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Deng S, Pan L, Ke T, Liang J, Zhang R, Chen H, Tang M, Hu W. Rhizophagus Irregularis regulates flavonoids metabolism in paper mulberry roots under cadmium stress. MYCORRHIZA 2024; 34:317-339. [PMID: 38836935 DOI: 10.1007/s00572-024-01155-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/26/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024]
Abstract
Broussonetia papyrifera is widely found in cadmium (Cd) contaminated areas, with an inherent enhanced flavonoids metabolism and inhibited lignin biosynthesis, colonized by lots of symbiotic fungi, such as arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF). However, the physiological and molecular mechanisms by which Rhizophagus irregularis, an AM fungus, regulates flavonoids and lignin in B. papyrifera under Cd stress remain unclear. Here, a pot experiment of B. papyrifera inoculated and non-inoculated with R. irregularis under Cd stress was carried out. We determined flavonoids and lignin concentrations in B. papyrifera roots by LC-MS and GC-MS, respectively, and measured the transcriptional levels of flavonoids- or lignin-related genes in B. papyrifera roots, aiming to ascertain the key components of flavonoids or lignin, and key genes regulated by R. irregularis in response to Cd stress. Without R. irregularis, the concentrations of eriodictyol, quercetin and myricetin were significantly increased under Cd stress. The concentrations of eriodictyol and genistein were significantly increased by R. irregularis, while the concentration of rutin was significantly decreased. Total lignin and lignin monomer had no alteration under Cd stress or with R. irregularis inoculation. As for flavonoids- or lignin-related genes, 26 genes were co-regulated by Cd stress and R. irregularis. Among these genes, BpC4H2, BpCHS8 and BpCHI5 were strongly positively associated with eriodictyol, indicating that these three genes participate in eriodictyol biosynthesis and were involved in R. irregularis assisting B. papyrifera to cope with Cd stress. This lays a foundation for further research revealing molecular mechanisms by which R. irregularis regulates flavonoids synthesis to enhance tolerance of B. papyrifera to Cd stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuiqing Deng
- College of Forestry and Landscape Architecture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Lan Pan
- College of Forestry and Landscape Architecture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Tong Ke
- College of Forestry and Landscape Architecture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Jingwei Liang
- College of Forestry and Landscape Architecture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Rongjing Zhang
- College of Life Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Hui Chen
- College of Forestry and Landscape Architecture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Ming Tang
- College of Forestry and Landscape Architecture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China.
| | - Wentao Hu
- College of Forestry and Landscape Architecture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China.
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Hong Y, Wei R, Li C, Cai H, Chen E, Pan X, Zhang W. Establishment of virus-induced gene-silencing system in Juglans sigillata Dode and functional analysis of JsFLS2 and JsFLS4. Gene 2024; 913:148385. [PMID: 38493973 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2024.148385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2023] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
Juglans sigillata Dode is one of the important tree species in southwest China, and it has significant economic and ecological value. However, there is still a lack of effective methods to identify the functional genes of J. sigillata. By verifying the model plant tobacco, the pTRV2::JsPDS vector was able to cause photobleaching. This study showed that photobleaching occurred 24 and 30 d after the silencing vector was infected with aseptic seedlings and fruits of J. sigillata, respectively. When the OD600 was 0.6, and the injection dose was 500 μL, the gene silencing efficiency of aseptic seedlings was the highest at 16.7 %, significantly better than other treatments. Moreover, when the OD600 was 0.8, and the injection dose was 500 μL, the gene silencing efficiency in the walnut fruit was the highest (20 %). In addition, the VIGS system was successfully used to silence JsFLS2 and JsFLS4 genes in J. sigillata. This study also showed that the flavonol content and gene expression in the treatment group were decreased compared to the control group. In addition, the proteins transcribed and translated from the JsFLS4 gene may have higher catalytic activity for dihydroquercetin. The above results indicate that the TRV-mediated VIGS system can be an ideal tool for studying J. sigillata gene function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanyang Hong
- College of Agriculture, Guizhou University, Jiaxiu South Road, Guiyang, Guizhou 550025, China; Guizhou Engineering Research Center for Fruit Crops, Guizhou University, Jiaxiu South Road, Guiyang, Guizhou 550025, China
| | - Rong Wei
- College of Agriculture, Guizhou University, Jiaxiu South Road, Guiyang, Guizhou 550025, China; Guizhou Engineering Research Center for Fruit Crops, Guizhou University, Jiaxiu South Road, Guiyang, Guizhou 550025, China
| | - Chunxiang Li
- College of Agriculture, Guizhou University, Jiaxiu South Road, Guiyang, Guizhou 550025, China; Guizhou Engineering Research Center for Fruit Crops, Guizhou University, Jiaxiu South Road, Guiyang, Guizhou 550025, China
| | - Hu Cai
- College of Agriculture, Guizhou University, Jiaxiu South Road, Guiyang, Guizhou 550025, China; Guizhou Engineering Research Center for Fruit Crops, Guizhou University, Jiaxiu South Road, Guiyang, Guizhou 550025, China
| | - Erjuan Chen
- College of Agriculture, Guizhou University, Jiaxiu South Road, Guiyang, Guizhou 550025, China
| | - Xuejun Pan
- College of Agriculture, Guizhou University, Jiaxiu South Road, Guiyang, Guizhou 550025, China; Guizhou Engineering Research Center for Fruit Crops, Guizhou University, Jiaxiu South Road, Guiyang, Guizhou 550025, China.
| | - Wen'e Zhang
- College of Agriculture, Guizhou University, Jiaxiu South Road, Guiyang, Guizhou 550025, China.
