Expression data from developing pericarp in Sorghum bicolor

A transcriptomic analysis was conduced on developing pericarp tissue of black sorghum genotype (RTx3362) and the red genotype (BTx378) exposed to various light regimes to expound on the tissue specific biosynthesis of 3-deoxyanthocyanidins. Our analysis revealed a network of key genes involved in oxidative stress and defense responses indicative of pattern-triggered immunity unique to the black sorghum pericarp tissue upon extended exposure to UVB light. These findings support speculation that these rare phytoalexins accumulate as an adaptive mechanism to protect developing grain from oxidative damage.