# Transcriptomic and Metabolomic Analyses Reveal Mechanisms of Sexual Differentiation and Dimorphism in Morus macroura

## TL;DR

This study explores how male and female mulberry plants differ at the molecular level, linking these differences to traits like leaf and fruit quality.

## Contribution

The integration of transcriptomic and metabolomic data reveals sex-specific gene and metabolite patterns in M. macroura.

## Key findings

- Female plants show higher expression of genes related to ethylene signaling and flavonoid biosynthesis.
- Male plants exhibit elevated gibberellin-related gene activity and glycoside accumulation.
- Sex-linked metabolic networks influence nutritional and functional traits in mulberry.

## Abstract

Morus macroura ‘Panzhihua No. 1’ is a dual-purpose cultivar valued for its edible leaves and fruits. Derived from an ancient mulberry tree, it is a unique local germplasm resource. During asexual propagation, M. macroura exhibits sexual variation closely associated with fruit and leaf yield. To explore the molecular mechanisms of sexual dimorphism and its effects on nutritional traits, we integrated transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses of male and female inflorescences and leaves. Key sex-biased genes were enriched in plant hormone signaling, flavonoid biosynthesis, and carbohydrate metabolism pathways. Female plants had elevated expression of ethylene-responsive transcription factor 1 (ERF1), EIN3-binding F-box proteins (EBF1/2), and Chalcone synthase (CHS) genes and higher levels of bioactive flavonoids, including isoquercitrin and kaempferol derivatives. In contrast, male plants had increased expression of gibberellin 20-oxidase (GA20ox) and DELLA genes and accumulated glycosides, which are beneficial for leaf development. These findings reveal how sex-linked metabolic networks shape mulberry tissue functional profiles, providing molecular targets for breeding.