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Ma X, Hou Y, Umar AW, Wang Y, Yu L, Ahmad N, Yao N, Zhang M, Liu X. Safflower CtFLS1-Induced Drought Tolerance by Stimulating the Accumulation of Flavonols and Anthocyanins in Arabidopsis thaliana. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5546. [PMID: 38791581 PMCID: PMC11122397 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25105546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2024] [Revised: 05/04/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Flavonol synthase gene (FLS) is a member of the 2-oxoglutarate-dependent dioxygenase (2-ODD) superfamily and plays an important role in plant flavonoids biosynthetic pathways. Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.), a key source of traditional Chinese medicine, is widely cultivated in China. Although the flavonoid biosynthetic pathway has been studied in several model species, it still remains to be explored in safflower. In this study, we aimed to elucidate the role of CtFLS1 gene in flavonoid biosynthesis and drought stress responses. The bioinformatics analysis on the CtFLS1 gene showed that it contains two FLS-specific motifs (PxxxIRxxxEQP and SxxTxLVP), suggesting its independent evolution. Further, the expression level of CtFLS1 in safflower showed a positive correlation with the accumulation level of total flavonoid content in four different flowering stages. In addition, CtFLS1-overexpression (OE) Arabidopsis plants significantly induced the expression levels of key genes involved in flavonol pathway. On the contrary, the expression of anthocyanin pathway-related genes and MYB transcription factors showed down-regulation. Furthermore, CtFLS1-OE plants promoted seed germination, as well as resistance to osmotic pressure and drought, and reduced sensitivity to ABA compared to mutant and wild-type plants. Moreover, CtFLS1 and CtANS1 were both subcellularly located at the cell membrane and nucleus; the yeast two-hybrid and bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC) assay showed that they interacted with each other at the cell membrane. Altogether, these findings suggest the positive role of CtFLS1 in alleviating drought stress by stimulating flavonols and anthocyanin accumulation in safflower.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xintong Ma
- Engineering Research Center of the Chinese Ministry of Education for Bioreactor and Pharmaceutical Development, College of Life Sciences, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, China; (X.M.); (Y.H.); (Y.W.); (L.Y.)
| | - Yuying Hou
- Engineering Research Center of the Chinese Ministry of Education for Bioreactor and Pharmaceutical Development, College of Life Sciences, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, China; (X.M.); (Y.H.); (Y.W.); (L.Y.)
| | - Abdul Wakeel Umar
- BNU-HKUST Laboratory of Green Innovation, Advanced Institute of Natural Sciences, Beijing Normal University at Zhuhai (BNUZ), Zhuhai 519087, China;
| | - Yuhan Wang
- Engineering Research Center of the Chinese Ministry of Education for Bioreactor and Pharmaceutical Development, College of Life Sciences, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, China; (X.M.); (Y.H.); (Y.W.); (L.Y.)
| | - Lili Yu
- Engineering Research Center of the Chinese Ministry of Education for Bioreactor and Pharmaceutical Development, College of Life Sciences, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, China; (X.M.); (Y.H.); (Y.W.); (L.Y.)
| | - Naveed Ahmad
- Joint Center for Single Cell Biology, Shanghai Collaborative Innovation Center of Agri-Seeds, School of Agriculture and Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China;
| | - Na Yao
- Engineering Research Center of the Chinese Ministry of Education for Bioreactor and Pharmaceutical Development, College of Life Sciences, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, China; (X.M.); (Y.H.); (Y.W.); (L.Y.)
| | - Min Zhang
- Engineering Research Center of the Chinese Ministry of Education for Bioreactor and Pharmaceutical Development, College of Life Sciences, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, China; (X.M.); (Y.H.); (Y.W.); (L.Y.)
- Ginseng and Antler Products Testing Center of the Ministry of Agriculture PRC, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, China
| | - Xiuming Liu
- Engineering Research Center of the Chinese Ministry of Education for Bioreactor and Pharmaceutical Development, College of Life Sciences, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, China; (X.M.); (Y.H.); (Y.W.); (L.Y.)
