Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain
Citrus fruits, celebrated for their zesty taste and dense flavonoid content, are integral to diets for their health-boosting properties. These natural compounds are linked to a spectrum of wellness benefits, yet the genetic blueprint directing their synthesis has been shrouded in mystery.
Given their significance, illuminating the genetic pathways that govern flavonoid production is essential for advancing citrus cultivation and health science.
A team of researchers from Huazhong Agricultural University has charted new territory in the genetic landscape of citrus with their findings published in Horticulture Research on April 25, 2024. The study zeroes in on the role of specific flavonoid 7-O-glucosyltransferase genes in the synthesis of flavonoid glycosides, uncovering a new layer of complexity in citrus biology.
Changes in phenotype, content of main FGs, and expression levels of Cit7GlcTs in citrus under HLB infection. (A), (B), and (C) show the changes in phenotype, content of main FGs, and expression levels of Cit7GlcTs after HLB infection in ‘Shatian’ pummelo, ‘Shatang’ mandarin, and ‘Newhall’ navel orange, respectively. HLB, Huanglongbing. ns, not significant, *P < 0.05, **P < 0.01; ***P < 0.001; ****P < 0.0001. Credit: Horticulture Research (2024). DOI: 10.1093/hr/uhae098
Through rigorous transcriptomic and metabolomic scrutiny, the study spotlights six flavonoid 7-O-glucosyltransferase genes, four of which—CgUGT90A31, CgUGT89AK1, CgUGT73AC12, and CgUGT89D30—emerge as linchpins in flavonoid glycosylation.
Their broad catalytic profiles across flavonoid substrates are revealed, highlighting their pivotal function in the flavonoid biosynthetic cascade. This genetic insight could prove instrumental in the precision breeding of citrus varieties with enhanced nutritional profiles and disease resistance.
Dr. Juan Xu, a co-author of the study, said, “Our research demystifies a critical aspect of citrus flavonoid production, offering a genetic roadmap for enriching the health attributes of citrus and potentially fortifying their defense mechanisms against afflictions like Huanglongbing.”
The study’s ramifications are profound, signaling a new era in agricultural biotechnology. With the genetic insights at hand, the cultivation of citrus breeds rich in flavonoids becomes a tangible goal, promising a bountiful harvest of fruits that are not only more nutritious but also more robust against pests and diseases, thereby enriching both public health and agricultural economies.
More information:
Ziyu Yuan et al, Four novel Cit7GlcTs functional in flavonoid 7-O-glucoside biosynthesis are vital to flavonoid biosynthesis shunting in citrus, Horticulture Research (2024). DOI: 10.1093/hr/uhae098
Citation:
Study reveals genetic pathways for citrus flavonoid production (2024, July 9)
retrieved 9 July 2024
from https://phys.org/news/2024-07-reveals-genetic-pathways-citrus-flavonoid.html
This document is subject to copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for the purpose of private study or research, no
part may be reproduced without the written permission. The content is provided for information purposes only.