Isolation and identification of MYB transcription factors (MYB19Long and MYB19Short) involved in raised spot anthocyanin pigmentation in lilies (Lilium spp.).

Isolation and identification of MYB transcription factors (MYB19Long and MYB19Short) involved in raised spot anthocyanin pigmentation in lilies (Lilium spp.).
J Plant Physiol. 2020 May 16;250:153164
Authors: Yamagishi M
Abstract
Although anthocyanin color patterns on flowers are among the most attractive characteristics, the genetic mechanisms through which color patterns are developed are not well understood, especially for color patterns associated with altered petal structure. Lilium species and cultivars often develop raised spots, where the interior surfaces of tepals increase to develop bumps with accompanying anthocyanin accumulation. The aim of this study was to identify transcription factors regulating pigmentation of the bumps. We identified two R2R3-MYB genes, MYB19Long and MYB19Short, in Lilium leichtlinii, L. lancifolium, and Asiatic hybrid lily cultivars. Their amino acid sequences were similar; however, part of the C-terminal region was triplicated in MYB19Long. Spatial and temporal expression profiles in lilies were strongly associated with anthocyanin biosynthesis gene expression in the bumps, and some defects were found in these genes in L. lancifolium 'Pure Gold' that developed colorless bumps. Thus, both MYB19Long and MYB19Short were likely to be involved in the bump pigmentation. MYB19Long had a stronger ability to stimulate target gene expression than MYB19Short, and expression levels of MYB19Long were greater t...

Source: Physiological Research - May 15, 2020 Category: Physiology Authors: Yamagishi M Tags: J Plant Physiol Source Type: research