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Genetic research

Genome-Wide Identification of BBX Genes Regulates Light-Mediated Anthocyanin Biosynthesis in Mango

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Researchers at Hainan University have made a significant breakthrough in understanding the role of B-box (BBX) transcription factors in regulating light-mediated anthocyanin biosynthesis in mango. The study identified 32 BBX genes in the mango genome and found that they are critical regulators of peel coloration in plants. The research team, led by Chengkun Yang, discovered that the BBX genes are involved in red peel pigmentation and that light treatment can upregulate multiple BBX genes, leading to increased anthocyanin accumulation in red mango peel.

Key Takeaways:

  • The research identified 32 BBX genes in the mango genome, which are critical regulators of light-mediated anthocyanin biosynthesis.
  • The BBX genes are involved in red peel pigmentation and exhibit higher expression in the peel than in the flesh of mango.
  • The study found that light treatment can upregulate multiple BBX genes, leading to increased anthocyanin accumulation in red mango peel.
  • The research established a foundation for functional studies of BBX genes in fruit pigmentation and provided valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms governing light-regulated peel coloration in mango.
  • The study was funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China, the Phd Scientific Research And Innovation Foundation of The Education Department of Hainan Province, and the National Key Research And Development Plan of China.
  • The research was conducted by a team of researchers from Hainan University, led by Chengkun Yang, with contributions from Muhammad Mobeen Tahir, Yawen Zhang, Xiaowen Wang, Wencan Zhu, Feili Li, Kaibing Zhou, Qin Deng, and Minjie Qian.

Statistics:

  • 32 BBX genes were identified in the mango genome.
  • 5 BBX subfamilies were classified based on conserved domains.
  • Promoter analysis identified numerous light- and hormone-responsive cis-elements.
  • Expression profiling in the 'Sensation' cultivar revealed organ-specific patterns of BBX gene expression.
  • Multiple BBX genes showed higher expression in the peel than in the flesh of red-skinned cultivars.
  • Postharvest light treatment of 'Hongmang No. 6' fruit upregulated multiple BBX genes.

Sources:

  • Genome-Wide Identification, Characterization, and Expression Analysis of *BBX* Genes During Anthocyanin Biosynthesis in Mango (*Mangifera indica* L.). Biology, 2025, 14(8):919.
  • Publisher: MDPI AG
  • DOI: 10.3390/biology14080919
  • Hainan University, Key Laboratory of Quality Regulation of Tropical Horticultural Crop in Hainan Province, School of Tropical Agriculture and Forestry, Haikou 570228, People's Republic of China.

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