Researchers Investigate Xanthophyll Biosynthesis Genes in Citrus
July 6, 2016| |
Carotene hydroxylases are involved in xantophyll biosynthesis in plants. However, their roles in regulating xanthophyll content and composition have not been explained. Shizuoka University researchers investigated the roles of carotene hydroxylase genes CitHYb, CitCYP97A, CitCYP97B, and CitCYP97C in the synthesis of xanthophyll in citrus.
The expression of CitHYb increased in the flavedo and juice sacs during the ripening process, which is consistent with xanthophyll accumulation in citrus. During ripening, expression of CitCYP97A and CitCYP97C increased, which led to an increase in lutein in juice sacs. Meanwhile, the expression level of CitCYP97B was much lower than the other three genes in juice sacs during the ripening.
CitHYb is a key gene for xanthophyll synthesis in citrus fruits, while further analysis found that CitCYP97C functioned as a hydroxylase in lutein production. These results will help understand xanthophyll synthesis in citrus fruits, and help develop strategies to improve them.
For more information on the study, read the full article on BMC Plant Biology.
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