Potato Virus X-induced LeHB-1 Silencing Delays Tomato Fruit Ripening

Tomato ( Solanum lycopersicum ) fruit ripening is a complex genetic trait correlating with notable fruit phenotypic, physiologic, and biochemical changes. Transcription factors (TFs) play crucial roles during this process. LeHB-1, an HD-zip homeobox protein, is a ripening-related TF and acts as an important regulator of fruit ripening. However, the detailed biochemical and molecular basis of LeHB-1 on tomato fruit ripening is unclear. In the current study, the biologic functions of LeHB-1 were determined by a potato virus X (PVX)-mediated gene-silencing approach. The results indicate that PVX-induced LeHB-1 silencing in tomato could decrease pigment accumulation and delay fruit ripening. Compared with controls, nonripening flesh retains a greater pH value and a lesser anthocyanin content. By evaluating expression levels of genes related to tomato fruit ripening, we inferred that LeHB-1 located at the downstream of LeMADS-RIN-mediated regulatory network. In addition, LeHB-1 silencing mainly disturbed phytoene desaturation and isomerization, and led to a decrease in trans-lycopene accumulation, but did not influence flavonoid biosynthesis directly in tomato fruit. The findings provide a theoretical foundation for illustrating the biologic functions of LeHB-1 in tomato fruit ripening and quality.