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PubMed2026

Natural variation in the PmbHLH162 promoter regulates anthocyanin biosynthesis and accumulation in Prunus mume.

Anthocyanin accumulation is a vital agronomic and ornamental trait, as it not only contributes to adaptation to environmental stress but also enhances ornamental value. In this study, a genome-wide association study (GWAS) was conducted using 328 accessions of mei (Prunus mume) to identify single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with red pigmentation in petals, filaments, and xylem. Based on these significant SNPs, we defined 2 haplotypes (bHLH162hap1 and bHLH162hap2) and identified PmbHLH162, a bHLH transcription factor gene responsible for anthocyanin biosynthesis regulation. Transient silencing of PmbHLH162 in mei petals via Agrobacterium-mediated transformation resulted in significant color fading, whereas its overexpression dramatically elevated anthocyanin levels. Haplotype analysis showed that 2 promoter variants in bHLH162hap2 (Chr03_2669885 A/C and Chr03_2670272 A/G) alter the binding affinity of transcription factors PmWRKY18 and PmWRKY70. Stronger binding to the G/C alleles gave rise to higher PmbHLH162 expression in bHLH162hap2, thereby promoted red pigmentation in multiple tissues. By contrast, accessions carrying bHLH162hap1 displayed light/colorless phenotype without accumulation of red pigment. Furthermore, PmbHLH162 interacted respectively with PmMYC2, PmTT8, and PmEGL1 to form heterodimers, and markedly enhanced PmMYC2-mediated transcriptional activation of the anthocyanin biosynthetic structural genes PmCHS and PmANS. Geographic haplotype analysis revealed that bHLH162hap2 was predominantly enriched in high-latitude northern populations but was declining markedly at lower latitudes. Collectively, our study reveals the genetic and molecular basis underlying anthocyanin accumulation in mei and identifies a PmbHLH162-PmMYC2 regulatory module in which PmbHLH162 enhances PmMYC2-mediated activation of key anthocyanin biosynthetic genes. The additional interactions of PmbHLH162 with the MBW-associated bHLH factors PmTT8 and PmEGL1 further suggest potential crosstalk between this module and the canonical anthocyanin regulatory network.

Anthocyanins↗

PubMed2026

A stable transformation platform in pomegranate uncovers PgMYB10 as a key regulator of anthocyanin biosynthesis.

An efficient genetic transformation platform enables functional validation of PgMYB10, identifying it as a master regulator governing anthocyanin biosynthesis in pomegranate. Limited availability of stable genetic transformation systems restricts functional genomics research in pomegranate. Here, we established efficient in vitro regeneration and Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation systems for 'Taishanhong' pomegranate using stem segment explants. Optimized medium combinations produced high-frequency regeneration: a 93.3% shoot-induction rate on MS medium with 1.5 mg/L 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP), 0.6 mg/L 1-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) and 30.0 mg/L adenine sulfate (ADS); a proliferation coefficient of 5.4 on MS medium supplemented with 0.8 mg/L BAP and 0.3 mg/L indole‑3‑butyric acid (IBA); effective shoot-strengthening on MS medium containing 1.2 mg/L BAP, 0.3 mg/L NAA and 0.2 mg/L gibberellic acid (GA₃); and a rooting rate of 95.3% on half-strength MS medium with 1.5 mg/L IBA and 0.5 mg/L NAA. For transformation, precultured explants were immersed with A. tumefaciens suspension (OD₆₀₀ = 0.8) containing 20.0 mg/L acetosyringone (AS) for 30 min. After four days of dark co-culture, sequential antibiotic screening with 30 mg/L kanamycin and bacteriostatic treatment with 400 mg/L timentin yielded a stable average transformation efficiency of 17.5% in 'Taishanhong' pomegranate. Subsequent functional analysis revealed that overexpression of PgMYB10 induced pigment accumulation in leaves and stems. In three independent transgenic lines, maximum anthocyanin content and PgMYB10 transcript levels were 5.4-fold and 27.2-fold higher than in wild-type plants, respectively. Six anthocyanin biosynthetic genes (PgCHS, PgCHI, PgF3H, PgDFR, PgANS, and PgUFGT) were markedly upregulated, demonstrating that PgMYB10 positively controls anthocyanin biosynthesis. This transformation system provides a reliable technical platform for functional genomic studies in pomegranate, and PgMYB10 represents as a promising candidate gene for molecular breeding aimed at improving fruit pigmentation.

