Analysis of structural genes and key transcription factors related to anthocyanin biosynthesis in potato tubers

•Structural genes CHS, F3H, F3′5′H, DFR, ANS, GST play important roles on anthocyanin biosynthesis in potato tubers.•Novel transcription factors MYB11207, MYB47415, MYB79714 and bHLH31926 related to anthocyanin synthesis are obtained.•Transcription factors play roles by regulating the key structural genes.

Anthocyanin is well-known plant colorant that accounts for the characteristic color of potato tubers and their excellent antioxidant properties. Anthocyanin synthesis involves several enzyme genes and transcription factors. In this paper, the expression of 10 enzyme genes and 11 transcription factors related to anthocyanin biosynthesis in 8 genotypes of colored potato tubers were examined. The results showed that chalcone synthase gene (CHS), flavanone 3-hydroxylase gene (F3H), dihydroflavonol 4-reductase gene (DFR), glutathione S-transferase gene (GST), flavonoid 3′,5′-hydroxylase gene (F3′5′H) and anthocyanidin synthase gene (ANS) play important roles in anthocyanin biosynthesis in colored potato tubers. Further analysis examining the expression correlation between transcription factors and enzyme genes indicated that 4 novel transcription factors, MYB11207, MYB47415, MYB79714 and bHLH31926, may affect anthocyanin synthesis in tubers by regulating the expression of several enzyme genes, especially the MYB member MYB47415.