Lotus (Nelumbo) is an aquatic ornamental plant with agricultural and horticultural significance. Belonging to the Nelmbonaceae family, it is a basal eudicot species that includes two types: N. lutea with yellow flowers and N. nucifera with red or white flowers. Despite being a crucial trait in ornamental lotus, the genetic basis of flower color variation in Nelumbo remains largely unexplored.
Under the guidance of Prof. Yang Mei and Prof. Yang Dong from the Wuhan Botanical Garden of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, researchers have identified NnMYB5 as a key gene controlling petal color in N. nucifera. This discovery was made through quantitative trait locus mapping and bulked segregant analysis (BSA) sequencing. The findings of this study, titled “Transcription factor NnMYB5 controls petal color by regulating GLUTATHIONE S-TRANSFERASE2 in Nelumbo nucifera,” have been published in the journal Plant Physiology.
Transcriptome analysis, dual-luciferase, and yeast one-hybrid assays have demonstrated that NnMYB5 directly activates the anthocyanin transporter gene GLUTATHIONE S-TRANSFERASE2 (NnGST2). The study reveals that an 80-kb deletion containing NnMYB5 inactivates the expression of NnGST2, leading to a lack of anthocyanin accumulation in the white petals of N. nucifera. This mutation differs from the one in N. lutea, where pseudogenes of NnMYB5 are responsible for the loss of color. These independent mutations on NnMYB5 account for the variation in flower coloration among Nelumbo species.
The findings shed new light on the regulatory roles of NnMYB5 in enhancing the accumulation of anthocyanin in N. nucifera petals. Additionally, they establish a link between NnMYB5 and the anthocyanin transporter NnGST2 gene in lotus. The study also highlights the presence of two independent NnMYB5 mutations that contribute to flower coloration in Nelumbo.
More information: Juan Liu et al, Transcription factor NnMYB5 controls petal color by regulating GLUTATHIONE S-TRANSFERASE2 in Nelumbo nucifera, Plant Physiology (2023). DOI: 10.1093/plphys/kiad363
Citation: Researchers identify genetic mechanism that controls petal color in lotus (2023, July 7) retrieved 7 July 2023 from https://phys.org/news/2023-07-genetic-mechanism-petal-lotus.html
This document is subject to copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for the purpose of private study or research, no part may be reproduced without the written permission. The content is provided for information purposes only.
Denial of responsibility! TechCodex is an automatic aggregator of the all world’s media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
Jessica Irvine is a tech enthusiast specializing in gadgets. From smart home devices to cutting-edge electronics, Jessica explores the world of consumer tech, offering readers comprehensive reviews, hands-on experiences, and expert insights into the coolest and most innovative gadgets on the market.
