Differential expression ofCCD4(4B)drives natural variation in fruit carotenoid content in strawberry (Fragariaspp.)

• DOI: 10.1101/2024.07.02.601541
• Publication Date: 2024-07-02T20:15:11Z
• Authors: Iraida Amaya; F. Javier Roldán-...; José L. Ordóñez-Díaz; Rocío Torreblanca; Henning Wagner; Waurich Veronika; Klaus Olbricht; José M. Moreno-Rojas; José F. Sánchez-S...; Cristina Castillejo
• Keywords: Fragaria; Variation (astronomy)

Abstract Pigments, mainly anthocyanins and carotenoids, are important contributors to fruits’ visual appearance nutritional properties. In strawberry ( Fragaria spp.), the genetic molecular mechanisms regulating fruit carotenoid biosynthesis its natural variation remain largely unexplored. this study, we sought identify genomic loci contributing in yellow flesh pigmentation. A major QTL, qYellow Flesh-4B , accounting for 82% of total phenotypic was identified on F . × ananassa chromosome 4B. Following a candidate gene approach, determined that CCD4(4B), cleavage dioxygenase (CCD), underlying gene. Specific polymorphisms CCD4(4B) promoter region were associated with phenotype differential regulation expression during ripening. Furthermore, levels negatively correlated violaxanthin, lutein, zeaxanthin, β-carotene content. The role turnover confirmed by transient overexpression F. fruits, which led decrease accumulation. Notably, −35 C>T SNP found be predictive expression, content fruits diverse germplasm collection, included different octoploid species. Taken together, these results provide insights into strawberry. High-Resolution Melting (HRM) DNA test here developed offers fast reliable method predict high content, representing useful tool breeding projects aiming enhance value crop.