Genetic architecture of morin (pentahydroxyflavone) biosynthetic pathway in mulberry (Morus notabilis): an in silico approach

BACKGROUND: Morin, (3,5,7,2′,4′-pentahydroxyflavone), is a polyphenolic compound belonging to bio-flavonoids and is predominantly isolated from the family Moraceae. Previously, studies demonstrated the health benefits of morin using human and animal models. Despite its importance as a bioactive compound, the genetic architecture of the morin biosynthetic pathway is still unclear. OBJECTIVE: To understand the genetic architecture of the morin biosynthetic pathway, the following components were analyzed: (1) cis-responsive element (CRE)-mediated regulation, (2) microRNAs (miRNA)-mediated post-transcriptional silencing, and (3) tissue-specific in silico gene expression. METHODS: To understand the genetic architecture of morin biosynthetic pathway, in silico survey was carried out using different web servers (MorusDB, MEME suite, NCBI database, PlantCARE, and psRNATarget) and collected mRNA, protein sequences, and expressed microarray data. TBtools was employed for depicting protein and promoter motifs and the heatmap preparation of tissue-specific expression of genes involved in the morin biosynthesis. RESULTS: The current data mining study highlighted the morin biosynthetic pathway associated genes, namely, phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (MnPAL), chalcone synthase A (MnCSA), chalcone-flavonone isomerase (MnCFI), and flavonoid 3′,5′-hydroxylase (MnFH) are transcriptionally regulated by different growth, development, and stress-responsive CREs. Differential expression profiles how MnPAL (L484_024373) and MnCFI (L484_011241) genes were upregulated across selected tissues. Moreover, miRNA-mediated post-transcriptional silencing was identified. CONCLUSIONS: This study will improve our understanding of morin biosynthesis, thus helping improve production via metabolic engineering.