AUTHOR=Qiu Like , Zheng Tangchun , Liu Weichao , Zhuo Xiaokang , Li Ping , Wang Jia , Cheng Tangren , Zhang Qixiang 

TITLE=Integration of Transcriptome and Metabolome Reveals the Formation Mechanism of Red Stem in Prunus mume

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Plant Science

VOLUME=13

YEAR=2022

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/plant-science/articles/10.3389/fpls.2022.884883

DOI=10.3389/fpls.2022.884883

ISSN=1664-462X

ABSTRACT=<p><italic>Prunus mume</italic> var. purpurea, commonly known as “Red Bone”, is a special variety with pink or purple-red xylem. It is famous due to gorgeous petals and delightful aromas, playing important roles in urban landscaping. The regulation mechanism of color formation in <italic>P. mume</italic> var. purpurea stem development is unclear. Here, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of transcriptome and metabolome in WYY (‘Wuyuyu' accession, red stem) and FLE (‘Fei Lve' accession, green stem), and found a total of 256 differential metabolites. At least 14 anthocyanins were detected in WYY, wherein cyanidin 3,5-O-diglucoside and peonidin3-O-glucoside were significantly accumulated through LC-MS/MS analysis. Transcriptome data showed that the genes related to flavonoid-anthocyanin biosynthesis pathways were significantly enriched in WYY. The ratio of dihydroflavonol 4-reductase (<italic>DFR</italic>) and flavonol synthase (<italic>FLS</italic>) expression levels may affect metabolic balance in WYY, suggesting a vital role in xylem color formation. In addition, several transcription factors were up-regulated, which may be the key factors contributing to transcriptional changes in anthocyanin synthesis. Overall, the results provide a reference for further research on the molecular mechanism of xylem color regulation in <italic>P. mume</italic> and lay a theoretical foundation for cultivating new varieties.</p>