Ripening-related TF genes act downstream of ethylene signaling during fruit ripening. A, Relative mRNA levels of RIN, FUL1, FUL2, NOR, TAGL1, HB-1, and NOR-like1, in WT, rin, and slein2-1 fruits at the Br + 3 ripening stage. Error bars indicate sd (n = 3), **P < 0.01, Student’s t test. B, EMSA showing the binding of tomato EIL protein SlEIL1 to the promoters of RIN, NOR, and FUL1. Biotin-labeled probes (10 fmol) were used in each reaction. Cold probe indicates unlabeled probe, and 5 pmol of cold probe was used for competition with biotin-labeled probe. C and D, Transient dual-LUC reporter assay illustrating the activation of RIN, NOR, and FUL1 transcription by SlEIL1. Error bars indicate sd (n = 3), **P < 0.01, Student’s t test. E, Representative fruits of the indicated genotypes at the ripening stage. F–H, Relative mRNA levels of ripening-related TF genes (RIN, FUL1, or TAGL1) in WT, slein2, and slein2 35S:NOR (F), slein2 35S:RIN (G), and slein2 35S:FUL1 (H) fruits at the Br + 3 ripening stage. Error bars indicate sd. Different letters above the bars indicate statistically significant differences between the samples (n = 3, P < 0.01, Student’s t test).