Establishing the Molecular Basis for the Regulation of Light-Responsive Pigmentation in Petals

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 21K05581
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 39030:Horticultural science-related
• Research Institution: Tokyo University of Agriculture
• Principal Investigator: Tasaki Keisuke 東京農業大学, 農学部, 准教授 (80733419)
• Project Period (FY): 2021-04-01 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: アントシアニン / フィトクロム

Outline of Final Research Achievements

The molecular mechanism of the light-responsive pathway controlling anthocyanin accumulation in the petals of the Gentian plant was investigated. In experiments using LED light, blue and red light induced the expression of early biosynthesis genes in the flavonoid biosynthesis pathway in the petals, while far-red light inhibited the expression of these early biosynthesis genes induced by blue light. The expression response of early biosynthesis　genes to red and far-red light suggests that a phytochrome-mediated inhibitory pathway interferes with the blue light-induced pigmentation pathway.

Free Research Field

園芸科学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

本研究は、花の重要形質であるアントシアニンの蓄積の仕組みについて、光応答性の観点から明らかにするものであり、得られた知見は園芸作物の安定着色に繋がる生産および育種技術の開発への活用が期待される。また、本研究を通じて光受容体を介した植物の環境検知と生理応答の理解を深めることで、様々な農業形質に関する研究にも貢献することが期待される。