Integrative Genomic and Transcriptomic Analysis Reveal Distinct Molecular Patterns of Ripening Between Pepper and Tomato

Fleshy fruits are physiologically classified into two groups: “climacteric” and “non-climacteric”. Climacteric fruits, such as the tomato and banana, show an increase in their respiration rate and ethylene synthesis during ripening, whereas non-climacteric fruits, such as the pepper and strawberry, exhibit neither the respiratory burst nor an elevated ethylene production during ripening. Thus, pepper and tomato comparisons are suitable models for fruit ripening. Here we will present distinct molecular patterns of ripening between pepper and tomato by integrative genomic and transcriptomic analysis. In summary, our analyses unveil potential mechanisms of non-climacteric ripening, pepper-specific pigmentation, and non-softening phenotype due to defect of ripening regulators, ethylene synthesis, and cell wall-modifying gene.