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Zou J, Huang S, Gao Y, Fu W, Liu Z, Feng H, Zhang M. Mutation in BrFLS encoding flavonol synthase induced anthocyanin accumulation in Chinese cabbage. TAG. THEORETICAL AND APPLIED GENETICS. THEORETISCHE UND ANGEWANDTE GENETIK 2024; 137:44. [PMID: 38324148 DOI: 10.1007/s00122-024-04552-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
KEY MESSAGE BrFLS mutation promoted anthocyanin accumulation in Chinese cabbage, which was verified in four allelic mutants. Chinese cabbage is a major vegetable crop in Eastern Asia. Anthocyanin-rich vibrantly colored varieties are increasingly favored by consumers for their higher nutritional and aesthetic value compared to the typical green varieties of Chinese cabbage. Herein, we identified an anthocyanin accumulation mutant aam1 from a mutant library of EMS-mutagenized Chinese cabbage DH line 'FT', which appeared partial purple on leaves, bolting stems and floral buds. This anthocyanin accumulation trait was genetically controlled by a recessive nuclear gene, and through MutMap mapping and KASP genotyping, BraA10g030950.3C was identified as the candidate causal gene with a G202 to A202 non-synonymous SNP variation in exon 1. Three additional mutants allelic to aam1 were obtained via screening of similar-phenotype mutants from the mutant library, namely aam2/3/4, where the causal SNPs reside in the same gene as aam1, corroborating that the mutation of BraA10g030950.3C caused anthocyanin accumulation. BraA10g030950.3C encodes a flavonol synthase that catalyzes dihydroflavonols substrate into flavonols and is homologous to Arabidopsis FLS1 (AT5G08640), named BrFLS. Compared to wildtype, the expression level of BrFLS was significantly reduced in the mutants, while BrDFR, which is involved in the anthocyanin biosynthesis and competes with FLS for the common substrate dihydroflavonols, was increased. The flavonol synthase activity decreased, and dihydroflavonol 4-reductase activity was elevated. Differentially accumulated flavonoid metabolites were detected between wildtype and aam1, which were enriched primarily in flavonol and anthocyanin pathways. Our results revealed that mutations in the BrFLS gene could contribute to anthocyanin accumulation and provide a new target for Chinese cabbage color modification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaqi Zou
- College of Horticulture, Shenyang Agricultural University, 120 Dongling Road, Shenhe District, Shenyang, 110866, People's Republic of China
| | - Shengnan Huang
- College of Horticulture, Shenyang Agricultural University, 120 Dongling Road, Shenhe District, Shenyang, 110866, People's Republic of China
| | - Yue Gao
- College of Horticulture, Shenyang Agricultural University, 120 Dongling Road, Shenhe District, Shenyang, 110866, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Fu
- College of Horticulture, Shenyang Agricultural University, 120 Dongling Road, Shenhe District, Shenyang, 110866, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhiyong Liu
- College of Horticulture, Shenyang Agricultural University, 120 Dongling Road, Shenhe District, Shenyang, 110866, People's Republic of China
| | - Hui Feng
- College of Horticulture, Shenyang Agricultural University, 120 Dongling Road, Shenhe District, Shenyang, 110866, People's Republic of China.
| | - Meidi Zhang
- College of Agriculture, Jilin Agriculture Science and Technology University, Jilin City, 132101, People's Republic of China.
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Feng S, Yao YT, Wang BB, Li YM, Li L, Bao AK. Flavonoids are involved in salt tolerance through ROS scavenging in the halophyte Atriplex canescens. PLANT CELL REPORTS 2023; 43:5. [PMID: 38127154 DOI: 10.1007/s00299-023-03087-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
KEY MESSAGE The content of flavonoids could increase in A. canescens under saline conditions. Overexpression of AcCHI in transgenic A. thaliana promotes flavonoid biosynthesis, thereby functioning in the tolerance of transgenic plants to salt and osmotic stress by maintaining ROS homeostasis. Atriplex canescens is a halophytic forage shrub with excellent adaptation to saline environment. Our previous study showed that a large number of genes related to the biosynthesis of flavonoids in A. canescens were significantly up-regulated by NaCl treatments. However, it remains unclear whether flavonoids are involved in A. canescens response to salinity. In this study, we found that the accumulation of flavonoids significantly increased in either the leaves or roots of A. canescens seedling under 100 and 300 mM NaCl treatments. Correspondingly, AcCHS, AcCHI and AcF3H, which encode three key enzymes (chalcone synthases (CHS), chalcone isomerase (CHI), and flavanone 3-hydroxylase (F3H), respectively) of flavonoids biosynthesis, were significantly induced in the roots or leaves of A. canescens by 100 or 300 mM NaCl. Then, we generated the transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana overexpressing AcCHI and found that transgenic plants accumulated more flavonoids through enhancing the pathway of flavonoids biosynthesis. Furthermore, overexpression of AcCHI conferred salt and osmotic stress tolerance in transgenic A. thaliana. Contrasted with wild-type A. thaliana, transgenic lines grew better with greater biomass, less H2O2 content as well as lower relative plasma permeability in either salt or osmotic stress conditions. In conclusion, our results indicate that flavonoids play an important role in A. canescens response to salt stress through reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging and the key enzyme gene AcCHI in flavonoids biosynthesis pathway of A. canescens has the potential to improve the stress tolerance of forages and crops.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shan Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Herbage Improvement and Grassland Agro-Ecosystems, Key Laboratory of Grassland Livestock Industry Innovation, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Pastoral Agriculture Science and Technology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Yu-Ting Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Herbage Improvement and Grassland Agro-Ecosystems, Key Laboratory of Grassland Livestock Industry Innovation, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Pastoral Agriculture Science and Technology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Bei-Bei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Herbage Improvement and Grassland Agro-Ecosystems, Key Laboratory of Grassland Livestock Industry Innovation, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Pastoral Agriculture Science and Technology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Yi-Meng Li
- School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Li Li
- Institute of Grassland, Xinjiang Academy of Animal Science, Urumqi, 830000, Xinjiang, China
| | - Ai-Ke Bao
- State Key Laboratory of Herbage Improvement and Grassland Agro-Ecosystems, Key Laboratory of Grassland Livestock Industry Innovation, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Pastoral Agriculture Science and Technology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China.
