The bZIP transcription factor MpbZIP9 regulates anthocyanin biosynthesis in Malus ‘Pinkspire’ fruit

Malus ‘Pinkspire’ is regulated by abscisic acid (ABA), which results in a red colour, but the regulatory relationship between ABA and anthocyanin synthesis has not been determined. The key factors affecting the colour change of M. ‘Pinkspire’ peel were investigated during the periods of significant colour changes during fruit ripening. The results showed that the transcription factor MpbZIP9 associated with ABA was screened by transcriptomic analysis. MpbZIP9 gene expression was consistent with the trend of structural gene expression for anthocyanin synthesis in the peel during fruit ripening, as well as with changes in the content of ABA, which is a positive regulator. A yeast one-hybrid assay showed that MpbZIP9 can directly bind to the promoter of MpF3’H. Dual luciferase reporter gene assays and GUS staining experiments showed that MpbZIP9 significantly activated MpF3’H expression. In addition, overexpression of the MpbZIP9 gene significantly enhanced anthocyanin accumulation and the expression of genes involved in anthocyanin synthesis. In contrast, virus-induced silencing of the MpbZIP9 gene significantly reduced the expression of structural genes involved in anthocyanin synthesis. These results suggest that the MpbZIP9 gene can regulate the synthesis of peel anthocyanin and is a positive regulator that promotes anthocyanin biosynthesis by activating MpF3’H expression.