De novo sequencing and comparative analysis of the blueberry transcriptome to discover putative genes related to antioxidants

Blueberry (Vaccinium spp.) is an important small fruit crop rich in antioxidants. However, tissue-specific transcriptome and genomic data in public databases are not sufficient for an understanding of the molecular mechanisms associated with antioxidants, especially the biosynthesis of anthocyanins. Here, we obtained more than 64 million sequencing reads from blueberry skin and pulp using Illumina sequencing technology. De novo assemblies yielded 34,464 unigenes, among them 1236 transcripts and 862 putative transcription factors involved in the main antioxidant biosynthesis pathway were identified. Comparative transcript profiling allowed the identification of 92 differentially expressed genes with potential relevance in regulating the fruit metabolism and anthocyanin content during ripening. A series of qRT-PCR confirmed the high expression level of the anthocyanin pathway genes in the skin of the blue fruit from the in silico study. This sequence collection provides a significant resource for the blueberry research and breeding work.

► Using RNA-seq, we have generated an extensive map of the blueberry transcriptome. ► 34,464 unique sequences were found to be expressed during the fruit development. ► 1,236 genes related to antioxidants were identified. ► Comparative analysis of the differentially expressed genes in different tissues.