Selection of Key Genes for Apricot Kernel Oil Synthesis Based on Transcriptome Analysis

Area of Science:

• Plant Biochemistry
• Molecular Biology
• Genomics

Background:

• Apricot kernel oil (AKO) is a valuable product, but its biosynthesis pathways are not fully understood.
• Understanding AKO synthesis is crucial for improving oil content and quality in apricots.

Purpose of the Study:

• Identify key genes regulating AKO biosynthesis.
• Elucidate molecular pathways of AKO synthesis and accumulation.
• Explain differences in oil content between apricot varieties.

Main Methods:

• Comparative analysis of oil content and fatty acid composition in two apricot kernel varieties.
• Transcriptome sequencing and weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA).
• Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) for gene validation.

Main Results:

• Apricot kernel oil (AKO) accumulation follows an 'S'-shaped pattern during ripening.
• Transcriptome sequencing identified 17,411 differentially expressed genes.
• WGCNA highlighted a 'pink' module strongly correlated with AKO biosynthesis.
• Six key enzyme genes and three transcription factors were identified as crucial regulators of AKO biosynthesis.

Conclusions:

• This study elucidates the molecular mechanisms underlying apricot kernel oil (AKO) biosynthesis.
• Identified key genes and pathways provide targets for enhancing AKO production.
• The findings explain variations in oil content between bitter and sweet apricot kernels.