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Kang Y, Li Y, Zhang T, Wang P, Liu W, Zhang Z, Yu W, Wang J, Wang J, Zhou Y. Integrated metabolome, full-length sequencing, and transcriptome analyses unveil the molecular mechanisms of color formation of the canary yellow and red bracts of Bougainvillea × buttiana 'Chitra'. THE PLANT JOURNAL : FOR CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2023; 116:1441-1461. [PMID: 37648415 DOI: 10.1111/tpj.16439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2023] [Revised: 08/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
Bougainvillea is a typical tropical flower of great ornamental value due to its colorful bracts. The molecular mechanism behind color formation is not well-understood. Therefore, this research conducted metabolome analysis, transcriptome analysis, and multi-flux full-length sequencing in two color bracts of Bougainvillea × buttiana 'Chitra' to investigate the significantly different metabolites (SDMs) and differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Overall, 261 SDMs, including 62 flavonoids and 26 alkaloids, were detected, and flavonols and betalains were significantly differentially accumulated among the two bracts. Furthermore, the complete-length transcriptome of Bougainvillea × buttiana was also developed, which contained 512 493 non-redundant isoforms. Among them, 341 210 (66.58%) displayed multiple annotations in the KOG, GO, NR, KEGG, Pfam, Swissprot, and NT databases. RNA-seq findings revealed that 3610 DEGs were identified between two bracts. Co-expression analysis demonstrated that the DEGs and SDMs involved in flavonol metabolism (such as CHS, CHI, F3H, FLS, CYP75B1, kaempferol, and quercetin) and betacyanin metabolism (DODA, betanidin, and betacyanins) were the main contributors for the canary yellow and red bract formation, respectively. Further investigation revealed that several putative transcription factors (TFs) might interact with the promoters of the genes mentioned above. The expression profiles of the putative TFs displayed that they may positively and negatively regulate the structural genes' expression profiles. The data revealed a potential regulatory network between important genes, putative TFs, and metabolites in the flavonol and betacyanin biosynthesis of Bougainvillea × buttiana 'Chitra' bracts. These findings will serve as a rich genetic resource for future studies that could create new color bracts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuqian Kang
- Key Laboratory for Quality Regulation of Tropical Horticultural Crops of Hainan Province, School of Tropical Agriculture and Forestry (School of Agricultural and Rural Affairs, School of Rural Revitalization), Hainan University, Haikou, 570228, Hainan, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuxin Li
- Key Laboratory for Quality Regulation of Tropical Horticultural Crops of Hainan Province, School of Tropical Agriculture and Forestry (School of Agricultural and Rural Affairs, School of Rural Revitalization), Hainan University, Haikou, 570228, Hainan, People's Republic of China
| | - Tingting Zhang
- Key Laboratory for Quality Regulation of Tropical Horticultural Crops of Hainan Province, School of Tropical Agriculture and Forestry (School of Agricultural and Rural Affairs, School of Rural Revitalization), Hainan University, Haikou, 570228, Hainan, People's Republic of China
- Xiangyang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Xiangyang, 441057, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Peng Wang
- Key Laboratory for Quality Regulation of Tropical Horticultural Crops of Hainan Province, School of Tropical Agriculture and Forestry (School of Agricultural and Rural Affairs, School of Rural Revitalization), Hainan University, Haikou, 570228, Hainan, People's Republic of China
| | - Wen Liu
- Key Laboratory for Quality Regulation of Tropical Horticultural Crops of Hainan Province, School of Tropical Agriculture and Forestry (School of Agricultural and Rural Affairs, School of Rural Revitalization), Hainan University, Haikou, 570228, Hainan, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhao Zhang
- Key Laboratory for Quality Regulation of Tropical Horticultural Crops of Hainan Province, School of Tropical Agriculture and Forestry (School of Agricultural and Rural Affairs, School of Rural Revitalization), Hainan University, Haikou, 570228, Hainan, People's Republic of China
| | - Wengang Yu
- Key Laboratory for Quality Regulation of Tropical Horticultural Crops of Hainan Province, School of Tropical Agriculture and Forestry (School of Agricultural and Rural Affairs, School of Rural Revitalization), Hainan University, Haikou, 570228, Hainan, People's Republic of China
| | - Jian Wang
- Key Laboratory for Quality Regulation of Tropical Horticultural Crops of Hainan Province, School of Tropical Agriculture and Forestry (School of Agricultural and Rural Affairs, School of Rural Revitalization), Hainan University, Haikou, 570228, Hainan, People's Republic of China
| | - Jian Wang
- Key Laboratory for Quality Regulation of Tropical Horticultural Crops of Hainan Province, School of Tropical Agriculture and Forestry (School of Agricultural and Rural Affairs, School of Rural Revitalization), Hainan University, Haikou, 570228, Hainan, People's Republic of China
| | - Yang Zhou
- Key Laboratory for Quality Regulation of Tropical Horticultural Crops of Hainan Province, School of Tropical Agriculture and Forestry (School of Agricultural and Rural Affairs, School of Rural Revitalization), Hainan University, Haikou, 570228, Hainan, People's Republic of China
