Identification and expression pattern analysis of BoMYB51 involved in indolic glucosinolate biosynthesis from broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica)

Glucosinolates are a class of amino acid-derived specialized metabolites characteristic of the Brassicales order. Trp derived indolic glucosinolates are essential for the effective plant defense responses to a wide range of pathogens and herbivores. In Arabidopsis, MYB51 is the key transcription factor positively regulates indolic glucosinolate production by activating certain biosynthetic genes. In this study, we report the isolation and identification of a MYB51 from broccoli designated as BoMYB51. Overexpression of BoMYB51 in Arabidopsis increased indolic glucosinolate production by upregulating biosynthetic genes and resulted in enhanced flagellin22 (Flg22) induced callose deposition. The spatial expression pattern and responsive expression of BoMYB51 to several hormones and stress treatments were investigated by expressing the β-glucuronidase (GUS) reporter gene driven by BoMYB51 promotor in Arabidopsis and quantitative real-time PCR analysis in broccoli. Our study provides information on molecular characteristics of BoMYB51 and possible physiological process BoMYB51 may involve. •Overexpression of BoMYB51 in Arabidopsis increases indolic glucosinolate production by upregulating biosynthetic genes.•Overexpression of BoMYB51 in Arabidopsis results in enhanced flagellin22 (Flg22) induced callose deposition.•BoMYB51 is upregulated by SA, JA, ABA and ET. GA represses BoMYB51 expression in true leaves, but not in cotyledons.•BoMYB51 is induced by both biotic and abiotic stresses.