Metabolic analyses and different expression of gene related to flavonoid synthesis pathway in three different color cultivars of grape (Vitis vinifera L.)

Abstract

In this study, Shine Muscat (YG), Gaoqiansui (GQS) and Moldova (ME) were used to study the changes of anthocyanin and related genes expression in grape skin during fruit growth and development. CHS, F3’H, ANS and UFGT were the main genes with relatively high expression levels. Significant differences were observed in the expressions of CHS, F3’H, ANS, and UFGT among YG, GQS, ME in most fruit developmental stages. Large differences were discovered in the anthocyanin contents and components among three grape cultivars. During fruit development YG only contained trace anthocyanins. Peonidin, malvidin and cyanidin derivates are the main components in GQS, while the main components of ME are malvidin, petunidin, and delphinidin. Almost all the genes tested were positively correlated with anthocyanins between GQS and ME but irrelevant in YG during fruit development. High expression of CHS, F3’H, ANS, and UFGT and other genes probably promote the synthesis of anthocyanins. Overall CHS, F3’H, ANS, and UFGT were proposed as prominent candidate genes for anthocyanin synthesis in grape skin. This study provides reference for further understanding the physiological and biochemical mechanisms of anthocyanin synthesis in grape fruits which could be better for breeding programs.