Functional Characterization of SmbHLH13 in Anthocyanin Biosynthesis and Flowering in Eggplant

Anthocyanin is abundant in a few vegetables, including eggplant. It protects plants from abiotic stress and benefits human health, making the research of anthocyanin biosynthesis increasingly important. Flowering time is an important reference for judging reproduction and adaptability, which can guide plant production. In this study, SmbHLH13 from eggplant was identified. Yeast one-hybrid and dual-luciferase assays showed that SmbHLH13 binded and activated the expression of structural genes SmCHS and SmF3H in anthocyanin biosynthesis and it also was bound to the promoter of the key gene SmFT in flowering. Furthermore, genetic transformation of Arabidopsis revealed that overexpression of SmbHLH13 enhanced anthocyanin accumulation and delayed flowering. These results demonstrated that SmbHLH13 might promote anthocyanin accumulation through positive regulation of SmCHS and SmF3H. Moreover, SmbHLH13 might have a role in delaying eggplant flowering.