Cloning and Molecular Characterization of CfMYBs Associated with the Regulation of Methyl Jasmonate Biosynthesis in Cymbidium faberi

Abstract

Cymbidium is one of the largest orchid genera and it is famous for its ornamental, cultural, and economic value. Many Cymbidium species have an elegant flower fragrance, including C. faberi, C. goeringii, C. ensifolium, C. kanran, C. sinense, and so on. Although the components of the flower fragrance have been identified in many orchids, the molecular mechanism of their formation and regulation has not been explored. As one of the main components of flower fragrance, methyl jasmonate (MeJA) has been selected and the biosynthesis pathway was elucidated in some Cymbidium orchids. In order to modify the traits of flower fragrance in Cymbidium orchids, the underlying regulatory mechanisms need to be identified. In this study, four MYB transcription factors screened from RNA-seq results of C. faberi were successfully cloned and molecularly characterized. The activation of these CfMYBs with CfAOC and CfJMT promoters suggested that they may participate in the regulation of MeJA formation in C. faberi. This result could provide molecular support for the genetic modification and breeding of new C. faberi cultivars.