LAUSR

Jasmonates (JAs) play an important role in plant developmental processes and regulate the biosynthesis of various specialized metabolites and transcription factors are crucial in mediating jasmonate signaling to regulate these processes. Capsaicinoids (Caps) are intriguing specialized metabolites produced uniquely by Capsicum species that give their fruits a pungent flavor to defend against herbivory and pathogens. In this study, we identify a R2R3-MYB transcription factor CaMYB108 and demonstrate its roles in regulating the biosynthesis of Caps and stamen development. Transcriptional analysis indicated that CaMYB108 was preferentially expressed in the flower and fruit, while the subcellular localization of CaMYB108 was shown to be the nucleus. Virus-inducing gene silencing (VIGS) of CaMYB108 led to the expression of capsaicinoid-biosynthetic genes (CBGs) and the contents of Caps dramatically reduce. Moreover, the CaMYB108-silenced plants showed delayed anther dehiscence and reduced pollen viability. Transient overexpression of CaMYB108 caused the expression of CBGs to be upregulated, and the Caps content significantly increased. The results of dual-luciferase reporter assays showed that CaMYB108 targeted CBG promoters. In addition, the expression of CaMYB108 and CBGs was inducible by methyl jasmonate (MeJA), and was consistent with the increased content of Caps. Overall, our results indicate CaMYB108 is involved in the regulation of Caps biosynthesis and stamen development. Moreover, the results provide a new perspective on the function of CaMYB108 and the convergent and divergent functional evolution of MYB108 among different species.