Abstract
Multiple copies of flavonoid biosynthetic genes with different patterns of expression of tissue or cells and induction following environmental stimuli were identified in Legume. We try to analyze regulatory networks controling flavonoid biosynthesis in Legume. Sequence homology searches in Lotus japonicus genome were performed to gain the information about transcription factors involved in flavonoid biosynthesis. Three genes encoding MYB-like proteins that have high similarity to TT2, the R2R3-MYB transcription factor regulating proanthocyanidin biosynthesis were found. RT-PCR revealed that three MYB-like genes, designed LjMYB-1, 2, 3 display diverse patterns of expression. Transient expression experiments using BANYULS (BAN) promoter-reporter gene construct were conducted in planta. BAN promoter was activated by heterologously expressed LjMYB-1 and LjMYB-3, suggesting that LjMYB-1, -3 may function as TT2 orthologue. Further analysis on the transcriptional complexes including LjMYB proteins is in progress.
