Activation of alternative oxidase ensures carbon supply for ethylene and carotenoid biosynthesis during tomato fruit ripening
Authors: Iglesias-Sanchez, A., Del-Saz, N. F., Ezquerro, M., Feixes-Prats, E., Ribas-Carbo, M., Fernie, A. R., Rodriguez-Concepcion, M., Florez-Sarasa, I.
Date: 2025-02-03 · Version: 1
DOI: 10.1101/2025.01.30.635696 Category: Plant Biology
Model Organism: Solanum lycopersicum
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The study investigates the regulation and function of mitochondrial alternative oxidase (AOX) during tomato fruit ripening, revealing that AOX activity peaks at the breaker stage and becomes the dominant pathway for climacteric respiration, driven by increased TCA cycle intermediates rather than gene expression. Using CRISPR‑Cas9 aox1a mutants, the authors show that loss of AOX disrupts ripening‑related metabolite profiles, underscoring AOX’s critical role in supporting ethylene and carotenoid biosynthesis.
Solanum lycopersicum alternative oxidase (AOX) climacteric respiration fruit ripening CRISPR‑Cas9 mutant