Introducing a Gene to Create Purple Leaves in Canola Plants

Jim Crocker
3rd August, 2024

Introducing a Gene to Create Purple Leaves in Canola Plants

Image Source: Natural Science News, 2024

Key Findings

  • The study by Hunan University of Science and Technology focused on the purple leaf trait in Brassica napus (rapeseed)
  • Researchers identified that the purple leaf trait is controlled by the BjMYB113 gene from Brassica juncea
  • Knocking out the BjMYB113 gene using CRISPR/Cas9 resulted in green leaves and reduced anthocyanin levels, confirming its role in anthocyanin biosynthesis
Understanding the genetic basis of anthocyanin accumulation in Brassica napus, commonly known as rapeseed, has been a subject of considerable interest due to its implications for plant stress tolerance and potential health benefits. A recent study by Hunan University of Science and Technology has made significant strides in elucidating this genetic basis, particularly in relation to the purple leaf trait in B. napus[1]. Anthocyanins are water-soluble pigments responsible for the red, purple, and blue colors in many plants. These compounds not only attract pollinators and seed dispersers but also confer protection against various stresses and offer numerous health benefits[2][3]. Despite extensive studies on anthocyanin biosynthesis in other plants, the specific genetic mechanisms in B. napus have remained largely unelucidated. The study focused on comparing purple leaf B. napus (PL) with green leaf B. napus (GL). It was found that PL exhibited significantly higher anthocyanin accumulation, particularly of cyanidin, a type of anthocyanin. The genetic control of this purple leaf trait was traced to a semi-dominant gene, pl, located at the end of chromosome A03. However, further sequencing revealed that the markers linked to pl were actually mapped to chromosome B05 from Brassica juncea, a related species. Within this B05 chromosomal segment, the BjMYB113 gene-specific marker showed perfect co-segregation with the purple leaf trait in the F2 population, suggesting that the BjMYB113 introgression from B. juncea was the candidate gene responsible for the purple leaf trait in B. napus. To verify the function of this candidate gene, the researchers used CRISPR/Cas9 technology to knock out the BjMYB113 gene in PL. The resulting myb113 mutants displayed green leaves, a lack of purple pigments in the adaxial epidermis, and significantly reduced anthocyanin accumulation compared to PL. This finding aligns with earlier research indicating that anthocyanin accumulation is determined by the balance between biosynthesis and degradation[2]. The suppression of genes involved in positive regulation (TT8), late anthocyanin biosynthesis (DFR, ANS, UFGT), and transport (TT19) in the myb113 mutants further confirmed the role of BjMYB113 in anthocyanin biosynthesis in B. napus. This study provides a deeper understanding of the genetic regulation of anthocyanin accumulation, which could be leveraged to develop anthocyanin-rich crops through breeding and genetic engineering. Additionally, the study's findings contribute to the broader understanding of anthocyanin metabolism's role in plant stress responses. Previous research has shown that anthocyanins can mitigate oxidative stress by balancing reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidants[4]. The ability to manipulate anthocyanin levels through genetic means could, therefore, enhance plant resilience to environmental stresses such as salinity, which has been shown to negatively impact crop growth and production[5]. In summary, the research conducted by Hunan University of Science and Technology has identified the BjMYB113 gene as a key regulator of anthocyanin accumulation in B. napus. This discovery not only advances our understanding of the genetic mechanisms underlying anthocyanin biosynthesis but also opens up new avenues for developing stress-tolerant and nutritionally enhanced crops.

GeneticsBiochemPlant Science

References

Main Study

1) The introgression of BjMYB113 from Brassica juncea leads to purple leaf trait in Brassica napus.

Published 2nd August, 2024

https://doi.org/10.1186/s12870-024-05418-5

Related Studies

2) Anthocyanin Biosynthesis and Degradation Mechanisms in Solanaceous Vegetables: A Review.

https://doi.org/10.3389/fchem.2018.00052

3) Engineering anthocyanin biosynthesis in plants.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pbi.2014.05.011

4) Anthocyanins and reactive oxygen species: a team of rivals regulating plant development?

https://doi.org/10.1007/s11103-023-01362-4

5) Mitigation of salt stress in Indian mustard (Brassica juncea L.) by the application of triacontanol and hydrogen sulfide.

https://doi.org/10.1080/15592324.2023.2189371


Related Articles

An unhandled error has occurred. Reload 🗙