Anthocyanins↗

PubMed2026

The link between phosphate starvation-triggered anthocyanin biosynthesis and jasmonate-driven regulation in tomato.

Phosphate Starvation Response (PSR) in plants integrates inorganic phosphate (Pi) sensing with hormonal and metabolic reprogramming. Recent evidence supports a PSR-jasmonate (JA)-anthocyanin axis in which the PSR-associated PHOSPHATE STARVATION RESPONSE (PHR)/PHR-like-SYG1-PHO81-XPR1-inositol pyrophosphate 8 (PHR/PHL-SPX-InsP8) module gates transcriptional activation, while the core JA components JASMONATE ZIM-DOMAIN (JAZ) and MYELOCYTOMATOSIS 2 (MYC2) mediate hormone-induced activation of secondary metabolism. In Solanum lycopersicum, PHR/PHL transcription factors (TFs) serve as core PSR hubs, with expanded regulatory networks and InsP-associated control layers that tune SPX buffering and transcriptional output. Downstream, JA signaling and MYC2-dependent transcription interface with anthocyanin regulators, including key MYB and bHLH TFs that form the MYB-basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH)-WD40 repeat (MBW) complex, thereby regulating tissue capacity for pigmentation under Pi starvation (PiS). Anthocyanin-rich tomato cultivars such as 'Indigo Rose' exemplify how genetic configuration can enhance MBW responsiveness and potentiate pigment accumulation under PiS. Here, we collate recent advances linking PSR gating, JA response, and anthocyanin biosynthesis regulation in tomato, and propose a working model with testable predictions to accelerate causal validation, and enable breeding strategies targeting phosphorus use efficiency and nutritional quality.

Solanum lycopersicum↗

PubMed2026

R2R3-MYB transcription factor MYB113 specifically regulates anthocyanin accumulation in Lycium ruthenicum.

LrMYB113 drives anthocyanin biosynthesis in Lycium ruthenicum by forming an MBW complex and directly activating LrDFR and LrANS promoters, providing a genetic target for enhancing flavonoid production. Lycium ruthenicum Murray (black goji berry), a Solanaceae medicinal plant, is valued for its high flavonoid content. However, the transcriptional regulation of flavonoid biosynthesis in L. ruthenicum remains unclear, hindering its pharmaceutical development. Here, we identified and characterized LrMYB113, an R2R3-MYB transcription factor, as a key regulator of anthocyanin biosynthesis in L. ruthenicum. Phylogenetic analysis grouped LrMYB113 into the anthocyanin-associated S6 subgroup of MYBs. Heterologous expression of LrMYB113 in tobacco induced pigment accumulation and upregulated anthocyanin pathway genes. LrMYB113 overexpression in L. ruthenicum hairy roots enhanced accumulation of four acylated anthocyanins and activated anthocyanin pathway genes. Yeast two-hybrid and bimolecular fluorescence complementation assays showed LrMYB113 interacts with bHLHs (LrJAF13/LrAN1b) and WD40 (LrAN11) to form an MBW complex. Promoter binding and transactivation assays demonstrated LrMYB113 directly binds to and activates LrDFR and LrANS promoters. Dual-luciferase assays showed LrMYB113 alone strongly activates LrDFR and LrANS promoters; MBW complexes enhanced activity compared to individual bHLH/WD40 but not to LrMYB113 alone. Our findings identify LrMYB113 as a critical regulator of anthocyanin biosynthesis in L. ruthenicum, shedding light on flavonoid molecular mechanisms and supporting genetic improvement for pharmaceutical use.

Anthocyanins↗

PubMed2026

BnaPAP2.C2 plays a novel inhibitory role in anthocyanin accumulation compared to its paralogs in rapeseed (Brassica napus L.).

Tissue-specific anthocyanin pigmentation is observed in rapeseed (Brassica napus L. AACC, 2n = 38) as well as in its ancestral diploids Brassica rapa (AA, 2n = 20) and Brassica oleracea (CC, 2n = 18). We previously identified the MYB genes BnaPAP2.A7b and BnaPAP2.C6a as key regulators of anthocyanin biosynthesis. Here we uncover an antagonistic regulatory mechanism in leaves involving their paralog BnaPAP2.C2. Unlike the pigmentation-associated genes, BnaPAP2.C2 is constitutively expressed in both green and purple leaves, regardless of anthocyanin levels. Its promoter contains two enhancers (463 and 486 bp) that synergistically regulate transcription. Competitive binding studies reveal that BnaPAP2.C2, although lacking activation capacity, sequesters BnaTT8 and outcompetes BnaPAP2.A7b, thereby suppressing anthocyanin biosynthesis. Under environmental stress, elevated expression of BnaPAP2.A7b promotes anthocyanin biosynthesis, whereas BnaPAP2.C2 is downregulated. This paralog-specific molecular antagonism provides new insight into the evolution of MYB-bHLH interaction specificity. Together, these findings uncover a novel inhibitory mechanism within the anthocyanin regulatory hierarchy of polyploid rapeseed, highlighting competitive binding as an evolutionary innovation driving functional diversification of duplicated MYB regulators.

Anthocyanins↗

PubMed2026

Small nucleolar RNA HIDDEN TREASURE 2 reduces drought tolerance via multiple pathways in Arabidopsis.

Small nucleolar RNAs (snoRNAs) contribute to ribosome biogenesis and modulate various aspects of plant growth and development. Given that osmotic stress downregulates numerous genes associated with ribosome biogenesis in roots, we hypothesize that snoRNAs might function in modulating plant responses to osmotic and drought stresses. To prove this hypothesis, we assessed the role of a C/D-box snoRNA, namely the HIDDEN TREASURE 2 (HID2), in Arabidopsis thaliana responses to drought using both loss-of-function and overexpression approaches. Under drought conditions, the Arabidopsis hid2 mutant displayed a significantly higher survival rate than both wild-type (WT) and HID2-complemented plants, while HID2-overexpressing plants showed a lower survival rate than WT. A series of physiological assays indicated that the hid2 mutant maintained a slower rate of water loss and more intact cell membranes than WT plants under drought, which supported their drought-tolerant phenotype. Comparative leaf transcriptome and proteome analyses revealed that processes related to wax biosynthesis, senescence, and anthocyanin accumulation were differentially regulated between hid2 and WT plants under water-deficit conditions. Consistently, the hid2 mutant accumulated higher amounts of wax and anthocyanins and exhibited delayed leaf senescence relative to WT plants under drought. Additionally, the hid2 mutant showed improved ability to increase sensitivity to abscisic acid (ABA), scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS), and extended root hairs. Overall, these findings demonstrate HID2's role as a negative modulator in Arabidopsis drought tolerance by negatively affecting cell membrane stability, wax and anthocyanin biosynthesis, senescence, ROS-scavenging capacity, ABA responsiveness, and root hair formation.

Arabidopsis↗

PubMed2026

Genome assembly and subgenomic interactions in Brassica napus additional lines with an alien B05 chromosome from B. juncea.

Alien chromosome addition lines hold significant value for breeding and genetic research. However, the genetic interaction between the recipient genome(s) and the alien chromosomes remain largely unclear. Here, we analyzed the genomic composition and gene expression of two purple-leaved B. napus alien addition lines carrying chromosome B05 from B. juncea: the monosomic line ZYCB3 (MAAL, 2n = 39, AACC + 1B05) and the disomic line ZY52 (DAAL, 2n = 40, AACC + 2B05). We assembled a chromosome-level genome of the DAAL ZY52 disomic line and characterized its genomic variation and chromosome introgression patterns. In addition to chromosome B05, multiple introgressed fragments derived from the donor B. juncea line ZYJC were identified, revealing extensive genome remodeling during distant hybridization and backcross breeding. We then used multi-omics approaches to explore chromosomal interactions and the regulation of anthocyanin biosynthesis. Notably, the addition of chromosome B05 was associated with stronger repression of homoeologous genes on C-subgenome chromosomes than on A-subgenome chromosomes. In ZY52, homoeologous genes on chromosome C01 showed reduced expression, whereas in the ZYCB3 monosomic line reduced expression was observed on both C01 and C02. Comparative transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses further showed that highly expressed anthocyanin biosynthesis genes (ABGs) on chromosome B05contributed to anthocyanin accumulation and the purple-leaf phenotype in both addition lines. Overall, this study provides new insights into interchromosomal interactions, genome remodeling, and phenotypic variation in alien addition lines.

