Evolutionary Rewiring of Anthocyanin Biosynthesis in Grasses (Poaceae)
Jones, Aidan
Jones, Aidan
Citations
Altmetric:
License
License
Abstract
While anthocyanins are widespread plant pigments involved in stress responses and pigmentation and are produced by a highly conserved biosynthetic pathway across major plant lineages, grasses (Poaceae) exhibit an unconventional evolutionary history of key regulatory and structural genes. Using comparative genomics, phylogenetic reconstruction, and gene co-expression analyses across multiple species, we identify independently evolved regulatory and transport components, including a Poaceae-specific anthocyanin-activating MYB and a distinct glutathione S-transferase lineage. Additionally, we report the loss of anthocyanin production in Brachypodium. Together, these findings indicate repeated loss and regain of anthocyanin biosynthesis in Poaceae, revealing an unexpected and complex evolutionary history.
Description
Date
1/1/2026
Student Status
Senior (Graduating in 2026)
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Type of presentation
Oral Presentation
Collections
Research Projects
Organizational Units
Journal Issue
Citation
DOI
Advisor(s)
Department
Program/Major
Molecular Genetics
College/School
College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
Organization
Research Category
Life Science 1