Phenylpropanoid metabolism and pigmentation show divergent patterns between brown color and green color cottons as revealed by metabolic and gene expression analyses
Abstract BackgroundNaturally colored cotton has become increasingly popular because of their natural properties of color, UV protection, flame retardant, antibacterial activity and anti-mildew. But poor fiber quality and restricted color choices are two key issues that have limited the cultivation of naturally colored cotton. To identify the possible pathways participating in fiber pigmentation in naturally colored cottons, three differently colored cottons (with green, brown and white colored fiber) were chosen for a comprehensive analysis of phenylpropanoid metabolism during fiber development.ResultsThe expression levels of flavonoid biosynthesis pathway genes in brown cotton fibers were significantly higher than in white and green cotton fibers. Total flavonoids and proanthocyanidin (PA) were high in brown cotton fibers but low in white and green cotton fibers, which suggested that flavonoid biosynthesis pathway might not participate in the pigmentation of green cotton fibers. Further expression analysis indicated that genes encoding enzymes for the synthesis of caffeic acid derivatives, lignin and lignan were activated in 10 DPA (days post-anthesis) and 15 DPA fibers of green cottons. ConclusionsOur results strengthen the understanding of phenylpropanoid metabolism and pigmentation in different colored cottons, and may provide strategies for improving the breeding of green and brown cottons.