De Novo Assembly of a Sarcocarp Transcriptome Set Identifies AaMYB1 as a Regulator of Anthocyanin Biosynthesis in <i>Actinidia arguta</i> var. purpurea

The kiwifruit (<i>Actinidia arguta</i> var. purpurea) produces oval shaped fruits containing a slightly green or mauve outer exocarp and a purple-flesh endocarp with rows of tiny black seeds. The flesh color of the fruit results from a range of anthocyanin compounds, and is an important...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Bei Niu, Qiaohong Li, Lijuan Fan, Xiaodong Shi, Yuan Liu, Qiguo Zhuang, Xiaobo Qin
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2022-10-01
Series:International Journal of Molecular Sciences
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/23/20/12120
Description
Summary:The kiwifruit (<i>Actinidia arguta</i> var. purpurea) produces oval shaped fruits containing a slightly green or mauve outer exocarp and a purple-flesh endocarp with rows of tiny black seeds. The flesh color of the fruit results from a range of anthocyanin compounds, and is an important trait for kiwifruit consumers. To elucidate the molecular mechanisms involved in anthocyanin biosynthesis of the sarcocarp during <i>A. arguta</i> fruit development, de novo assembly and transcriptomic profile analyses were performed. Based on significant Gene Ontology (GO) biological terms, differentially expressed genes were identified in flavonoid biosynthetic and metabolic processes, pigment biosynthesis, carbohydrate metabolic processes, and amino acid metabolic processes. The genes closely related to anthocyanin biosynthesis, such as phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (<i>PAL</i>), chalcone synthase (<i>CHS</i>), and anthocyanidin synthase (<i>ANS</i>), displayed significant up-regulation during fruit development according to the transcriptomic data, which was further confirmed by qRT-PCR. Meanwhile, a series of transcription factor genes were identified among the DEGs. Through a correlation analysis. AaMYB1 was found to be significantly correlated with key genes of anthocyanin biosynthesis, especially with <i>CHS</i>. Through a transient expression assay, AaMYB1 induced anthocyanin accumulation in tobacco leaves. These data provide an important basis for exploring the related mechanisms of sarcocarp anthocyanin biosynthesis in <i>A. arguta</i>. This study will provide a strong foundation for functional studies on <i>A. arguta</i> and will facilitate improved breeding of <i>A. arguta</i> fruit.
ISSN:1661-6596
1422-0067