Chalcone isomerase in grape vine: Gene expression and localization in the developing fruit

Abstract

Chalcone isomerase (CHI, EC 5. 5. 1. 6) is an entrance enzyme in the flavonoid biosynthesis, which catalyzes the conversion of chalcones to flavanones. In this study, the full-length CHI cDNA from grape vine (Vitis vinifera L.) was cloned, the recombinant protein was purified and the polyclonal antibody was prepared. Using these tools, the expression and tissue localization of CHI in developing grape berry was analyzed by RT-PCR, gel blot hybridization and immunohistochemical techniques. The expression of CHI was dependent on developmental stage, and CHI protein was mainly distributed in vascular bundles throughout all the stages of berry development, which suggested that flavonoids in the berry might have been partially synthesized in situ. © 2011 Springer Science+Business Media B.V.