Journal Article↗

PubMed2025

The small nucleolar RNA NON-CODING RNA 1 negatively regulates drought tolerance in Arabidopsis thaliana.

Small nucleolar RNAs (snoRNAs) function in ribosome biogenesis, and many ribosome biogenesis-related genes were downregulated by osmotic stress, implying a negative role of snoRNAs in drought tolerance. A snoRNA, namely, the NON-CODING RNA 1 (NCR1) was studied for its roles in drought tolerance in Arabidopsis. In comparison with wild-type (WT) plants, the loss-of-function ncr1 mutant plants showed enhanced drought tolerance, which was restored in the NCR1-complemented plants, whereas the NCR1-overexpressing plants revealed a drought-sensitive phenotype. Physiological analyses revealed that the ncr1 plants had a higher leaf surface temperature, lower water loss rates, and improved cell membrane integrity compared with WT. Comparative leaf transcriptomics and proteomics suggested that wax biosynthesis, anthocyanin metabolism, and leaf senescence processes are regulated by NCR1 under both normal and water-deficit conditions. Under drought, an increase in wax and anthocyanin accumulations and a delay in leaf senescence in ncr1 plants, when compared with WT, supported the transcriptome and proteomics data. Additionally, the ncr1 plants exhibited higher abscisic acid (ABA) sensitivity and longer root hairs than WT. Collectively, our results suggest that NCR1 negatively regulates drought tolerance through modification of wax biosynthesis, anthocyanin accumulation, leaf senescence, cell membrane integrity, ABA responses, and root hair development.

Arabidopsis↗

PubMed2025

High temperature induces MdGATA15 to suppress anthocyanin accumulation in apple peels.

Although GATA transcription factors are known to play broad roles in plant growth, development, and stress responses, their involvement in high-temperature-induced anthocyanin suppression remains largely unexplored. In this study, using "Otome" as the experimental material, we revealed the important role of MdGATA15 in inhibiting anthocyanin accumulation under high temperature through multiple molecular mechanisms. A series of physiological and biochemical experiments demonstrated that MdGATA15 directly binds to the promoters of anthocyanin activators MdMYB11, MdANS, and the transporter gene MdGSTF12, repressing their expression. Simultaneously, MdGATA15 activates the expression of the anthocyanin biosynthesis repressor MdMYB308, further enhancing the inhibition. Notably, MdGATA15 binds to its own promoter, forming a positive feedback loop that significantly enhances its expression under high-temperature conditions. This mechanism provides new insights into understanding how apple responds to high-temperature stress. Additionally, we identified the bHLH transcription factor MdPIF4-Like3 in apple as an interactor of MdGATA15, which stabilizes and enhances the transcriptional activity of MdGATA15, thereby further reinforcing the inhibition of anthocyanin biosynthesis. These findings highlight the central role of MdGATA15 in high-temperature-mediated suppression of anthocyanin synthesis in apple and provide significant advances in understanding the molecular mechanisms of apple's response to heat stress. This study provides a theoretical basis for breeding heat-resistant apple cultivars with improved fruit quality by targeting key transcription factors involved in high-temperature stress response.

Anthocyanins↗

PubMed2026

Cis-regulatory evolution of CsANS1 drives cultivar variation in anthocyanin accumulation in tea plants.

Anthocyanins, a ubiquitous class of water-soluble phytochemicals renowned for their chromatic diversity and potent bioactivity, are integral to the phenotypic and metabolic plasticity of higher plants. Using an integrative multi-omics approach that combines transcriptomic and metabolomic profiling, we identified anthocyanin synthase (CsANS1) as the key genetic determinant responsible for interspecific variation in anthocyanin accumulation among tea plants. Architectural comparison of promoter regions revealed a 192-bp variation insertion in the CsANS1 cis-regulatory region with potential functional significance. This insertion was strictly conserved in anthocyanin-rich (purple-leaf) cultivars, including both natural and hybrid genotypes, but entirely missing in anthocyanin-deficient (green-leaf) cultivars. Dual-luciferase assays confirmed that this insertion enhances promoter activity. Additionally, we delineated a tripartite regulatory axis comprising CsmiR156b, CsSPL9, and CsMYB75 which orchestrates the spatiotemporal modulation of CsANS1 expression and, consequently, anthocyanin biosynthesis. Collectively, these findings provide a mechanistic paradigm for anthocyanin polymorphism in tea plants, implicating both cis-regulatory evolution and transcriptional network synergy as pivotal drivers of phytochemical diversification.

