Cloning and Function Identification of a Phytoene Desaturase Gene from Eucommia ulmoides

The phytoene desaturase (PDS) encodes a crucial enzyme in the carotenoid biosynthesis pathway. Silencing or inhibiting PDS expression leads to appearance of mottled, chlorosis, albino leaves. In this study, CDS sequence EuPDS (Eucommia ulmoides Phytoene Desaturase) was first cloned and then silenced Nicotiana benthamiana. Result showed level leaves higher than that roots stems. N. benthamiana leaves, which were treated by Agrobacterium for 24 h, photo-bleaching shown on fresh one week after injection transcript down-regulated during period emersion. This suggested could silence benthamiana, so as cause phenotype leaf whitening. is main reporter gene involved virus-induced silencing (VIGS). study offered molecular evidence identifying Carotenoid’s pathway regulation networks E. ulmides. It also laid useful foundation discoloration mechanism other woody plants.