AUTHOR=Zhou Hui , Lin-Wang Kui , Liao Liao , Gu Chao , Lu Ziqi , Allan Andrew C. , Han Yuepeng 

TITLE=Peach MYB7 activates transcription of the proanthocyanidin pathway gene encoding leucoanthocyanidin reductase, but not anthocyanidin reductase

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Plant Science

VOLUME=6

YEAR=2015

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/plant-science/articles/10.3389/fpls.2015.00908

DOI=10.3389/fpls.2015.00908

ISSN=1664-462X

ABSTRACT=<p>Proanthocyanidins (PAs) are a group of natural phenolic compounds that have a great effect on both flavor and nutritious value of fruit. It has been shown that PA synthesis is regulated by R2R3-MYB transcription factors (TFs) via activation of PA-specific pathway genes encoding leucoanthocyanidin reductase and anthocyanidin reductase. Here, we report the isolation and characterization of a <italic>MYB</italic> gene designated <italic>PpMYB7</italic> in peach. The peach <italic>PpMYB7</italic> represents a new group of R2R3-MYB genes regulating PA synthesis in plants. It is able to activate transcription of <italic>PpLAR1</italic> but not <italic>PpANR</italic>, and has a broader selection of potential bHLH partners compared with PpMYBPA1. Transcription of <italic>PpMYB7</italic> can be activated by the peach basic leucine-zipper 5 TF (PpbZIP5) via response to ABA. Our study suggests a transcriptional network regulating PA synthesis in peach, with the results aiding the understanding of the functional divergence between R2R3-MYB TFs in plants.</p>