# Identification of the PFK gene family in Solanum species and expression analysis in the fruitof Solanum lycopersicum

## TL;DR

This study identifies and analyzes PFK genes in Solanum species, revealing their role in fruit development and sugar metabolism in tomatoes.

## Contribution

The first pangenome-scale analysis of the PFK gene family in Solanum species, identifying key regulators of sugar accumulation in tomatoes.

## Key findings

- 156 PFK genes were identified across 12 Solanum species, with expansion via segmental duplication.
- SolyPFK07 and SolyPFPA2 were found to be key regulators of sugar accumulation in tomato fruit.
- Promoters of PFK genes contained elements responsive to hormones and abiotic stresses.

## Abstract

Phosphofructokinase (PFK) is a crucial rate-limiting enzyme in glycolysis, essential for sugar metabolism and fruit quality. This study provides the first pangenome-scale analysis of the PFK family across Solanum species.

Using pan-genome data, 156 PFK genes were identified across 12 Solanum species. Comprehensive bioinformatic analyses, protein-protein interaction predictions, and promoter motif scans were performed. Expression patterns across four fruit developmental stages were characterized via RNA‐seq and validated by qRT‐PCR.

The PFK family, categorized into PFK and PFP subfamilies, expanded primarily through segmental duplication under strong purifying selection. We identified distinct, stage-specific expression patterns, with SolyPFK07 and SolyPFPA2 emerging as key regulators of sugar accumulation. Promoters contained numerous elements responsive to hormones and abiotic stresses.

PFK genes are vital for fruit development, sugar metabolism, and stress adaptation. These findings offer a theoretical basis and genetic resources for the molecular breeding of high-quality tomatoes.