Sweet Potato Gene Clusters Control Anthocyanin Biosynthesis and Leaf Morphology.
An D, Shen T, Wu S, Li Y, Fan W
Crispr
Understanding exactly which genes control color and shape in sweet potato could help breeders develop new varieties with deeper nutritional pigments, more attractive leaves, or better-adapted growth habits — benefiting both home gardeners and farmers.
Researchers figured out which genes make sweet potato leaves turn purple or red, and why the roots and leaves can have different colors even in the same plant. They found that groups of genes work as teams — one team controls leaf color, a completely separate team controls root color. They also pinpointed the genes responsible for whether leaves are smooth-edged or deeply lobed, and even confirmed one gene's role by switching it off using a molecular editing tool.
Key Findings
Two clusters of MYB genes on chromosome 5 act as the master switches for purple/red coloring in sweet potato leaves, with IbMYB2 and IbMYB3 reinforcing each other's activity.
Root pigmentation is controlled by an entirely separate set of genes (including IbAOMT, Ib3GGT, and IbLDOX) in a different chromosomal region, explaining why leaf and root colors can vary independently.
A locus on chromosome 7 controls leaf shape, and CRISPR knockout of one gene (g26165) directly reduced leaf lobing, confirming its causal role across 260 diverse accessions analyzed with 4.6 million genetic markers.
chevron_right Technical Summary
Scientists identified the specific genes that control purple and red leaf coloring and leaf shape in sweet potato, revealing that these traits are governed by clusters of genes working together in different plant organs.
Abstract Preview
Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) exhibits diversity in pigmentation and leaf morphology, yet the genetic architecture and regulatory organisation underlying these traits remain poorly resolved, parti...
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