Abstract
Anthocyanin pigments play many roles in plants, including providing protection against biotic and abiotic stresses. To identify new regulatory genes in apple (Malus domestica) that may be involved in regulating low temperature induced anthocyanin biosynthesis, we performed RNA-seq analysis of leaves from the ‘Gala’ apple cultivar following exposure to a low temperature (16 °C). A visible red color appeared on the upper leaves and the anthocyanin content increased significantly after the low temperature treatment. Genes from the flavonoid biosynthesis pathway were significantly enriched among the differentially expressed genes, and the expression of several transcription factors was shown by WGCNA (weighted gene co-expression network analysis) to correlate with anthocyanin accumulation, including members of the MYB, MADS, WRKY, WD40, Zinc Finger and HB-ZIP families. Three MYB transcription factors (MdMYB12, MdMYB22 and MdMYB114), which had several CBF/DREB response elements in their promoters, were significantly induced by low temperature exposure and their expression also correlated highly with anthocyanin accumulation. We hypothesize that they may act as regulators of anthocyanin biosynthesis and be regulated by CBF/DREB transcription factors in apple leaves under low temperature conditions. The analyses presented here provide insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying anthocyanin accumulation during low temperature exposure.
Highlights
Anthocyanins are pigments in the flavonoid family of phenylpropanoid compounds that are responsible for the blue, purple, and red colors of leaves, flowers and fruits [1]
The Q20 and Q30 percentages of all libraries were >92% (S2 Table), which indicated that the RNA and sequence quality were high, and that the data provided a reliable basis for further studies of gene expression
Exposure of apple leaves to low temperature treatment resulted in the accumulation of anthocyanins, suggesting a role for these pigments in low temperature tolerance
Summary
Anthocyanins are pigments in the flavonoid family of phenylpropanoid compounds that are responsible for the blue, purple, and red colors of leaves, flowers and fruits [1]. Flavonoids play diverse roles in plants, including providing protection against UV light and pathogens, and attracting animal pollinators [2,3]. New regulators in low temperature-induced anthocyanin biosynthesis
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