The Analysis of Partial Sequences of the Flavonone 3 Hydroxylase Gene in Lupinus mutabilis Reveals Differential Expression of Two Paralogues Potentially Related to Seed Coat Colour

Flavonone 3 hydroxylases (EC 1.14.11.9) are key enzymes in the synthesis of anthocyanins and other flavonoids. Such compounds involved seed coat colour stem pigmentation. Lupinus mutabilis (tarwi) is a legume crop domesticated Andean region, valued for high protein oil content its seeds. Tarwi accessions being selected cultivation Europe under defined breeding criteria. Seed patterns relevant traits tarwi, these conditioned by anthocyanin content. We identified isolated part tarwi flavonone 3-hydroxylase gene (LmF3h) from two with distinct patterns. Two partial LmF3h paralogues, predicted 20% amino-acid changes but little tertiary structure alterations, were coloured genotype, while only one was present white genotype. Upon selection validation appropriate reference genes, RT-qPCR analysis showed that paralogues have different levels expression during development both genotypes, although they follow same DNA transcription analyses enabled to highlight potential F3H relatable pigmentation and, upon biochemical genetic confirmation, prompt marker-assisted phenotypic associated flavonoid synthesis.