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Melatonin Delays Postharvest Senescence through Suppressing the Inhibition of BrERF2/BrERF109 on Flavonoid Biosynthesis in Flowering Chinese Cabbage. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24032933. [PMID: 36769253 PMCID: PMC9918124 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Flowering Chinese cabbage is prone to withering, yellowing and deterioration after harvest. Melatonin plays a remarkable role in delaying leaf senescence and increasing flavonoid biosynthesis. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms of melatonin procrastinating postharvest senescence by regulating flavonoid biosynthesis remain largely unknown. In this study, melatonin could promote flavonoid accumulation and delay the postharvest senescence of flowering Chinese cabbage. Surprisingly, we observed that BrFLS1 and BrFLS3.2 were core contributors in flavonoid biosynthesis, and BrERF2 and BrERF109 were crucial ethylene response factors (ERFs) through the virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) technique, which is involved in regulating the postharvest senescence under melatonin treatment. Furthermore, yeast one-hybrid (Y1H), dual luciferase (LUC), and β-glucuronidase (GUS) tissue staining experiments demonstrated that BrERF2/BrERF109 negatively regulated the transcripts of BrFLS1 and BrFLS3.2 by directly binding to their promoters, respectively. Silencing BrERF2/BrERF109 significantly upregulated the transcripts of BrFLS1 and BrFLS3.2, promoting flavonoid accumulation, and postponing the leaf senescence. Our results provided a new insight into the molecular regulatory network of melatonin delaying leaf senescence and initially ascertained that melatonin promoted flavonoid accumulation by suppressing the inhibition of BrERF2/BrERF109 on the transcripts of BrFLS1 and BrFLS3.2, which led to delaying the leaf senescence of postharvest flowering Chinese cabbage.
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Wang J, Zhang H, Tian S, Hao W, Chen K, Du L. The R2R3MYB transcription factors MaMYBF and MaMYB1 regulate flavonoid biosynthesis in grape hyacinth. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY : PPB 2023; 194:85-95. [PMID: 36395598 DOI: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2022.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2022] [Revised: 11/06/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
R2R3 MYBs play vital roles in the regulation of flavonoid biosynthesis. However, the regulatory network of R2R3 MYBs in flavonoid biosynthesis is not fully understood in grape hyacinth (Muscari spp.). Here, we identified two R2R3 MYBs, MaMYBF and MaMYB1, as potential regulators of flavonol and anthocyanin biosynthesis, respectively. MaMYBF and MaMYB1 expression was elevated during flower development and was light-induced, and the expression patterns were related to those of the flavonoid structural genes MaFLS and MaDFR, respectively. The BiFC assay verified that MaMYB1 interacts with MabHLH1, but MaMYBF does not. A dual luciferase assay revealed that MaMYBF alone strongly activated pMaFLS, and its activation was attenuated at reduced doses of MaMYBF in the presence of MabHLH1, MaMybA, and MaMYB1. MaDFR transcription mediated by MaMybA and MabHLH1 was inhibited by MaMYB1. Moreover, overexpression of MaMYBF and MaMYB1 in tobacco reduced flower pigmentation and repressed the expression of flavonoid pathway key structural genes. Therefore, MaMYBF regulates the flavonol pathway independently of cofactors. Whereas MaMYB1 regulates anthocyanin biosynthesis by binding to MabHLH1 and disrupting the MaMybA-bHLH complex in grape hyacinth. Our results offer new insights into the intricate regulatory network of flavonoids in grape hyacinth involving the regulation of both flavonol and anthocyanin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiangyu Wang
- College of Landscape Architecture and Arts, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, PR China; State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas and College of Horticulture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, PR China; Key Laboratory of Horticultural Plant Biology and Germplasm Innovation in Northwest China, Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, PR China
| | - Han Zhang
- College of Landscape Architecture and Arts, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, PR China; State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas and College of Horticulture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, PR China; Key Laboratory of Horticultural Plant Biology and Germplasm Innovation in Northwest China, Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, PR China
| | - Shuting Tian
- College of Landscape Architecture and Arts, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, PR China; State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas and College of Horticulture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, PR China; Key Laboratory of Horticultural Plant Biology and Germplasm Innovation in Northwest China, Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, PR China
| | - Wenhui Hao
- College of Landscape Architecture and Arts, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, PR China; State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas and College of Horticulture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, PR China; Key Laboratory of Horticultural Plant Biology and Germplasm Innovation in Northwest China, Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, PR China
| | - Kaili Chen
- College of Fisheries, Southwest University, Rongchang, 402460, Chongqing, PR China
| | - Lingjuan Du
- College of Landscape Architecture and Arts, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, PR China; State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas and College of Horticulture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, PR China; Key Laboratory of Horticultural Plant Biology and Germplasm Innovation in Northwest China, Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, PR China.
