Genome-wide association study provides insights to fatty acid synthesis and metabolism in Malus fruits
Lijuan Jiang, Dali Geng, Fang Zhi, Zhongxing Li, Yusen Yang, Yunlong Wang, Xiaoxia Shen, Xiuyun Liu, Yanqing Yang, Yange Xu, Yanlong Tang, Rui Du, Fengwang Ma, Qingmei Guan and Jing Zhang
Journal of Experimental Botany
https://doi.org/10.1093/jxb/erac372
Abstract
As a precursor of aromatic compounds, fatty acids play important roles in apple fruit quality. However, the genetic and molecular basis underlying fatty acid synthesis and metabolism is largely unknown. In this study, we conducted a Genome-Wide Association Study (GWAS) of seven fatty acids using genomic data of 149 Malus accessions. GWAS analysis excavated 232 significant signals (-log10(p)>5) associated with 99 genes from GWAS of four fatty acids in two years. Among these, a significant GWAS signal associated with linoleic acid was identified in transcriptional regulator SUPERMAN-like (SUP) MD13G1209600 at Chr.13 (MdSUP). Transient overexpression of MdSUP increases the content of linoleic and linolenic acids. Our study provides genetic and molecular information for improving apple flavor and nutritional value.