Regulation of fruit ripening by MADS-box transcription factors

Understanding the regulation of fleshy fruit ripening is biologically important and provides insights and opportunities for controlling the ripening time of fruit and improving fruit quality. MADS-box transcription factors (TFs) are key elements of the genetic networks controlling fruit ripening. In this review, we conclude that MADS-box TFs including RIN, FRUITFULL1 (FUL1), FRUITFULL2 (FUL2), TAGL1, MADS1, SlMBP8, SlMBP15, SlAGL11, SlCMB1, SlFYFL, etc., regulate fleshy fruit ripening. The MADS-box TFs-medicated ethylene-dependent and independent, carotenoids biosynthesis, cell wall metabolism, gibberellin (GA) synthesis, and abscission pathways in controlling fleshy fruit ripening have been highlighted in this review. In addition, RIN and FUL1 act downstream of ethylene signaling that have been proposed during fruit ripening. Moreover, we also discuss the diversity of components in the control network, their targets, and how they interact to control the progression of ripening. This review will be useful for researchers engaged in fruit ripening around the globe. Further attention should be paid to relationships between MADS-box TFs and other TFs or ripening-associated proteins in ripening control.