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Huang X, Wu Y, Zhang S, Yang H, Wu W, Lyu L, Li W. Overexpression of RuFLS2 Enhances Flavonol-Related Substance Contents and Gene Expression Levels. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232214230. [PMID: 36430708 PMCID: PMC9699159 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232214230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Revised: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
As an emerging third-generation fruit, blackberry has high nutritional value and is rich in polyphenols, flavonoids and anthocyanins. Flavonoid biosynthesis and metabolism is a popular research topic, but no related details have been reported for blackberry. Based on previous transcriptome data from this research group, two blackberry flavonol synthase genes were identified in this study, and the encoded proteins were subjected to bioinformatics analysis. RuFLS1 and RuFLS2 are both hydrophobic acidic proteins belonging to the 2OG-Fe(II) dioxygenase superfamily. RuFLS2 was expressed at 27.93-fold higher levels than RuFLS1 in red-purple fruit by RNA-seq analysis. Therefore, RuFLS2-overexpressing tobacco was selected for functional exploration. The identification of metabolites from transgenic tobacco showed significantly increased contents of flavonoids, such as apigenin 7-glucoside, kaempferol 3-O-rutinoside, astragalin, and quercitrin. The high expression of RuFLS2 also upregulated the expression levels of NtF3H and NtFLS in transgenic tobacco. The results indicate that RuFLS2 is an important functional gene regulating flavonoid biosynthesis and provides an important reference for revealing the molecular mechanism of flavonoid accumulation in blackberry fruit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Huang
- Institute of Botany, Jiangsu Province and Chinese Academy of Sciences (Nanjing Botanical Garden Mem. Sun Yat-Sen), Jiangsu Key Laboratory for the Research and Utilization of Plant Resources, Qian Hu Hou Cun No. 1, Nanjing 210014, China
| | - Yaqiong Wu
- Institute of Botany, Jiangsu Province and Chinese Academy of Sciences (Nanjing Botanical Garden Mem. Sun Yat-Sen), Jiangsu Key Laboratory for the Research and Utilization of Plant Resources, Qian Hu Hou Cun No. 1, Nanjing 210014, China
- Correspondence: (Y.W.); (W.L.); Tel.: +86-25-8434-7022 (Y.W.); +86-25-8542-8513 (W.L.)
| | - Shanshan Zhang
- Institute of Botany, Jiangsu Province and Chinese Academy of Sciences (Nanjing Botanical Garden Mem. Sun Yat-Sen), Jiangsu Key Laboratory for the Research and Utilization of Plant Resources, Qian Hu Hou Cun No. 1, Nanjing 210014, China
| | - Hao Yang
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, 159 Longpan Road, Nanjing 210037, China
| | - Wenlong Wu
- Institute of Botany, Jiangsu Province and Chinese Academy of Sciences (Nanjing Botanical Garden Mem. Sun Yat-Sen), Jiangsu Key Laboratory for the Research and Utilization of Plant Resources, Qian Hu Hou Cun No. 1, Nanjing 210014, China
| | - Lianfei Lyu
- Institute of Botany, Jiangsu Province and Chinese Academy of Sciences (Nanjing Botanical Garden Mem. Sun Yat-Sen), Jiangsu Key Laboratory for the Research and Utilization of Plant Resources, Qian Hu Hou Cun No. 1, Nanjing 210014, China
| | - Weilin Li
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, 159 Longpan Road, Nanjing 210037, China
- Correspondence: (Y.W.); (W.L.); Tel.: +86-25-8434-7022 (Y.W.); +86-25-8542-8513 (W.L.)
