Author:
Liu Hengzhao,Zhou Huijuan,Ye Hang,Gen Fangdong,Lei Mengfan,Li Jinhan,Wei Wenjun,Liu Zhanlin,Hou Na,Zhao Peng
Abstract
Abstract
Background
The color of endopleura is a vital factor in determining the economic value and aesthetics appeal of nut. Walnuts (Juglans) are a key source of edible nuts, high in proteins, amino acids, lipids, carbohydrates. Walnut had a variety endopleura color as yellow, red, and purple. However, the regulation of walnut endopleura color remains little known.
Results
To understand the process of coloration in endopleura, we performed the integrative analysis of transcriptomes and metabolomes at two developmental stages of walnut endopleura. We obtained total of 4,950 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and 794 metabolites from walnut endopleura, which are involved in flavonoid and phenolic biosynthesis pathways. The enrichment analysis revealed that the cinnamic acid, coniferyl alcohol, naringenin, and naringenin-7-O-glucoside were important metabolites in the development process of walnut endopleura. Transcriptome and metabolome analyses revealed that the DEGs and differentially regulated metabolites (DRMs) were significantly enriched in flavonoid biosynthesis and phenolic metabolic pathways. Through co-expression analysis, CHS (chalcone synthase), CHI (chalcone isomerase), CCR (cinnamoyl CoA reductase), CAD (cinnamyl alcohol dehydrogenase), COMT (catechol-Omethyl transferase), and 4CL (4-coumaroyl: CoA-ligase) may be the key genes that potentially regulate walnut endopleura color in flavonoid biosynthesis and phenolic metabolic pathways.
Conclusions
This study illuminates the metabolic pathways and candidate genes that underlie the endopleura coloration in walnuts, lay the foundation for further study and provides insights into controlling nut’s colour.
Funder
Shaanxi Academy of Science Research Funding Project
Shaanxi Forestry Science and Technology Innovation Key Project
Qinling Hundred Talents Project of Shaanxi Academy of Science
National Natural Science Foundation of China
Guizhou Forestry Bureau Project-Germplasm Innovation and Application of Guizhou Walnut (Guizhou Forestry Science Association
Science Foundation for Distinguished Young Scholars of Shaanxi Province
Basic Research Project of Shaanxi Academy of Fundamental Science
China Postdoctoral Science Foundation
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC