Based on metabolome and transcriptome analysis, differences in organic acids of ‘Korla Xiangli’ fruit from different male parent

The fruit quality of ‘Korla Xiangli’ is influenced by the types and levels of organic acids, but the molecular mechanisms by which different paternal parents regulate fruit organic acid metabolism remain unclear. This study hypothesizes that different paternal parents regulate specific metabolic pathways after pollination, affecting the types and levels of organic acids in fruits after ripening. To test this hypothesis, we conducted a combined metabolomics and transcriptomics analysis on fruits at different developmental stages after pollination by different paternal parents. Results revealed 41 detected organic acids, categorized into three groups based on their change patterns. Self-pollination significantly promoted the accumulation of taurine, gallic acid, and adipic acid during fruit ripening. Transcriptome analysis identified 343 differentially expressed genes common to both cross-pollination combinations, with 14 of these genes significantly enriched in the ABC transporter and sulfur metabolism pathways. WGCNA analysis further identified a taurine accumulation regulatory network mediated by MYB and EIL transcription factors. These findings validate our hypothesis that different paternal lines alter fruit organic acid composition and content by regulating ABC transporter and sulfur metabolism pathway genes. This discovery provides crucial theoretical support and reference data for optimizing fruit quality in ‘Korla Xiangli’ through pollination combinations. • Different paternal parents altered organic acid profiles in ‘Korla Xiangli’. • Self-pollination was associated with greater taurine accumulation. • ABC transporter and sulfur metabolism pathways mediated organic acid differences. • A MYB/EIL transcription factor network was associated with taurine accumulation.