The HSF–DREB–MYB transcriptional regulatory module regulates flavonol biosynthesis and flavonoid B-ring hydroxylation in banana (Musa acuminata)

Abstract

AbstractPlant flavonols act primarily as ultraviolet radiation absorbers, reactive oxygen species scavengers, and phytoalexins, and they contribute to biotic and abiotic stress tolerance in plants. Banana (Musa acuminata), an herbaceous monocot and important fruit crop, accumulates flavonol derivatives in different organs, including the edible fruit pulp. Although flavonol content varies greatly in different organs, the molecular mechanisms involving transcriptional regulation of flavonol synthesis in banana are not known. Here, we characterized three SG7-R2R3 MYB transcription factors MaMYBFA1, MaMYBFA2, and MaMYBFA3) and their upstream regulators, heat shock transcription factor (MaHSF11) and dehydration responsive element binding factor (MaDREB1), to elucidate the molecular mechanism involved in transcriptional regulation of flavonol biosynthesis in banana. MaMYBFA positively regulateflavonol synthase2 (MaFLS2)and downregulatesMaFLS1. We show these transcription factors to be weak regulators of flavonol synthesis. Overexpression ofMaHSF11enhances flavonol contents, particularly that of myricetin, and promotes flavonol B-ring hydroxylation, which contributes to the diversity of flavonol derivatives. MaHSF11 directly interacts with theMaFLS1andflavonoid 3′, 5′-hydroxylase1 (MaF3′5′H1)promoters, bothin vitroandin vivo. MaHSF11 activates the expression ofMaDREB1directly, which in turn regulates the expression ofMaMYBFA3. Overall, our study elucidates a key regulatory mechanism for flavonol synthesis in banana and suggests possible targets for genetic optimization to enhance nutritional value and stress responses in this globally important fruit crop.