Background

Proanthocyanidins (PAs), also known as condensed tannins, are involved in stress reduction in plants. PAs have many potential positive health benefits in humans and are often used as a dietary supplement. They are a good source of antioxidants and also have been suggested to have anti-carcinogenic properties. The increasing presence of PAs could enhance the flavor and health benefits of high-value consumer products such as wine, cocoa, and blueberries. Additionally, studies have suggested that increased PAs in cotton can affect fiber color. Cottonseed is a major food supplement for livestock and increased PAs have been shown to prevent digestive problems in these animals as well ().

Technology Overview

MYB transcription factors activate promoters of genes for enzymes in the PA biosynthesis pathway, including LAR. AtTT2 (transparent testa 2) is a MYB family transcription factor from Arabidopsis that initiates the biosynthesis of PAs by inducing the expression of multiple genes in the pathway. The genes for MYB family transcription factors may be targeted and affected in order to regulate the PA biosynthesis pathway in cotton plants, soybean plants, alfalfa plants, and other plants. The two R2R3-type MYB transcription factors from G. hirsutum were isolated that are homologous to AtTT2. Expression analysis showed both genes were expressed at different levels in various cotton tissues, including leaf, seed coat and fiber. Protoplast transactivation assays revealed that these two GhMYBs were able to activate promoters of genes encoding enzymes in the PA biosynthesis pathway, including anthocyanidin reductase (ANR) and leucoanthocyanidin reductase (LAR). Complementation experiments showed that both of the GhMYBs were able to recover the transparent testa seed coat phenotype of the Arabidopsis tt2 mutant by restoring PA biosynthesis.

Stage of Development

Laboratory Prototype

Benefits

Biosynthetic Pathways
Anti-oxidative
Neuroprotective
Astringency
Polymerization.
Conditional Solubility
Astringency Control
Nutritional & Therapeutic Benefits
Anti-Oxidants
Regulation of extractable PAs

Applications

Genetic Tools
Molecular Marker

Methods for Regulating Extractable Proanthocyanidins (PAS) in Plants by Modifying a Transcription Factor – TT2-type MYB

Patents

IP Status

Seeking