Cloning and Characterization of IbHQT1: A BAHD Acyltransferase Gene That Positively Regulates Chlorogenic Acid Biosynthesis in Sweet Potato

BACKGROUND: ) have been predicted. However, the functions of these genes have not been verified. METHODS: was isolated from the sweet potato cultivar 'Nanshu-88' and functionally characterized using transgenic technology. RESULTS: -RNAi lines, CGA contents in mature leaves and storage roots decreased by 16-38% and 18-40%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: positively regulates CGA biosynthesis in sweet potato plants.