional enrichment analysis supported metabolism plant hormone signal transduction pathways involved majority structural significantly increased with ripening both but mainly down-regulated Hongfei compared Pengzhoubai, especially DEGs cellulose hemicellulose metabolism. expression levels involving lignin biosynthesis decreased ripening, while up-regulated red stage. These obvious differences might delay all loosening, enhance stiffing fruits, maintained higher level than Pengzhoubai. Co-expressed network showed correlated (such as abscisic acid, auxin, jasmonic acid) transcription factors (MADS, bHLH, MYB, ERF, NAC, WRKY). RNA-seq results using RT-qPCR by 25 metabolism, TF genes. provide important basis for mechanism cherry.