Allelic state of the genes conferring purple pigmentation in different wheat organs predetermines transcriptional activity of the anthocyanin biosynthesis structural genes

In wheat, dominant alleles of the Pc, Plb, Pls, and Pp genes determine purple (red) colour of culm, leaf blades, leaf sheaths, and grain pericarp, respectively. These genes have been mapped in the wheat genome. However, their structural and functional organization remained unknown. We used near-isogenic lines differing by allelic state of the Pc, Plb, Pls, and Pp genes and compared transcriptional activity of the anthocyanin biosynthesis structural genes (Chs, Chi, F3h, Dfr, and Ans) in the studied organs. It was shown that alleles conferring strong pigmentation induced more intensive transcription of the structural genes, suggesting the genes Pc, Plb, Pls, and Pp to be transcriptional regulators in the anthocyanin biosynthesis network. Some species-specific peculiarities of anthocyanin biosynthesis structural gene regulation in wheat Triticum aestivum L. are discussed.

► The genes Pc, Plb, Pls, and Pp regulate expression of ABP structural genes in wheat.
► These regulatory genes affect anthocyanin content in culm, leaves and pericarp.
► The F3h gene expression is a pivotal point of ABP regulation in wheat.