Anthocyanins↗

PubMed2025

The T2T genome assembly of watershield (Brasenia schreberi) unveils genomic insights into aquatic adaptation.

Watershield (Brasenia schreberi), belonging to Cabombaceae within the order Nymphaeales, represents one of the early-diverged angiosperm lineages. This perennial floating leaf freshwater aquatic plant features submerged juvenile leaves enveloped in a thick layer of transparent gelatinous mucilage, aiding in its resistance to aquatic stress. However, the evolutionary history of the mechanisms underlying its specific phenotype remains unclear. In this study, we present the telomere-to-telomere level genome of B. schreberi, unveiling that it underwent two rounds of whole-genome duplications (WGDs) and a recent whole-genome triplication, with the most ancient WGD being shared by Nymphaeaceae. WGD and dispersed duplication significantly contributed to the expansion of gene families, which are primarily associated with environmental adaptation. Additionally, we discovered that mature leaves primarily conduct photosynthesis and may transport nutrients to underwater juvenile leaves for polysaccharide synthesis. We also identified an ancestral broad expression pattern of ABC genes, and the similar expression of anthocyanin biosynthesis genes across all flower organs resulted in entirely purple flowers. Our findings deepen the understanding of the evolution of this specific aquatic plant phenotypes.

Genome, Plant↗

PubMed2025

Differential methylation of a retrotransposon upstream of a MYB gene causes variegation of lettuce leaves, which is abolished by the presence of an (AT)5 repeat in the promoter.

Variegation, a common phenomenon in plants, can be the result of several genetic, developmental, and physiological factors. Leaves of some lettuce cultivars exhibit dramatic red variegation; however, the genetic mechanisms underlying this variegation remain unknown. In this study, we cloned the causal gene for variegation on lettuce leaves and elucidated the underlying molecular mechanisms. Genetic analysis revealed that the polymorphism of variegated versus uniformly red leaves is caused by an "AT" repeat in the promoter of the RLL2A gene encoding a MYB transcription factor. Complementation tests demonstrated that the RLL2A allele (RLL2AV) with (AT)n repeat numbers other than five led to variegated leaves. RLL2AV was expressed in the red spots but not in neighboring green regions. This expression pattern was in concert with a relatively low level of methylation in a retrotransposon inserted in -761 bp of the gene in the red spots compared to high methylation of the retrotransposon in the green region. The presence of (AT)5 in the promoter region, however, stabilized the expression of RLL2A, resulting in uniformly red leaves. In summary, we identified a novel promoter mechanism controlling variegation through inconsistent levels of methylation and showed that the presence of a simple sequence repeat of specific size could stabilize gene expression.

Promoter Regions, Genetic↗

PubMed2026

Allelic variation and light-responsive regulation of FaMYB10-2 underlie tissue-specific anthocyanin accumulation in strawberry.

Anthocyanins critically determine fruit color, nutrition, and stress resilience in cultivated strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa), directly influencing consumer preference. Despite complex genetic and environmental regulation of their biosynthesis, the basis for tissue-specific pigmentation, notably the widespread occurrence of red skin and pale flesh, remains poorly understood. We integrated genomic, transcriptomic, and functional analyses across 200 cultivars to dissect receptacle pigmentation regulation. Approaches included FaMYB10-2 allele mining, promoter structural variant (SV) identification, expression profiling, regulatory interaction assays, and characterization of upstream light-responsive factors. FaMYB10-2 was identified as the key R2R3-MYB regulator of fruit anthocyanin biosynthesis. Alleles FaMYB10-2.2 and FaMYB10-2.3 encode truncated proteins retaining bHLH-binding capacity but lacking activation domains, functioning as dominant-negative repressors. A promoter SV 986 bp upstream of FaMYB10-2 was associated with reduced pale fruit due to cis-regulatory divergence. The SV (Alt) allele is prevalent in Asian cultivars, while the Ref allele is enriched in Western germplasm. Crucially, a light-responsive FaHYH-FaWRKY71 cascade activates FaMYB10-2 and structural genes haplotype-dependently, compensating for weak MYB activity in the skin. Our findings reveal a multilayered regulatory system integrating allelic variation, cis-regulatory divergence, and environmental signals, advancing anthocyanin understanding and providing engineering targets for polyploid crop color improvement.

