Researchers at Beijing Agricultural College have uncovered a new mechanism regulating anthocyanin production in apple fruit. 

 

They found the transcription factor MdWER interacts with proteins MdERF109 and MdJAZ2 to control anthocyanin biosynthesis. Experiments showed MdWER is induced by methyl jasmonate (MeJA) and works together with MdERF109 to activate key biosynthetic genes, increasing anthocyanin levels. MdJAZ2 normally inhibits MdWER function, but MeJA triggers its degradation, allowing MdWER and MdERF109 to promote anthocyanin accumulation. Light further induces the system by upregulating MdERF109.

 

This study elucidates how light and MeJA signals coordinate to regulate anthocyanins during apple ripening through the MdJAZ2-MdWER-MdERF109 module. It provides new insights into the molecular mechanisms controlling fruit color development.