Transcriptome analysis reveals light-induced anthocyanin synthesis candidate genes in rabbiteye blueberry (Vaccinium ashei: Reade)

Peel colour is an important economic trait in blueberries (Vaccinium spp.) and is determined by the composition and concentration of anthocyanins. Anthocyanin accumulation within the blueberry peel is significantly affected by light. In the present study, the response mechanism of blueberry anthocyanin synthesis to various light intensities was explored in an effort to identify candidate genes involved in anthocyanin content changes using transcriptomic analysis. The analysis results indicated that a total of 671 differential genes were found, including 53 transcription factors. Among the 16 gene families of the anthocyanin synthesis pathway, 428 genes have certain expression. A total of 6,004 transcription factors in blueberry were identified following the analysis, and divided into 58 transcription factor families of which the largest was the MYB family (510). Co-expression analysis of transcription factors and anthocyanin synthesis pathway genes revealed that 36 genes (16 families) in the anthocyanin synthesis pathway are co-expressed with 66 transcription factors. The quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis results were consistent with the transcriptomic results. Six of these genes likely play an important role in the anthocyanin synthesis pathway, and further evaluation of these candidate genes is necessary. This study provides a foundation for further research on the mechanism of light-induced anthocyanin synthesis in blueberry. Supplemental data for this article is available online at https://doi.org/10.1080/13102818.2021.1924078 .

Automated summary

This study investigated the response mechanism of blueberry anthocyanin synthesis to various light intensities through transcriptomic analysis, identifying candidate genes involved in anthocyanin content changes. Several genes that likely play an important role in the anthocyaninsynthesis pathway were found, providing a foundation for further research on the mechanism of light-induced anthocyanin synthesis in blueberries.