MdbHLH3 modulates apple soluble sugar content by activating phosphofructokinase gene expression

Sugars are involved in plant growth, fruit quality, and signaling perception. Therefore, understanding the mechanisms involved in soluble sugar accumulation is essential to understand fruit development. Here, we report that MdPFP beta, a pyrophosphate-dependent phosphofructokinase gene, regulates soluble sugar accumulation by enhancing the photosynthetic performance and sugar-metabolizing enzyme activities in apple (Malus domestica Borkh.). Biochemical analysis revealed that a basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factor, MdbHLH3, binds to the MdPFP beta promoter and activates its expression, thus promoting soluble sugar accumulation in apple fruit. In addition, MdPFP beta overexpression in tomato influenced photosynthesis and carbon metabolism in the plant. Furthermore, we determined that MdbHLH3 increases photosynthetic rates and soluble sugar accumulation in apple by activating MdPFP beta expression. Our results thus shed light on the mechanism of soluble sugar accumulation in apple leaves and fruit: MdbHLH3 regulates soluble sugar accumulation by activating MdPFP beta gene expression and coordinating carbohydrate allocation.