WGCNA and protein interaction network joint analysis revealed the key genes involved in the anthocyanin biosynthesis in Prunus mume 'Mei ren' leaves

Anthocyanins, natural pigment found in plants, play a crucial role in coloring the leavesof the rare variety Prunus mume 'Mei ren' with colorful leaves. However, themechanism of molecular changes in anthocyanins in leaves is still unclear. Thisresearch elucidated that the key gene regulatory period leading to significant changesin leaf color of is from S3 to S4 stage by analyzing the pigment content andtranscriptome of five developmental stages of P. mume 'Mei ren' leaves. A total of16243 DEGs were obtained by transcriptome analysis, and seven structural genes thatinfluence anthocyanin levels were identified through an examination of leaf phenotypeand changes in gene expression.