Heat‐responsive MaHSF11 transcriptional activator positively regulates flavonol biosynthesis and flavonoid B‐ring hydroxylation in banana (Musa acuminata)

• DOI: 10.1111/tpj.70084
• Publication Date: 2025-03-11T22:34:09Z
• Authors: Jogindra Naik; Ruchika Rajput; Samar Singh; Ralf Stracke; Ashutosh Pandey
• Keywords: Flavonols; MYB; Hydroxylation; Myricetin

Plant flavonols act primarily as ultraviolet radiation absorbers, reactive oxygen species scavengers, and phytoalexins, they contribute to biotic abiotic stress tolerance in plants. Banana (Musa acuminata), an herbaceous monocot important fruit crop, accumulates flavonol derivatives different organs, including the edible pulp. Although content varies greatly molecular mechanisms involving transcriptional regulation of synthesis banana are not known. Here, we characterized three SG7-R2R3 MYB transcription factors (MaMYBFA1, MaMYBFA2, MaMYBFA3) heat shock factor (MaHSF11), elucidate mechanism involved biosynthesis banana. MaMYBFA positively regulates synthase 2 (MaFLS2) downregulates MaFLS1. We show these be weak regulators synthesis. Overexpression MaHSF11 enhances contents, particularly that myricetin, promotes B-ring hydroxylation, which contributes diversity derivatives. directly interacts with MaFLS1 flavonoid 3',5'-hydroxylase1 (MaF3'5'H1) promoters, both vitro vivo. activates expression MaDREB1 directly, is known promote cold chilling fruit. Overall, our study elucidates a regulatory for suggests possible targets genetic optimization enhance nutritional value responses this globally crop.