Abstract
BACKGROUND: Flavor quality in grape berries is shaped by complex metabolic and regulatory networks during development. METHODS: In this study, we integrated transcriptomic and LC-MS-based metabolomic analyses to investigate three cultivars ('Mei Xiangbao', 'Adena Rose', and 'Kyoho') at two ripening stages. RESULTS: A total of 491 differentially accumulated metabolites (DAMs) were identified, mainly lipids, organic acids, and heterocyclic compounds. Among them, 33 core metabolites, including LysoPCs, malic acid, and linalool derivatives, were closely linked to aroma, membrane remodeling, and polyphenol biosynthesis. Transcriptome integration revealed 29 transcription factors (TFs) such as AP2/ERF, MYB, and bHLH, which showed strong associations with key metabolites, suggesting their involvement in lipid remodeling and phenylpropanoid-related pathways. CONCLUSIONS: These results provide new insights into the molecular regulation of grape flavor metabolism and highlight candidate genes and metabolites for improving berry sensory quality.