Metabolomics and Transcriptomics Revealed a Comprehensive Understanding of the Biochemical and Genetic Mechanisms Underlying the Color Variations in Chrysanthemums
Di Wu,
Fengchao Zhuang,
Jiarui Wang,
Ruiqi Gao,
Qiunan Zhang,
Xiao Wang,
Guochao Zhang,
Minghui Fang,
Yang Zhang,
Yuhua Li,
Le Guan,
Yanqiang Gao
Affiliations
Di Wu
Key Laboratory of Saline-Alkali Vegetation Ecology Restoration, Ministry of Education, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China
Fengchao Zhuang
Key Laboratory of Saline-Alkali Vegetation Ecology Restoration, Ministry of Education, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China
Jiarui Wang
Key Laboratory of Saline-Alkali Vegetation Ecology Restoration, Ministry of Education, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China
Ruiqi Gao
Key Laboratory of Saline-Alkali Vegetation Ecology Restoration, Ministry of Education, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China
Qiunan Zhang
Key Laboratory of Saline-Alkali Vegetation Ecology Restoration, Ministry of Education, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China
Xiao Wang
Key Laboratory of Saline-Alkali Vegetation Ecology Restoration, Ministry of Education, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China
Guochao Zhang
Key Laboratory of Saline-Alkali Vegetation Ecology Restoration, Ministry of Education, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China
Minghui Fang
Key Laboratory of Saline-Alkali Vegetation Ecology Restoration, Ministry of Education, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China
Yang Zhang
Key Laboratory of Saline-Alkali Vegetation Ecology Restoration, Ministry of Education, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China
Yuhua Li
Key Laboratory of Saline-Alkali Vegetation Ecology Restoration, Ministry of Education, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China
Le Guan
Key Laboratory of Saline-Alkali Vegetation Ecology Restoration, Ministry of Education, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China
Yanqiang Gao
Key Laboratory of Saline-Alkali Vegetation Ecology Restoration, Ministry of Education, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China
Flower color is an important characteristic of ornamental plants and is determined by various chemical components, including anthocyanin. In the present study, combined metabolomics and transcriptomics analysis was used to explore color variations in the chrysanthemums of three cultivars, of which the color of JIN is yellow, FEN is pink, and ZSH is red. A total of 29 different metabolites, including nine anthocyanins, were identified in common in the three cultivars. Compared with the light-colored cultivars, all of the nine anthocyanin contents were found to be up-regulated in the dark-colored ones. The different contents of pelargonidin, cyanidin, and their derivates were found to be the main reason for color variations. Transcriptomic analysis showed that the color difference was closely related to anthocyanin biosynthesis. The expression level of anthocyanin structural genes, including DFR, ANS, 3GT, 3MaT1, and 3MaT2, was in accordance with the flower color depth. This finding suggests that anthocyanins may be a key factor in color variations among the studied cultivars. On this basis, two special metabolites were selected as biomarkers to assist in chrysanthemum breeding for color selection.