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10
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Cheng C, Guo Z, Li H, Mu X, Wang P, Zhang S, Yang T, Cai H, Wang Q, Lü P, Zhang J. Integrated metabolic, transcriptomic and chromatin accessibility analyses provide novel insights into the competition for anthocyanins and flavonols biosynthesis during fruit ripening in red apple. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2022; 13:975356. [PMID: 36212335 PMCID: PMC9540549 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.975356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Fruit ripening is accompanied by a wide range of metabolites and global changes in gene expression that are regulated by various factors. In this study, we investigated the molecular differences in red apple 'Hongmantang' fruits at three ripening stages (PS1, PS5 and PS9) through a comprehensive analysis of metabolome, transcriptome and chromatin accessibility. Totally, we identified 341 and 195 differentially accumulated metabolites (DAMs) in comparison I (PS5_vs_PS1) and comparison II (PS9_vs_PS5), including 57 and 23 differentially accumulated flavonoids (DAFs), respectively. Intriguingly, among these DAFs, anthocyanins and flavonols showed opposite patterns of variation, suggesting a possible competition between their biosynthesis. To unveil the underlying mechanisms, RNA-Seq and ATAC-Seq analyses were performed. A total of 852 DEGs significantly enriched in anthocyanin metabolism and 128 differential accessible regions (DARs) significantly enriched by MYB-related motifs were identified as up-regulated in Comparison I but down-regulated in Comparison II. Meanwhile, the 843 DEGs significantly enriched in phenylalanine metabolism and the 364 DARs significantly enriched by bZIP-related motifs showed opposite trends. In addition, four bZIPs and 14 MYBs were identified as possible hub genes regulating the biosynthesis of flavonols and anthocyanins. Our study will contribute to the understanding of anthocyanins and flavonols biosynthesis competition in red apple fruits during ripening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunzhen Cheng
- College of Horticulture, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong, China
| | - Ziwei Guo
- College of Horticulture, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong, China
| | - Hua Li
- College of Horticulture, FAFU-UCR Joint Center for Horticultural Biology and Metabolomics, Haixia Institute of Science and Technology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Xiaopeng Mu
- College of Horticulture, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong, China
| | - Pengfei Wang
- College of Horticulture, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong, China
| | - Shuai Zhang
- College of Horticulture, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong, China
| | - Tingzhen Yang
- Fruit Research Institute, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong, China
| | - Huacheng Cai
- Fruit Research Institute, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong, China
| | - Qian Wang
- Fruit Research Institute, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong, China
| | - Peitao Lü
- College of Horticulture, FAFU-UCR Joint Center for Horticultural Biology and Metabolomics, Haixia Institute of Science and Technology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Jiancheng Zhang
- College of Horticulture, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong, China
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11
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Wang H, Liu S, Fan F, Yu Q, Zhang P. A Moss 2-Oxoglutarate/Fe(II)-Dependent Dioxygenases (2-ODD) Gene of Flavonoids Biosynthesis Positively Regulates Plants Abiotic Stress Tolerance. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2022; 13:850062. [PMID: 35968129 PMCID: PMC9372559 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.850062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Flavonoids, the largest group of polyphenolic secondary metabolites present in all land plants, play essential roles in many biological processes and defense against abiotic stresses. In the flavonoid biosynthesis pathway, flavones synthase I (FNSI), flavanone 3-hydroxylase (F3H), flavonol synthase (FLS), and anthocyanidin synthase (ANS) all belong to 2-oxoglutarate/Fe(II)-dependent dioxygenases (2-ODDs) family, which catalyzes the critical oxidative reactions to form different flavonoid subgroups. Here, a novel 2-ODD gene was cloned from Antarctic moss Pohlia nutans (Pn2-ODD1) and its functions were investigated both in two model plants, Physcomitrella patens and Arabidopsis thaliana. Heterologous expression of Pn2-ODD1 increased the accumulation of anthocyanins and flavonol in Arabidopsis. Meanwhile, the transgenic P. patens and Arabidopsis with expressing Pn2-ODD1 exhibited enhanced tolerance to salinity and drought stresses, with larger gametophyte sizes, better seed germination, and longer root growth. Heterologous expression of Pn2-ODD1 in Arabidopsis also conferred the tolerance to UV-B radiation and oxidative stress by increasing antioxidant capacity. Therefore, we showed that Pn2-ODD1 participated in the accumulation of anthocyanins and flavonol in transgenic plants, and regulated the tolerance to abiotic stresses in plants, contributing to the adaptation of P. nutans to the polar environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huijuan Wang
- National Glycoengineering Research Center and School of Life Science, Shandong University, Qingdao, China
| | - Shenghao Liu
- Key Laboratory of Marine Eco-Environmental Science and Technology, First Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Qingdao, China
| | - Fenghua Fan
- National Glycoengineering Research Center and School of Life Science, Shandong University, Qingdao, China
| | - Qian Yu
- National Glycoengineering Research Center and School of Life Science, Shandong University, Qingdao, China
| | - Pengying Zhang
- National Glycoengineering Research Center and School of Life Science, Shandong University, Qingdao, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry and Glycobiology, Shandong University, Qingdao, China
- *Correspondence: Pengying Zhang
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12
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Yin X, Wang T, Zhang M, Zhang Y, Irfan M, Chen L, Zhang L. Role of core structural genes for flavonoid biosynthesis and transcriptional factors in flower color of plants. BIOTECHNOL BIOTEC EQ 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/13102818.2021.1960605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaojuan Yin
- Key Laboratory of Agriculture Biotechnology, College of Biosciences and Biotechnology, Shenyang Agricultural University, Liaoning, PR China
- Key Laboratory of Protected Horticulture (Ministry of Education), College of Horticulture, Shenyang Agricultural University, Liaoning, PR China
| | - Tiantian Wang
- Key Laboratory of Agriculture Biotechnology, College of Biosciences and Biotechnology, Shenyang Agricultural University, Liaoning, PR China
| | - Min Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Agriculture Biotechnology, College of Biosciences and Biotechnology, Shenyang Agricultural University, Liaoning, PR China
| | - Yibing Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Agriculture Biotechnology, College of Biosciences and Biotechnology, Shenyang Agricultural University, Liaoning, PR China
