Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 9, 2026
09:50
Biosynthesis of a Flavonol from a Flavanone by Establishing a One-pot Bienzymatic Cascade
Published on: August 14, 2019
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CtMYB1 regulates flavonoid biosynthesis in safflower flower by binding the CAACCA elements
Yanxun Zhou1,2, Jie Wang1,2, Yanni Peng1,2
1State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China.
Plos One
|December 10, 2025
Summary
CtMYB1 regulates flavonoid biosynthesis in safflower by binding to specific DNA elements in related genes. This discovery enhances understanding of how safflower produces beneficial compounds for health.
Area of Science:
- Plant molecular biology
- Biochemistry
- Genetics
Background:
- Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) flowers are rich in flavonoids, used for cardiovascular health.
- The molecular mechanisms of flavonoid biosynthesis in safflower are not well understood.
- A homologous gene, CtMYB1, was identified in safflower.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize CtMYB1, a gene homologous to AtMYB12, in safflower.
- To investigate the role of CtMYB1 in regulating flavonoid biosynthesis.
- To establish functional genomics tools in safflower.
Main Methods:
- Safflower flower protoplast transient expression system.
- Virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) technique in safflower.
- Yeast one-hybrid and Biacore assays for molecular interaction analysis.
Main Results:
- CtMYB1 upregulated flavonoid biosynthesis genes (CtC4H2, CtF3H4, CtHCT12) in protoplast assays.
- VIGS resulted in lighter petal color and reduced Hydroxysafflor yellow A (HSYA) content.
- CtMYB1 directly binds to the CAACCA elements in the promoters of flavonoid biosynthesis genes.
Conclusions:
- CtMYB1 acts as a transcriptional regulator of flavonoid biosynthesis in safflower.
- Binding to CAACCA elements is crucial for CtMYB1's regulatory function.
- Established expression and VIGS systems are valuable for safflower functional genomics research.
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