Fragaria↗

PubMed2026

Genome-Wide Identification of the R2R3-MYB Gene Family in Solanum americanum and Functional Analysis of Its Role in Fruit Coloration.

Anthocyanins are key secondary metabolites responsible for fruit coloration in plants, and their biosynthesis is largely regulated by R2R3-MYB transcription factors. However, the R2R3-MYB regulators controlling fruit anthocyanin accumulation in wild Solanum species remain poorly understood. Here, Solanum americanum was used to identify candidate R2R3-MYB genes associated with fruit coloration through genome-wide identification, phylogenetic analysis, synteny analysis, expression profiling, and virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS). A total of 122 SaMYB genes were identified, and phylogenetic analysis revealed that SaMYB proteins clustered with Arabidopsis thaliana R2R3-MYB members in conserved subgroups, suggesting evolutionary conservation of this family. Synteny analysis identified 37 syntenic gene pairs among SaMYB genes, and the Ka/Ks values of all analyzable gene pairs were below 1, indicating that these duplicated genes are subject to functional constraint. Integrated analysis of phylogenetic relationships, protein structures, promoter cis-elements, and fruit developmental expression patterns identified SaMYB59 and SaMYB106 as candidate regulators of anthocyanin accumulation. VIGS analysis demonstrated that silencing SaMYB106 reduced purple coloration, decreased anthocyanin content, and downregulated the expression of the structural gene DFR. These results indicate that SaMYB106 functions as a positive regulator of fruit anthocyanin accumulation in S. americanum. This study provides insights into the molecular basis of fruit coloration in wild Solanum species.

Solanum americanum↗

PubMed2026

Adaptive genomic evolution and WD40-regulated temporal dynamics of anthocyanins support leaf photoplasticity in Parrotia subaequalis.

BACKGROUND: Parrotia subaequalis, a Tertiary relict endemic to China, plays a significant role in phylogeny and adaptive evolution as a key species in the early differentiation of angiosperms. It has abundant leaf colors and great potential as an ornamental tree. RESULTS: This study assembled the first chromosome-level genome of P. subaequalis (Contig N50 = 2.15 Mb), revealing transposable element proliferation, key paleopolyploid events and dynamic gene family evolution, including the expansion of secondary metabolite transport and synthesis genes (such as WD40, 2OG-FeII_Oxy) and the contraction of gene families related to flower morphogenesis (such as F-box-like, K-box). Through integrative transcriptomics and targeted metabolomics approaches, we further revealed that the color transition of young leaves from red to green was driven by temporal accumulation differences of malvidin-3,5-O-diglucoside, whose biosynthesis is progressively down-regulated during leaf development. WGCNA revealed that a subset of WD40 genes (light-signaling, TTG1/HOS15-like, etc.) coexpresses with anthocyanin biosynthetic genes, like 4CLL9, GT1, in anthocyanin-related modules enriched for auxin signaling and hydrolase activity, suggesting a potential link between WD40 expansion and photoprotective plasticity. Relevant regulatory networks were found to complement the species-specific gene pool related to leaf color regulation. CONCLUSION: This genomic resource of P. subaequalis advanced our understanding of early angiosperm adaptation through neofunctionalized regulatory networks and established a foundation for molecular breeding aimed at enhancing environmental resilience while preserving ornamental traits.

Anthocyanins↗

PubMed2026

Phenotypic, physiological and transcriptomic analysis of graded salt stress responses in Pyrus betulifolia Bunge and functional characterization of the hub gene PbSTY46.

