In the heart of Guangdong, China, researchers have unlocked new insights into the genetic mechanisms that govern pineapple growth and development, potentially paving the way for improved fruit yield and quality. Lidan Wang, a scientist at the College of Coastal Agricultural Sciences, Guangdong Ocean University, led a team that systematically analyzed the Aux/IAA gene family in pineapple (Ananas comosus L.), shedding light on their structural diversity, expression dynamics, and interaction networks.
Auxin, a crucial plant hormone, regulates various aspects of plant growth and development. The Aux/IAA proteins play a pivotal role in modulating auxin signaling. However, until now, the Aux/IAA gene family in pineapple remained unexplored. Wang and her team identified 20 AcAux/IAA genes in pineapple, classifying them into eight evolutionary groups. Their structural analysis revealed conserved domains and intron-exon patterns, with most genes harboring hormone and stress-responsive cis-elements.
The team’s findings, published in the journal “Biological, Medical and Chemical Plant Biology,” offer a comprehensive overview of the Aux/IAA gene family in pineapple. “This study establishes a foundation for future functional analyses aimed at elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying auxin signaling,” Wang said.
The researchers employed tissue-specific expression profiling to identify genes with preferential expression in roots, flowers, and leaves. Notably, they found that AcIAA1/6/19 were root-enriched, AcIAA2/8 were floral-specific, and AcIAA7 was leaf-preferential. During fruit development, AcIAA9/17–19 peaked at the ripening stage, while AcIAA1/3–4/6/11–12/15 declined progressively.
The study also uncovered 68 AcIAA-AcARF interactions using yeast two-hybrid assays. AcARF6/14 showed broad binding capacity, while AcIAA1/17/20 exhibited no interactions. These findings highlight the potential roles of Aux/IAA genes in organ development and fruit ripening.
The implications of this research extend beyond the realm of plant biology. Understanding the genetic mechanisms that govern fruit yield and quality can have significant commercial impacts, particularly in the energy sector. Pineapple is not only a valuable fruit crop but also a source of bioenergy. Improved fruit yield and quality can enhance the economic viability of pineapple cultivation, contributing to the development of sustainable bioenergy sources.
Moreover, the insights gained from this study can inform breeding programs aimed at developing pineapple varieties with enhanced traits. “This research provides a roadmap for future studies on auxin signaling in pineapple,” Wang said. “It opens up new avenues for exploring the genetic basis of fruit yield and quality, which are critical for the commercial success of pineapple cultivation.”
As the world grapples with the challenges of climate change and the need for sustainable energy sources, research like this offers a glimmer of hope. By unraveling the genetic secrets of pineapple, scientists are not only advancing our understanding of plant biology but also paving the way for a more sustainable future.