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The RcMYB21 transcription factor activates flavonol biosynthesis by targeting RcFLS in Chinese raspberry
Ting Lei1,2, Jun Huang1,3, Wei Qian1
1School of Life Sciences, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, China.
BMC Plant Biology
|June 29, 2026
Summary
We identified the RcMYB21 transcription factor in Chinese raspberry, which regulates flavonoid production and enhances salt stress tolerance. This discovery sheds light on the plant
Area of Science:
- Plant Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry
- Genetics
Background:
- Chinese raspberry (Rubus chingii Hu) is a valuable medicinal plant in traditional Chinese medicine.
- Flavonoids are key bioactive compounds in raspberries, but their biosynthesis regulation is poorly understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and characterize transcription factors involved in regulating flavonoid biosynthesis in Rubus chingii.
- To investigate the role of RcMYB21 in flavonoid production and its potential function in stress response.
Main Methods:
- Identification and cloning of the RcMYB21 gene.
- Gene expression analysis using RT-qPCR.
- Subcellular localization, transactivation assays, Y1H, and dual-luciferase assays.
- Overexpression studies in raspberry, tobacco, and Arabidopsis.
Main Results:
- RcMYB21, an R2R3-MYB transcription factor, was identified and confirmed to have nuclear localization and transactivation activity.
- RcMYB21 directly binds to and activates the promoter of RcFLS1, a key gene in flavonol biosynthesis.
- Overexpression of RcMYB21 led to increased flavonol accumulation and altered anthocyanin levels, demonstrating its role in flavonoid regulation.
- RcMYB21-overexpressing Arabidopsis showed enhanced lateral root development and improved salt stress tolerance.
Conclusions:
- RcMYB21 specifically regulates flavonoid biosynthesis and accumulation in Rubus chingii.
- RcMYB21 enhances salt stress tolerance, likely through flavonol accumulation.
- This study provides insights into the molecular mechanisms of flavonoid regulation and highlights the dual role of RcMYB21 in secondary metabolism and abiotic stress.
Keywords:
Chinese raspberryFlavonoid biosynthesisFlavonolMYB transcription factorSecondary metabolismMore Related Videos
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