Fig. 1

The working model for SlFERL in regulating fruit ripening and defense responses. Upon transcriptional activation by RIN-TAGL1, SlFERL recruited and interacted with SlSAMS1 on the PM, further regulated ethylene biosynthesis and fruit ripening. Meanwhile, SlFERL recognized BcPG1, a virulence protein secreted by B. cinerea, further phosphorylated SlMAP3K18 to initiate MAPK cascade. Both SlMAP2K2 and SlMAP2K4 substantially contribute to the defense responses of tomato to B. cinerea. P, phosphorylation