Transcriptome Co-Expression Network Analysis Identifies Key Genes and Regulators of Sweet Cherry Anthocyanin Biosynthesis

Anthocyanin is the key factor that results in attractive color of sweet cherry fruits. However, information regarding coloration and potential mechanisms underlying anthocyanin biosynthesis limited. In this study, we found accumulation varied flesh peel, while content increased sharply dark red (DR) stage. Correlations between concentrations RNA sequencing (RNA-seq), constructed with Weighted Gene Co-Expression Network Analysis (WGCNA), indicated two structural genes (Pac4CL2, PacANS) 11 transcription factors (PacbHLH13/74, PacDIV, PacERF109/115, PacGATA8, PacGT2, PacGTE10, PacMYB308, PacPosF21, PacWRKY7) had similar expression patterns changes content. Additionally, real-time PCR verified all these gene revealed PacANS exhibited highest level. order to search for regulators biosynthesis, a dual-luciferase assay was performed investigate regulatory activities on promoter. The novelty bHLHs, PacbHLH13 PacbHLH74, can trans-activate promoter they might be candidate regulating synthesis present findings provide novel viewpoint regard transcriptional network fruit cherries.