2026_IR_37_DIBIO selection for n.1 Research Assignment

The researcher will characterize CRISPR/Cas9 and transgenic tomato lines with altered CLE peptide signaling to study their role in fruit ripening. After establishing a reproductive phenological baseline (anthesis and breaker stage), fruit development will be evaluated in vivo and ethylene evolution estimated using the non-destructive Felix F-750 tool.In fruits sampled at comparable stages, phytohormones (IAA and ABA) will be quantified via LC-MS/MS, while RNA-seq and RT-qPCR analyses will identify gene expression changes. HPLC and spectrophotometry will assess quality parameters (primary metabolites and carotenoids).Finally, phenotypic, transcriptomic, hormonal, and metabolomic data will be integrated using systems biology approaches (including WGCNA) to identify ripening regulatory networks.