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Genome-Wide Characterization and Analysis of bHLH Transcription Factors Related to Anthocyanin Biosynthesis in Fig (Ficus carica L.)

Authors :
Miaoyu Song
Haomiao Wang
Zhe Wang
Hantang Huang
Shangwu Chen
Huiqin Ma
Source :
Frontiers in Plant Science, Vol 12 (2021), Frontiers in Plant Science
Publication Year :
2021
Publisher :
Frontiers Media SA, 2021.

Abstract

The basic helix–loop–helix (bHLH) transcription factor family is the second largest transcription factor family in plants, and participates in various plant growth and development processes. A total of 118 bHLH genes were identified from fig (Ficus carica L.) by whole-genome database search. Phylogenetic analysis with Arabidopsis homologs divided them into 25 subfamilies. Most of the bHLHs in each subfamily shared a similar gene structure and conserved motifs. Seventy-two bHLHs were found expressed at fragments per kilobase per million mapped (FPKM) > 10 in the fig fruit; among them, 15 bHLHs from eight subfamilies had FPKM > 100 in at least one sample. bHLH subfamilies had different expression patterns in the female flower tissue and peel during fig fruit development. Comparing green and purple peel mutants, 13 bHLH genes had a significantly different (≥ 2-fold) expression. Light deprivation resulted in 68 significantly upregulated and 22 downregulated bHLH genes in the peel of the fruit. Sixteen bHLH genes in subfamily III were selected by three sets of transcriptomic data as candidate genes related to anthocyanin synthesis. Interaction network prediction and yeast two-hybrid screening verified the interaction between FcbHLH42 and anthocyanin synthesis-related genes. The transient expression of FcbHLH42 in tobacco led to an apparent anthocyanin accumulation. Our results confirm the first fig bHLH gene involved in fruit color development, laying the foundation for an in-depth functional study on other FcbHLH genes in fig fruit quality formation, and contributing to our understanding of the evolution of bHLH genes in other horticulturally important Ficus species.

Details

ISSN :
1664462X
Volume :
12
Database :
OpenAIRE
Journal :
Frontiers in Plant Science
Accession number :
edsair.doi.dedup.....ec63cba06dc314bee5793bcca486cab6