As is well known, TCP proteins are plant-specific transcription factors that play an important role in plant and fruit growth and development. Despite the known significance of these transcription factors in general plant development, their specific role in cherry fruit growth remains largely unknown.
The study conducted by the research group of the College of Horticulture at Sichuan Agricultural University in China explored the potential role of TCP transcription factors in cherry fruit growth and development.
Thirteen members of the PavTCP family were identified within the sweet cherry plant, with two, PavTCP1 and PavTCP4 , containing potential target sites for Pav-miR159, Pav-miR139a and Pav-miR139b-3p. Analysis of cis-acting elements and prediction of Arabidopsis homology show that the PavTCP family comprises many light-sensitive elements.
It was found that PavTCP1 and PavTCP3 homologues in Arabidopsis TCP proteins are crucial for light responses. Shading experiments showed distinct correlation patterns between PavTCP1 , 2 and 3 and total anthocyanins, soluble sugars and soluble solids in cherry fruits.
These observations suggest that these genes may contribute significantly to the light responses of sweet cherries. In particular, PavTCP1 could play a key role, potentially mediated by Pav-miR159, Pav-miR139a and Pav-miR139b-3p.
This study is the first to reveal the potential function of TCP transcription factors in the light responses of cherry fruits, paving the way for future investigations into the role of this family of transcription factors in plant fruit development.
Source: Chen, C., Zhang, Y., Chen, Y. et al. Sweet cherry TCP gene family analysis reveals potential functions of PavTCP1, PavTCP2 and PavTCP3 in fruit light responses. BMC Genomics 25, 3 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12864-023-09923-z.
01 Aug 2024
Researchers from the Laboratory of Phytovirology at the University of Chile have developed a new molecular detection method using genomic information available in the gene bank and generated by sequencing the genomes of bacterial strains present in Chile.
26 Sep 2025
A Greek study has developed a predictive model to estimate nutrient loss in cherry orchards. Based only on fresh fruit yield data, it enables more accurate and sustainable fertilization management while actively promoting recycling of pruning and leaf residues.
24 Aug 2026
Cherry quality is determined long before harvest. Fruit development, cell number, cuticle, firmness, water status, sugars, pigmentation and ripening interact throughout growth to define fruit size, final quality and the postharvest performance of sweet cherries.
24 Aug 2026
Organo-mineral fertilization in mountain cherry orchards improves soil fertility, increases nutrient efficiency and reduces field operations. This strategy can lower production costs, support cherry quality and promote greater long-term profitability for growers.
