CeBiTec Colloquium: 2008/04/18 Dr. Dr. Jochen Bogs, Universität Heidelberg, Inst. für Pflanzenwissenschaften

2008/04/18, 1:30 p.m.

CeBiTec Laboratory Building, Room G2-104

Regulation of flavonoid sythesis in grapevine

Abstract:

Plants synthesize a wide variety of flavonoid compounds with important functions in disease resistance, protection from UV radiation and colouration of flowers and fruits. Flavonoids are present in many fruits and plant products (wine, fruit juices and tea etc.) and contribute to their colour, taste and nutritional value. In grapevine, anthocyanins, proanthocyanidins (PAs, condensed tannins) and flavonols are the predominant flavonoids and play important roles in the quality and health benefits of wine. In grapes, flavonoids accumulate at specific stages during berry development and the genes encoding enzymes specifically involved in synthesis of anthocyanins, flavonols and PAs are only expressed when the respective flavonoid accumulates. We have isolated several grapevine transcription factors (TFs) with gene expression patterns correlating with the accumulation of the respective flavonoid. Complementation and promoter experiments suggest that the TFs MYBPA1, MYBA and MYB12 specifically control PA, anthocyanin and presumably flavonol synthesis, respectively. We will express these TFs in grapevine hairy root cultures and microarray arrays and metabolite profiles of these cultures will lead to the identification of new grape specific genes which haven’t been previously described and are controlled by the respective TF.