Project description:Apple is one of the most popular fruit crops world-wide and its skin color is an important quality consideration essential for commercial value. However, the strategy on genetic breeding for red skin apple and the genetic basis of skin color differentiation is very limited and still largely unknown. Here, we reported a bud sport mutant of Fuji apple with red skin color and enhanced anthocyanins accumulation. Quantitative SWATH-MS (sequential window acquisition of all theoretical spectra-mass spectrometry) proteomics investigations revealed proteome changes in the apple red skin bud mutation and a total of 411 differentially expressed proteins were identified in apple skin. The mutant showed significantly increased expression levels of photosynthesis-related proteins, stress-related proteins as well as anthocyanins biosynthesis pathway. On the other hand, substanial downregulation of mitogen-activated protein kinase 4 (MAPK4) and mevalonate kinase (MVK) were detected. We also hypothesize that a post-transcriptional regulation of the skin color formation occurs in the mutant through the advanced SWATH-MS analysis. Overall, our work provide important information on the application of proteomic methods for analysing proteomes changes in Fuji apple and highlights a clade of regulatory proteins potentially contributed to the fruit skin color formation.
Project description:We apply developmental and single cell gene expression analysis to fetal skin of domestic cats, together with genetic characterization of Mendelian color variation, to identify when, where, and how, during fetal development, felid color patterns are established. Prior to the appearance of hair follicle placodes, we identify changes in epidermal thickness that represent a signature of color pattern establishment, and that are preceded by a pre-pattern of gene expression in which the secreted Wnt inhibitor encoded by Dickkopf 4 (Dkk4) plays a central role. We also demonstrate that mutations in Dkk4 underlie the Ticked pattern mutation in cats. Our results bring molecular understanding to how the leopard got its spots, suggest that similar mechanisms underlie periodic color pattern and periodic hair follicle spacing, and provide a genomic framework to explore natural selection for diverse pattern types in wild felids.
Project description:We performed whole genome re-sequencing to reveal the comprehensive genetic variation of the fruit development between kumquat (Fortunella japonica) and Clementine mandarin. Total 5,865,235 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and 414,447 insertion/deletion (InDels) were identified in the two citrus species. Meanwhile, a total of 640,801 SNPs and 20,733 InDels were identified based on integrative analysis of genome and transcriptome of fruit. The variation feature, genomic distribution, functional effect and other characteristics of these genetic variation were explored. Total 1,090 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were found during fruit development process of kumquat and Clementine mandarin by RNA-sequencing. Gene Ontology revealed that these genes were involved in various molecular functional and biological processes. Meanwhile, the genetic variation of 939 DEGs and 74 multiple fruit development pathway genes from previous reported were also identified. In addition, a global survey of genes splicing events identified 24,237 specific alternative splicing (AS) events in the two citrus species and showed that intron retention is the most prevalent pattern of alternative splicing.
Project description:Fruits of sea buckthorn have abundant antioxidants and attractive colors. They provide excellent materials to study the relationships among fruit color, antioxidant and fruit quality
Project description:Anthocyanins are specialized plant metabolites with significant dietary value due to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Extensive research has indicated that dietary intake of these phenolic compounds contributes to preventing various chronic diseases. Consequently, incorporating anthocyanin-rich foods into one's diet, particularly from natural sources, is highly beneficial. The tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) is the most consumed vegetable worldwide, making it an excellent candidate for anthocyanin-enrichment strategies. The activation of anthocyanin biosynthesis is light-dependent in tomato, but this mechanism has not been entirely characterized. In this study, a purple tomato line in the cv. Micro-Tom (MT-Aft/atv/hp2) was utilized to investigate cyanic fruits developed under varying light conditions. This genotype is derived from natural genetic variation and exhibits anthocyanin accumulation starting early in fruit development. Transcriptional analyses of the fruit peel (exocarp or epicarp) and flesh (mesocarp) revealed that the bHLH transcription factor SlAN1 (Solyc09g065100) is the limiting factor for anthocyanin accumulation in both tissues. In this genotype, the absence of anthocyanin accumulation in the flesh results from the sun-blocking effect of the cyanic epicarp on the mesocarp, preventing light from penetrating deeper into the fruit during its development. This research enhances our comprehension of the genetic and environmental regulation of anthocyanin accumulation in fruit tissues, offering valuable insights for plant breeding and human nutrition.
Project description:Fruit flavor and color are critical quality characteristics of tomatoes. Numerous studies have demonstrated that tomato flavor is primarily linked to the sugar-acid content and its ratio, while fruit color is predominantly determined by the composition and concentration of carotenoids and flavonoids. To elucidate the regulatory mechanisms underlying the differences in sugar-acid and color formation during fruit ripening, transcriptome analyses were conducted on the closely related yellow-fruited tomato (No.19) and red-fruited tomato (No.20) strains. This analysis aimed to identify key regulatory genes and biosynthetic pathways related to flavor and color development in tomato fruits. The transcriptome analysis revealed that 1,546 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in the Br19_vs_Br20 comparison, of which 507 were up-regulated and 1,039 were down-regulated. In the MF19_vs_MF20 comparison, 2,178 DEGs were detected, with 1,235 up-regulated and 943 down-regulated. Upon further analysis of the differentially expressed genes, we identified several key genes in the sugar-acid metabolic pathway, including sucrose synthase (SUS), phosphofructokinase (PFK), fructose-bisphosphate aldolase (FBA), citrate synthase (CS), and succinate dehydrogenase (SuDH), which may significantly influence tomato flavor. Additionally, differential genes related to carotenoid and flavonoid metabolism, such as cytochrome P450 98A (CYP98A), caffeoyl-CoA3-O-methyltransferase (CCoAMT), carotenoid isomerase (CRTISO), lycopene beta cyclase (LCYB), zeaxanthin epoxidase (ZEP), violaxanthin deepoxidase (VDE), and 9-cis-epoxycarotenoid dioxygenase (NCED), as well as genes linked to ethylene synthesis, such as 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate synthase (ACS) and 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid oxidase (ACO), may play a role in the color changes observed in tomatoes. The findings of this study provide insights into the underlying mechanisms of flavor and color development in tomato fruit, offering valuable information for the genetic improvement of tomatoes.
Project description:Natural epigenetic variation provides a source for the generation of phenotypic diversity, but to understand its contribution to phenotypic diversity, its interaction with genetic variation requires further investigation. MethylC-seq from naturally-occurring Arabidopsis accessions