PhAAT1, encoding an anthocyanin acyltransferase, is transcriptionally regulated by PhAN2 in petunia

Anthocyanins widely exist in plants and they are important pigments for color of petals and fruits. They are produced through a multi-step pathway controlled by transcription factor complexes. The anthocyanin skeleton modification is the last reaction in the anthocyanin synthesis pathway, which improves the stability of anthocyanins. Acylation modification is an important modification of anthocyanins. However, the identification and function of anthocyanin acyltransferase genes and their expression regulation are rarely reported. In this study, we identified the petunia anthocyanin acyltransferase gene, PhAAT1. PhAAT1 is located in the cytoplasm and PhAAT1 silencing changed flower color and reduced the stability of anthocyanin. Metabolomics analysis showed that PhAAT1 silencing led to the reduction of p-coumaroylated and caffeoylated anthocyanins. In addition, PhAAT1 was positively regulated by the MYB transcription factor, PhAN2, which directly interacts with the promoter of PhAAT1.

Automated summary

In this study, the authors identified the petunia anthocyanin acyltransferase gene, PhAAT1, which is located in the cytoplasm. Silencing of PhAAT1 resulted in changes in flower color and reduced the stability of anthocyanins. Metabolomics analysis showed a decrease in p-coumaroylated and caffeoylated anthocyanins upon PhAAT1 silencing. Additionally, PhAAT1 was found to be positively regulated by the MYB transcription factor, PhAN2, which directly interacts with the promoter of PhAAT1.