【Objective】 The study aims to explore the expression characteristics and function of RIN gene of MADS-box, and analyze its impact on the metabolism of carotenoids in pepper. 【Methods】 Based on the transcriptome of pepper fruit development, the full-length CDS of MADS-box transcription factor CaRIN gene related to chili ripening was cloned. Then the bioinformatics, expression patterns, subcellular localization, and transcriptional activation activity were conducted, and the effects of VIGS-induced CaRIN gene silencing on carotenoid metabolism were investigated. 【Results】 (1) The CDS region of CaRIN gene was 732 bp in length. The CaRIN gene encoded a protein containing 243 amino acids with a protein molecular weight of 27.95 kD and an isoelectric point (pI) of 7.06. The CaRIN protein has typical MEF2_ Like MADS domain, belonging to the MICK type transcription factor. (2) CaRIN gene is mainly expressed in flowers and fruits with tissue specificity. CaRIN was located in the nucleus and had transcriptional activation activity. (3) The promoter of CaRIN gene had several hormone response elements such as ABRE, and exogenous ABA and ethephon could accelerate the red turning of fruit and induce the high expression of CaRIN and related genes. (4) After VIGS-induced gene silencing of CaRIN, the expression levels of PSY1, CCS, PDS, CRTZ, LCYB and NCED1 of the carotenoid metabolic pathway genes were decreased by 0.27-0.59 times and the total carotenoid content in fruits (0.379 mg/g) was also significantly decreased compared with the control group (0.650 mg/g). 【Conclusion】 CaRIN may be an important regulatory factor of carotenoid metabolism in capsicum fruit.