Light effect on carotenoids production and expression of carotenogenesis genes in citrus callus of four genotypes

Abstract

Due to their theoretically identical genetic background, citrus callus and other plant tissues may share some mechanisms in the regulation of carotenogenesis. Thus, in order to gain further information on light regulation of carotenoids biosynthesis in citrus, the carotenoids and expression profiles of carotenogenesis in calluses of four citrus genotypes treated with light or dark were investigated. As a response to white light, results showed that carotenoids biosynthesis in callus of Red Marsh grapefruit (Citrus paradisi Macf.) was hampered, whereas callus of Tarocco blood orange (C. sinensis (L.) Osbeck) was sensitive to light by accumulating over 55% more carotenoids on average. Among the detected carotenoids, the biosynthesis of carotenes seemed to be more sensitive than that of xanthophylls. Expression profiles of eight carotenogenesis genes encoding phytoene synthase (PSY), phytoene desaturase (PDS), ζ-carotene desaturase (ZDS), carotenoids isomerase (CRTISO) etc. were investigated. Results revealed that PSY was up regulated in calluses of two sweet oranges, and down regulated in callus of Murcott tangor (C. reticulata × C. sinensis). Biochemical data in the three genotypes emphasized the PSY as a rate-limiting gene in the carotenogenesis. However, in the callus of Red Marsh grapefruit, PDS and ZDS might be the rate-limiting genes, and their transcripts were apparently inhibited by light, led to significant decreases in contents of β-carotene and total carotenoids irrelevant to transcription levels of PSY. Expression of CRTISO was light-induced, especially in the callus of Murcott tangor, and increased by nearly 12-fold. In conclusion, light regulates the expression of several carotenogenesis genes in citrus callus, but may not necessarily result in significant changes in carotenoids production.