Finding Key Genes for Color in Cherries Using Genome Analysis

Jim Crocker
14th August, 2024

Finding Key Genes for Color in Cherries Using Genome Analysis

Image Source: Natural Science News, 2024

Key Findings

  • Researchers at Sichuan Agricultural University studied the genetic basis of color variation in Chinese cherry fruits
  • They identified 1490 R2R3-MYB genes, which are involved in anthocyanin biosynthesis, and classified them into 43 subfamilies
  • Two specific genes, CpMYB10 and CpMYB4, were found to regulate anthocyanin levels, with CpMYB10 promoting and CpMYB4 repressing its accumulation
The color diversity in fruits is often attributed to the presence of anthocyanins, a class of secondary metabolites. In Chinese cherry (Cerasus pseudocerasus), this color variation ranges from light yellow to dark purple, but the underlying genetic mechanisms have remained largely unexplored. A recent study by researchers at Sichuan Agricultural University aims to fill this gap by investigating the R2R3-MYB gene family, which plays a crucial role in anthocyanin biosynthesis[1]. R2R3-MYB genes are a large family of transcription factors in plants, known for their structural and functional diversity[2]. These genes have been implicated in various plant-specific processes, including development, metabolism, and stress responses. In apples, for instance, the MdMYB1 gene has been shown to regulate anthocyanin synthesis, influencing the red coloration of apple skin[3]. Similarly, in sweet cherry, the PavMYB10.1 gene has been identified as a key regulator of fruit color through its role in the anthocyanin biosynthesis pathway[4]. The study on Chinese cherry identified a total of 1490 R2R3-MYB genes, classified into 43 subfamilies. This classification included subfamilies shared with other Rosaceae species and Arabidopsis thaliana, as well as some unique to specific species. The variation in gene numbers within these subfamilies suggests species-specific expansions, primarily driven by segmental and tandem duplication events. These duplications have undergone purifying selection, indicating that they have been conserved through evolutionary processes. The researchers focused on two specific R2R3-MYB genes, CpMYB10 and CpMYB4, which were found to be involved in anthocyanin biosynthesis in Chinese cherry fruits. CpMYB10 was identified as a promoter of anthocyanin accumulation, while CpMYB4 acted as a repressor. These findings were confirmed through various methods, including expression pattern analysis, transient overexpression, and virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS). The role of CpMYB10 in promoting anthocyanin accumulation mirrors the function of MYB10 in other species. For example, in apples, MYB10 has been shown to upregulate anthocyanin production, contributing to the striped and blushed patterns observed in some cultivars[5]. This study's identification of CpMYB10 as a similar promoter in Chinese cherry highlights the conserved nature of this regulatory mechanism across different species. Conversely, CpMYB4 acts as a repressor, inhibiting anthocyanin biosynthesis. This dual regulation by CpMYB10 and CpMYB4 provides a nuanced understanding of how fruit color variation is controlled at the genetic level in Chinese cherry. The interplay between these two genes offers potential avenues for manipulating fruit color through genetic engineering or selective breeding. In summary, this study by Sichuan Agricultural University provides a comprehensive analysis of the R2R3-MYB gene family in Chinese cherry and its relatives, identifying key regulators of anthocyanin biosynthesis. The findings not only enhance our understanding of fruit color variation in Chinese cherry but also offer insights that could be applied to other economically important fruit species. By elucidating the roles of CpMYB10 and CpMYB4, the study opens up new possibilities for the development and utilization of anthocyanins, potentially benefiting agricultural practices and the fruit industry at large.

GeneticsBiochemPlant Science

References

Main Study

1) Identifying potential anthocyanin biosynthesis regulator in Chinese cherry by comprehensive genome-wide characterization of the R2R3-MYB transcription factor gene family.

Published 13th August, 2024

https://doi.org/10.1186/s12864-024-10675-7

Related Studies

2) Evolution and functional diversification of R2R3-MYB transcription factors in plants.

https://doi.org/10.1093/hr/uhac058

3) Light-induced expression of a MYB gene regulates anthocyanin biosynthesis in red apples.

Journal: Plant physiology, Issue: Vol 142, Issue 3, Nov 2006

4) The R2R3 MYB transcription factor PavMYB10.1 involves in anthocyanin biosynthesis and determines fruit skin colour in sweet cherry (Prunus avium L.).

https://doi.org/10.1111/pbi.12568

5) Apple skin patterning is associated with differential expression of MYB10.

https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2229-11-93


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