The FaERF6-FamiR161-FaNCED1 module mediates ethylene-induced fruit softening via abscisic acid signaling in postharvest strawberry

Fruit softening is the dominant factor leading to postharvest quality loss and limited shelf life in strawberry. Although ethylene and abscisic acid (ABA) are both involved in regulating strawberry softening, the molecular mechanism underlying their crosstalk remains largely unclear. This study systematically characterized the FamiR161- FaNCED1 regulatory module via yeast one-hybrid, dual-luciferase assay and fruit transient transformation. The results demonstrate that FaERF6 directly binds to the FaMIR161 promoter and transcriptionally activates FamiR161 expression; FamiR161 in turn post-transcriptionally represses FaNCED1 to suppress ABA biosynthesis; finally, accumulated ABA further activates the ABA-responsive transcription factor FaABI5 to promote FaPG1 transcription and accelerate cell wall degradation. These findings reveal a novel miRNA-mediated regulatory cascade linking ethylene and ABA signaling, providing theoretical support for the postharvest preservation of strawberry fruit.