介导蓝莓果实色泽发育调控MIR156/SPLs的鉴定及其作用机理研究

果实色泽发育是蓝莓果实品质形成的一个重要环节，然而目前关于蓝莓果实色泽发育调控机理研究还鲜有报道。MIR156及其靶标基因SPL在植物生长发育中发挥着重要的作用，然而关于MIR156/SPL调控果实色泽发育研究还少有报道，尚未见到其在果实褪绿调控方面的报道。本项目将从果实褪绿与着色的角度在蓝莓MIR156和SPL家族中鉴定介导果实色泽发育调控的MIR156/SPLs；然后利用ChIP-Seq与分子遗传等手段鉴定MIR156/SPL的靶标基因并阐释其在果实色泽发育中的功能，同时利用酵母双杂等技术鉴定与SPL互作的色泽发育调控因子并阐释二者对SPL靶标基因协同或拮抗作用机制；最后阐释调控蓝莓SPL响应果实色泽发育的上游因子，从而纵/横向揭示MIR156/SPL对蓝莓果实色泽发育的调控机理。该项目的实施将为针对蓝莓色泽及品质性状进行精准改良提供新思路，同时为在其它物种中展开相关研究提供理论参考。

Color development is a significant determinant of fruit quality in blueberry. However, the regulatory mechanisms underlying fruit color development remain largely unknown. MIR156s and their targets, SPL genes, act as regulatory module that plays important roles during plant development and growth. Nevertheless, little is known about their functions in fruit color development, particularly fruit degreening. We propose to systematically identify the MIR156/SPLs modules from the MIR156 and SPL families in blueberry, which are involved in the regulation of fruit coloration and degreening. Subsequently, we will uncover the target genes of the identified MIR156/SPL modules using ChIP-Seq and other molecular and genetic techniques, and further investigate if and how the target genes affect fruit color development. Meanwhile, using approaches combing yeast two-hybrid and other molecular and genetic techniques, the interactors of the identified SPL proteins will be identified, and their roles in regulating fruit color development will be examined. Further, we will investigate how the SPLs and their interactors control the downstream target genes. Last but not least, the upstream regulators of the SPL genes will be explored in response to the regulation of fruit color development. Thus, the outcome of the proposed work is expected to reveal the mechanisms whereby miRNA156/SPLs regulate fruit color development in blueberry. We believe that this study will not only provide novel targets for the “precise improvement” of the coloration trait and quality of blueberry fruits, but may also present a reference framework and testable models for studying fruit color development in other plant species.