MdMAPK6-mediated phosphorylation of MdWRKY9 regulates apple fruit ripening through interaction with MdERF5L.

ABSTRACT: WRKY transcription factors are essential for mediating many developmental processes, such as fruit ripening, a highly controlled and intricate physiological phenomenon. In the current research, a novel transcription factor, MdWRKY9, was identified and categorized, which significantly promotes apple fruit ripening. Its role was validated through a combination of transient injection and stable overexpression-transformed tomato experiments. Notably, MdWRKY9 interacts with the fruit ripening suppressor MdERF5L at protein and DNA levels. This interaction counteracts MdERF5L-mediated MdACS1 repression. MdACS1 is an important ethylene biosynthesis enzyme; the mentioned process eventually allows fruit ripening. Furthermore, phosphorylation, a post-translational modification, regulates maturation a

SUBMITTER: Wang H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12554370 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature