DNA Methylation Changes Regulated by Melatonin was Involved in Postharvest Ripening of Tomato Fruit

Abstract

The regulation mechanism of the levels of DNA methylation of CpG islands of ethylene signaling genes induced by melatonin on postharvest ripening of tomato fruit were studied. The ripening of tomato fruit was significantly promoted by the melatonin treatment, as revealed by the appearance color, the lycopene and total soluble solids content of the fruit. In the melatonin treated fruit, the DNA methylation levels of CpG island of SlACS10 and SlERF-A1 were decreased, and the DNA methylation level of CpG island of LeCTR1 was increased. In addition, melatonin treatment increased the expression level of SlACS10, LeEIN3, SlERF-A1 and LeERT10, inhibited the expression level of LeCTR1, and by which the ethylene signaling was activated and the ripening was promoted. The present study provided valuable information for understanding the essential role of DNA methylation in the postharvest ripening of tomato fruit.