Transcriptomic analyses reveal the potential regulators of the storage root skin color in sweet potato

Comparative analysis revealed that differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the root skin were predominantly enriched in flavonoid and anthocyanin biosynthesis pathways. Key structural genes, including chalcone synthase (<i>CHS</i>), chalcone-favanone isomerase (<i>CHI</i>), favanone 3-hydroxylase (<i>F3H</i>) and dihydroflavonol 4-reductase (<i>DFR</i>), exhibited higher expression levels in the root skin of M1-125. Notably, a subset of myeloblastosis (MYB) transcription factors showed significant expression changes between two genotypes. Based on the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network, phylogenetic analysis and expression pattern, <i>IbMYB75</i>, <i>IbMYB3</i>, <i>IbMYB6</i> and <i>IbMYB4</i> were thought to be the cooperative regulators of root skin color. These findings provide valuable insights and foundation for further elucidating the molecular mechanisms governing skin color of sweet potato storage root.