Genetic regulation of anthocyanin biosynthesis in rose petals: Insights for functional food applications

Rose flowers are abundant in bioactive compounds and increasingly recognized for their use in functional foods. Among these, anthocyanins in rose petals serve as both natural colorants and bioactive agents. However, the genetic basis and regulatory mechanisms underlying anthocyanin biosynthesis in roses are not yet fully elucidated, posing challenges for targeted breeding of high-anthocyanin varieties. In this study, genome-wide association studies (GWAS) were employed to identify major QTLs linked to key anthocyanin components in rose petals. Candidate transcription factors were screened using qRT-PCR, leading to the identification of two key regulatory genes, RcHY5 and RcMYB44 , with opposing roles in anthocyanin biosynthesis. Overexpression of RcHY5 markedly enhanced anthocyanin accumulation in rose petals, whereas RcMYB44 overexpression inhibited the accumulation of cyanidin- and pelargonidin-based anthocyanins. These findings provide valuable insights into the genetic basis and regulatory mechanisms of the anthocyanin biosynthesis, offering potential strategies for breeding rose varieties with high anthocyanin content. • Genome-wide association study (GWAS) identified QTLs linked to rose anthocyanins. • RcHY5 enhances anthocyanin accumulation in rose petals. • RcMYB44 suppresses anthocyanin biosynthesis and reduces pigment levels. • Functional insights offer strategies for high-anthocyanin rose breeding. • Study advances the development of rose-based natural colorants for functional foods.