The Specialized Roles in Carotenogenesis and Apocarotenogenesis of the Phytoene Synthase Gene Family in Saffron.

ABSTRACT: Crocus sativus stigmas are the main source of crocins, which are glucosylated apocarotenoids derived from zeaxanthin cleavage that give saffron its red color. Phytoene synthase (PSY) mediates the first committed step in carotenoid biosynthesis in plants. Four PSY genes encoding functional enzymes were isolated from saffron. All the proteins were localized in plastids, but the expression patterns of each gene, CsPSY1a, CsPSY1b, CsPSY2, and CsPSY3, in different saffron tissues and during the development of the stigma showed different tissue specialization. The CsPSY2 transcript was primarily detected in the stigmas where it activates and stimulates the accumulation of crocins, while its expression was very low in other tissues. In contrast,

SUBMITTER: Ahrazem O 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6409354 | biostudies-literature | 2019

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature