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Transcription factor MdGTL1a accelerates starch degradation by promoting the MdBam8 expression in postharvest apple
Mian Qin1, Ruimin Yuan1, Wenzhu Shen1
1Institute of Food Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China.
Abstract:
Starch degradation plays a central role in fruit ripening. The β-amylase (Bam) catalysts starch degradation of apple fruit. However, the molecular mechanism regulating Bam gene expression in apples remains unclear. Using yeast one-hybrid library screening, we identified a transcription factor MdGTL1a that directly binds to the MdBam8 promoter. This bind was verified by using an electrophoretic mobility shift assay and confirmed to enhance the promotor activity of MdBam8 by promoter-β-glucuronidase transactivation assay. Transient over-expression of MdGTL1a activated MdBam8 expression and further enhanced starch degradation in apple flesh. Subcellular localization analyses in tobacco protoplasts demonstrated that the nucleus was the exclusive location of the MdGTL1a-GFP fusion protein. Exogenous salicylic acid treatment decreased MdGTL1a expression and resulted in higher starch content in apples, which was consistent with the fruit ripening. It is concluded that salicylic acid treatment could enhance apple storage quality by inhibiting starch degradation through a crucial transcription factor, MdGTL1a.
