Characterization of Highbush Blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum L.) Anthocyanin Biosynthesis Related MYBs and Functional Analysis of VcMYB Gene

Abstract

As one of the most important transcription factors regulating plant anthocyanin biosynthesis, MYB has attracted great attentions. In this study, we identified fifteen candidate anthocyanin biosynthesis related MYB (ABRM) proteins, including twelve R2R3-MYBs and three 1R-MYBs, from highbush blueberry. The subcellular localization prediction results showed that, with the exception of VcRVE8 (localized in chloroplast and nucleus), all of the blueberry ABRMs were nucleus-localized. The gene structure analysis revealed that the exon numbers of the blueberry ABRM genes varied greatly, ranging between one and eight. There are many light-responsive, phytohormone-responsive, abiotic stress-responsive and plant growth and development related cis-acting elements in the promoters of the blueberry ABRM genes. It is noteworthy that almost all of their promoters contain light-, ABA- and MeJA-responsive elements, which is consistent with the well-established results that anthocyanin accumulation and the expression of MYBs are influenced significantly by many factors, such as light, ABA and JA. The gene expression analysis revealed that VcMYB, VcMYB6, VcMYB23, VcMYBL2 and VcPH4 are expressed abundantly in blueberry fruits, and VcMYB is expressed the highest in the red, purple and blue fruits among all blueberry ABRMs. VcMYB shared high similarity with functionally proven ABRMs from many other plant species. The gene cloning results showed that VcMYB had three variable transcripts, but only the transient overexpression of VcMYB-1 promoted anthocyanin accumulation in the green fruits. Our study can provide a basis for future research on the anthocyanin biosynthesis related MYBs in blueberry.

Characterization and Functional Analysis of Chalcone Synthase Genes in Highbush Blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum)

“…Healthy and uniform blueberry leaves without mechanical injuries were submerged in A. tumefaciens inoculation solution, vacuumed for 20 min, cultured in the dark for 1 d and moved to normal light condition for five days. Then, total flavonoid and anthocyanin content in blueberry leaves was determined according to Fu et al [ 51 ] and Zhang et al [ 20 ], respectively.…”

“…Blueberry ( Vaccinium corymbosum L.) is a perennial shrub belonging to the genus Vaccinium of the family Ericaceae. Its fruits are rich with anthocyanins and it is one of the most ideal materials for anthocyanin metabolism research [ 19 , 20 , 21 ]. Plant CHSs usually had multi-gene family characteristics.…”

Genome-Wide Identification and Analysis of Anthocyanidin Reductase Gene Family in Lychee (Litchi chinensis Sonn.)

“…Studies have shown that the absence of ANR promotes anthocyanin synthesis and increases anthocyanin content in Arabidopsis [24,25]. The ANR gene has been identified in tea tree [26][27][28], blueberry [29], apple [30], grape [31][32][33], peach [34], mango [35], and safflower [36], among other plants. In the study on the postharvest physiology of lychee, laccase was found to play a catalytic role in pericarp browning [37].…”

Editorial for the Special Issue “Genetic Sight: Plant Traits during Postharvest”

“…Considering postharvest qualities, candidate genes of plum associated with pulp color, anthocyanin biosynthesis and flavonoid biosynthesis [ 8 ], anthocyanin biosynthesis related MYBs in highbush blueberry [ 9 ], the potential genetic loci controlling quality traits of melons [ 10 ], and genes responsible for softening and ripening in kiwifruit cultivars treated with ethylene [ 11 ] were reported.…”

“…Generally, as this special issue belongs to the section “Molecular Plant Sciences” and considering the interest of authors to contribute in this special issue, the editorial team tried to observe the broad spectrum, and eleven research articles [ 2 , 3 , 4 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 ] and two reviews [ 1 , 5 ] were included.…”