| | - Muhammad Irfan
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, University of Sargodha, Sargodha, Pakistan
| | - Lijing Chen
- Key Laboratory of Agriculture Biotechnology, College of Biosciences and Biotechnology, Shenyang Agricultural University, Liaoning, PR China
- Key Laboratory of Protected Horticulture (Ministry of Education), College of Horticulture, Shenyang Agricultural University, Liaoning, PR China
| | - Li Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Agriculture Biotechnology, College of Biosciences and Biotechnology, Shenyang Agricultural University, Liaoning, PR China
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13
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Shan X, Li Y, Yang S, Yang Z, Qiu M, Gao R, Han T, Meng X, Xu Z, Wang L, Gao X. The spatio-temporal biosynthesis of floral flavonols is controlled by differential phylogenetic MYB regulators in Freesia hybrida. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2020; 228:1864-1879. [PMID: 32696979 DOI: 10.1111/nph.16818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2020] [Accepted: 07/06/2020] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Floral flavonols play specific pivotal roles in pollinator attraction, pollen germination and fertility, in addition to other functions in vegetative organs. For many plants, the process of flavonol biosynthesis in late flower development stages and in mature flower tissues is poorly understood, in contrast to early flower development stages. It is thought that this process may be regulated independently of subgroup 7 R2R3 MYB (SG7 MYB) transcription factors. In this study, two FLS genes were shown to be expressed synchronously with the flower development-specific and tissue-specific biosynthesis of flavonols in Freesia hybrida. FhFLS1 contributed to flavonol biosynthesis in early flower buds, toruses and calyxes, and was regulated by four well-known SG7 MYB proteins, designated as FhMYBFs, with at least partial regulatory redundancy. FhFLS2 accounted for flavonols in late developed flowers and in the petals, stamens and pistils, and was targeted directly by non SG7 MYB protein FhMYB21L2. In parallel, AtMYB21 and AtMYB24 also activated AtFLS1, a gene highly expressed in Arabidopsis anthers and pollen, indicating the conserved regulatory roles of MYB21 against FLS genes in these two evolutionarily divergent angiosperm plants. Our results reveal a novel regulatory and synthetic mechanism underlying flavonol biosynthesis in floral organs and tissues which may be exploited to investigate supplementary roles of flavonols in flowers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaotong Shan
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Epigenetics of MOE and Institute of Genetics & Cytology, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, 130024, China
| | - Yueqing Li
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Epigenetics of MOE and Institute of Genetics & Cytology, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, 130024, China
| | - Song Yang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Epigenetics of MOE and Institute of Genetics & Cytology, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, 130024, China
| | - Zhongzhou Yang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Epigenetics of MOE and Institute of Genetics & Cytology, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, 130024, China
| | - Meng Qiu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Epigenetics of MOE and Institute of Genetics & Cytology, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, 130024, China
| | - Ruifang Gao
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Epigenetics of MOE and Institute of Genetics & Cytology, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, 130024, China
| | - Taotao Han
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Epigenetics of MOE and Institute of Genetics & Cytology, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, 130024, China
| | - Xiangyu Meng
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Epigenetics of MOE and Institute of Genetics & Cytology, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, 130024, China
| | - Zhengyi Xu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Epigenetics of MOE and Institute of Genetics & Cytology, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, 130024, China
| | - Li Wang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Epigenetics of MOE and Institute of Genetics & Cytology, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, 130024, China
| | - Xiang Gao
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Epigenetics of MOE and Institute of Genetics & Cytology, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, 130024, China
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14
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Cloning and Functional Characterization of Dihydroflavonol 4-Reductase Gene Involved in Anthocyanidin Biosynthesis of Grape Hyacinth. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20194743. [PMID: 31554290 PMCID: PMC6801978 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20194743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2019] [Revised: 09/17/2019] [Accepted: 09/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Grape hyacinth (Muscari spp.) is a popular ornamental plant with bulbous flowers noted for their rich blue color. Muscari species have been thought to accumulate delphinidin and cyanidin rather than pelargonidin-type anthocyanins because their dihydroflavonol 4-reductase (DFR) does not efficiently reduce dihydrokaempferol. In our study, we clone a novel DFR gene from blue flowers of Muscari. aucheri. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and anthocyanin analysis showed that the expression pattern of MaDFR had strong correlations with the accumulation of delphinidin, relatively weak correlations with cyanidin, and no correations with pelargonidin. However, in vitro enzymatic analysis revealed that the MaDFR enzyme can reduce all the three types of dihydroflavonols (dihydrokaempferol, dihydroquercetin, and dihydromyricetin), although it most preferred dihydromyricetin as a substrate to produce leucodelphinidin, the precursor of blue-hued delphinidin. This indicated that there may be other functional genes responsible for the loss of red pelargonidin-based pigments in Muscari. To further verify the substrate-specific selection domains of MaDFR, an assay of amino acid substitutions was conducted. The activity of MaDFR was not affected whenever the N135 or E146 site was mutated. However, when both of them were mutated, the catalytic activity of MaDFR was lost completely. The results suggest that both the N135 and E146 sites are essential for the activity of MaDFR. Additionally, the heterologous expression of MaDFR in tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) resulted in increasing anthocyanin accumulation, leading to a darker flower color, which suggested that MaDFR was involved in color development in flowers. In summary, MaDFR has a high preference for dihydromyricetin, and it could be a powerful candidate gene for genetic engineering for blue flower colour modification. Our results also make a valuable contribution to understanding the basis of color variation in the genus Muscari.
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