MdBBX21, a B-Box Protein, Positively Regulates Light-Induced Anthocyanin Accumulation in Apple Peel.

The red coloration of apple ( × Borkh.) is due to the accumulation of anthocyanins in the fruit peel. Light is essential for anthocyanin biosynthesis in apple. In this study, we performed a transcriptome sequencing (RNA-seq) analysis of apple fruit exposed to light after unbagging. The identified differentially expressed genes included , which is homologous to Arabidopsis , suggesting it may be involved in light-induced anthocyanin biosynthesis. Additionally, MdBBX21 was localized in the nucleus and its gene was expressed earlier than in apple peel treated with light. Overexpressing in Arabidopsis and apple calli under light increased anthocyanin accumulation. Dual-luciferase and yeast one-hybrid assays confirmed that MdBBX21 binds to the , , and -/ promoters and induces expression. At the same time, MdHY5 can also activate the expression of . Furthermore, bimolecular fluorescence complementation and yeast two-hybrid assays demonstrated that MdBBX21 can interact with MdHY5. This interaction can significantly enhance promoter activity. These findings clarify the molecular mechanism by which MdBBX21 positively regulates light-induced anthocyanin accumulation in apple.