Pyrus betulifolia Bunge is a salt‑tolerant rootstock for pear, but its salt‑tolerance mechanisms remain largely unknown. In this study, P. betulifolia seedlings were subjected to graded NaCl stress at concentrations of 0 (CK), 50 (T1), 100 (T2), and 200 (T3) mM. We integrated phenotypic observation, physiological assessment, transcriptomic profiling, and functional gene validation to systematically elucidate its salt tolerance mechanisms. Salt stress inhibited seedling growth and root traits in a concentration-dependent manner, and T3 caused the most severe damage. Osmotic solutes responded differentially: soluble sugars peaked under T2, while proline peaked under T3. Antioxidant enzymes showed tissue-specific biphasic responses and declined after prolonged T3 stress. Meanwhile, chlorophyll and photosynthesis decreased, whereas anthocyanin increased, indicating a metabolic shift from photosynthesis to photoprotection. Transcriptome analysis revealed distinct responses depending on stress intensity: mild stress induced membrane lipid remodeling, moderate stress activated circadian rhythm and hormone signaling, and severe stress enhanced phenylpropanoid biosynthesis and thiamine metabolism. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) further highlighted progressive enrichment of phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, heme binding, and oxidoreductase activity. Weighted Gene Co‑expression Network Analysis (WGCNA) identified a blue module significantly positively correlated with root traits, from which the hub gene PbSTY46 was identified. Functional validation via overexpression, loss‑of‑function mutants, and pharmacological interventions (MeJA/DIECA) confirmed that PbSTY46 acts through JA signaling to enhance antioxidant enzyme activities and thereby confer salt tolerance. Collectively, P. betulifolia adopts a "survival‑first" strategy that coordinates growth arrest, osmotic homeostasis, and ROS scavenging. These findings establish PbSTY46 as a key regulator that links JA signaling to antioxidant defense. Thus, PbSTY46 represents a promising candidate for marker‑assisted breeding of salt‑tolerant pear cultivars.

Salt Stress↗

PubMed2025

Comparative analysis of DREB gene family in buckwheat: the role of FtDREB02 in the delphinidin biosynthesis and drought stress response.

Dehydration response element binding (DREB) transcription factors play a pivotal role in plant abiotic stress responses, but its evolutionary and functional characterization in buckwheat remains unexplored. Here, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of the DREB gene family across three buckwheat species, revealing segmental duplication as the primary driver of family expansion and potential purifying selection during evolution. A FtDREB02 gene, classified as group A2, was identified through genome-wide association analysis (GWAS) on drought tolerance and delphinidin content. Functional validation in Arabidopsis thaliana and the hairy root of Tartary buckwheat (Fagopyrum tataricum) demonstrated that overexpression of this gene promotes delphinidin biosynthesis and enhances plant resistance to water scarcity. Through the integration of DAP-seq and PEG transcriptome cluster analysis, a FtANS candidate was screened. Functional studies showed that FtDREB02 regulates delphinidin content by binding directly to DRE elements of the FtANS promoter. This research identifies and comprehensively analyzes the DREB family within buckwheat species, elucidating the regulatory mechanisms of FtDREB02 in controlling flavonoid biosynthesis and drought resistance, providing potential genetic resources for breeding buckwheat varieties with excellent agronomic traits.

Anthocyanins↗

PubMed2026

Molecular mechanisms underlying low glycemic index in rice: Insights from Indian landrace diversity.

The rising prevalence of diabetes mellitus, especially among populations with high rice consumption, underscores the need for functional staple crops with a low glycemic index (GI). This review examines the molecular and genetic factors influencing low-GI traits in rice, highlighting the importance of diversity within Indian landraces. Traditional cultivars like Mappillai Samba, Karuppu Kavuni and Kattuyanam contains high level of Resistant starch, dietary fiber and bioactive phytochemicals. The Waxy (Wx) gene, which codes for granule-bound starch synthase I (GBSSI), is very important for controlling the production of amylose. For example, functional alleles like Wxa and Wxlv are linked to higher amylose levels and lower starch digestibility. Moreover, secondary metabolites, such as anthocyanins and phytosterols like stigmasterol, play a role in regulating blood sugar levels by stopping the activities of α-amylase and α-glucosidase. Interactions within the starch-dietary matrix, including starch-protein, starch-lipid, and starch-polyphenol complexes, further influence enzymatic hydrolysis and glucose release kinetics. Recent advancements in genomics, encompassing QTL mapping and gene editing techniques, offer innovative prospects for the creation of biofortified, low-GI rice cultivars. The integration of these molecular insights into rice breeding programs can facilitate the development of low-glycemic, nutritionally enhanced rice cultivars that contribute to improved metabolic health and food security.

Oryza↗