The Light-Regulated Transcription Factor Promotes Flavonoids in .

Dunn is rich in flavonoids, which were previously demonstrated to respond to changing light conditions. In this study, through weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), genes were screened as the potential regulator for these light-intensity-induced changes. One gene, , was chosen for in-depth research. Analysis showed that was an R2R3-type MYB transcription factor, regulated by light, and involved in controlling the light responses of . was then transiently overexpressed in flowers and stably overexpressed in Domin. overexpression promoted flavonoids (especially catechins) accumulation, and affected expressions of all the flavonoid biosynthetic pathway genes. In transient overexpression, was the only significantly decreased gene, while other 17 genes were significantly increased. In stable overexpression, nearly all genes were upregulated or at least unchanged. overexpression also might function in inhibiting anthocyanin and lignin biosynthesis. This study deepens our understanding of gene functions in regulating and enhancing flavonoids, and would be beneficial for designing high-valued in future.