Identification, cloning and characterization of an ultrapetala transcription factor CsULT1 from Crocus: a novel regulator of apocarotenoid biosynthesis.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Crocus sativus is a triploid sterile plant with long red stigmas which form commercial saffron. Saffron is the site for synthesis and accumulation of apocarotenoids like crocin, picrocrin and safranal which are responsible for its color, flavour and aroma making it world's most expensive spice. These compounds are formed by oxidative cleavage of zeaxanthin by carotenoid cleavage dioxygenases. Although the biosynthetic pathway of apocarotenoids is known to a considerable extent, the mechanism that regulates its tissue and developmental stage specific expression is not known.

Results

In the present work, we identified, cloned and characterized ultrapetala transcription factor called CsULT1 from Crocus. The gene contains an 80 amino acid long conserved SAND domain. T

SUBMITTER: Ashraf N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4349709 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature