An effector-reporter system to study cellular cellular signal transduction in strawberry fruit (Fragaria ananassa)

Abstract Background: An effector-reporter system is a powerful tool used to study cellular signal transduction; however, this technique has been traditionally adopted in protoplasts. A similar system to study cellular signal transduction in fruits has not yet been established. In this paper, we aim to establish an effector-reporter system for strawberry fruit, a model non-climacteric fruit.Results: We compared four different reporters, including GUS, GFP, FLuc, and RLuc, as well as combination of two pairs of reporters, including GUS/GFP and RLuc/FLuc, by statistically analyzing the pattern of reporter activities exhibited among individual fruits. Among the reporters examined, GUS was the best choice. Further sampling indicated that a minimum of five mixed specimens with five fruits each is necessary for an assay. With the so-established system, FaCHS promoter demonstrated a sensitive response to FaMYB10 effector as well as to the external and internal cues implicated in the regulation of fruit ripening.Conclusion: A step-by step protocol was established to study cellular signal transduction in strawberry fruits. This finding will contribute to the molecular investigation of fruit ripening.