Genome-Wide Analysis of the Glutathione S-Transferase (GST) Genes and Functional Identification of Reveals the Involvement in the Regulation of Anthocyanin Accumulation in Apple.

Anthocyanins have essential biological functions, affecting the development of horticultural production. They are synthesized in the cytoplasm through flavonoid metabolic pathways and finally transported into vacuoles for storage. Plant glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) are multifunctional enzymes involved in anthocyanin transportation. In this study, we identified 38 GSTs from the apple () genome (HFTH1 Whole Genome v1.0) based on the sequence similarity with the GST family proteins of . These genes could be grouped into nine chief subclasses: U, F, L, Z, T, GHR, EF1Bγ, TCHQD, and DHAR. The structures, motifs, three-dimensional models, and chromosomal distribution of genes were further analyzed. Elements which are responsive for some hormones and stress, and others that involve genes related to flavonoid biosynthesis were forecast in the promoter of . In addition, we identified 32 orthologous gene pairs between apple and . These genes indicated that numerous apple and counterparts appeared to be derived from a common ancestor. Amongst the 38 genes, was considerably correlated with anthocyanin variation in terms of extracting expression profiles from reported. Finally, further functional identification in apple transgenic calli and subcellular localization confirmed that was of great significance in anthocyanin accumulation in apple.