Regulatory role of AdABI5 transcription factor in enhancing aroma biosynthesis in cold-stored kiwifruit

Cold storage is an effective method to extend the shelf life of kiwifruit, but it often leads to a significant reduction in fruit aroma, adversely affecting the quality and marketability of the fruit. The regulatory mechanisms governing aroma synthesis in cold-stored kiwifruit remain unclear. This study identifies transcription factor (TF) AdABI5 as a key regulator of aroma biosynthesis in kiwifruit subjected to cold storage. Transient overexpression of AdABI5 in kiwifruit cubes resulted in increased aroma accumulation, while transient gene silencing had the opposite effect. According to DNA affinity purification sequencing (DAP-seq), AdABI5 bound to motifs associated with genes involved in the biosynthesis and degradation of fatty acid, and amino acid metabolism—pathways intensely linked to volatile compound biosynthesis. Further combining with RNA sequencing (RNA-seq), 428 overlap genes potentially regulated by AdABI5 were determined. Enrichment of these potential target genes can be observed in processes associated with abiotic stress response, lipid response, alcohol response, and abscisic acid (ABA)-activated signaling. Besides, five motifs in promoter region of overlap genes ( AKR4, 13S-LOX, 9S-LOX, ADH1, ALDH ) involved in aroma biosynthesis were verified the binding with AdABI5 through EMSA analysis. This study elucidates a potential regulatory mechanism involving the AdABI5 in aroma biosynthesis of cold-stored kiwifruit. • AdABI5 was confirmed to regulate the aroma synthesis of cold-stored kiwifruit. • The binding motifs of AdABI5 were screened through DAP-seq. • Potential target genes of AdABI5 were determined by combining DAP-seq and RNA-seq. • A possible regulatory mechanism of AdABI5 in aroma synthesis was presented.