Supplementing conjugated linoleic acid in breeder hens diet increased conjugated linoleic acid incorporation in liver and alters hepatic lipid metabolism in chick offspring.

This experiment was designed to investigate the effect of supplementing conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) in breeder hens diet on development and hepatic lipid metabolism of chick offspring. Hy-Line Brown breeder hens were allocated into two groups, supplemented with 0 (control (CT)) or 0·5 % CLA for 8 weeks. Offspring chicks were grouped according to the mother generation and fed for 7 d. CLA treatment had no significant influence on development, egg quality and fertility of breeder hens but darkened the egg yolks in shade and increased yolk sac mass compared with the CT group. Addition of CLA resulted in increased body mass and liver mass and decreased deposition of subcutaneous adipose tissue in chick offspring. The serum TAG and total cholesterol levels of chick offspring were decreased in CLA group. CLA treatment increased the incorporation of both CLA isomers (c9t11 and t10c12) in the liver of chick offspring, accompanied by the decreased hepatic TAG levels, related to the significant reduction of fatty acid synthase (FAS) and acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) enzyme activities and the increased carnitine palmitoyltransferase-1 (CPT1) enzyme activity. Meanwhile, CLA treatment reduced the mRNA expression of genes related to fatty acid biosynthesis (FAS, ACC and sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1c) and induced the expression of genes related to ß-oxidative (CPT1, AMP-activated protein kinase and PPARα) in chick offspring liver. In summary, the addition of CLA in breeder hens diet significantly increased the incorporation of CLA in the liver of chick offspring, which further regulate hepatic lipid metabolism.

Deficiency of TPPP2, a factor linked to oligoasthenozoospermia, causes subfertility in male mice.

Oligoasthenozoospermia is a major cause of male infertility; however, its etiology and pathogenesis are unclear and may be associated with specific gene abnormalities. This study focused on Tppp2 (tubulin polymerization promoting protein family member 2), whose encoded protein localizes in elongating spermatids at stages IV-VIII of the seminiferous epithelial cycle in testis and in mature sperm in the epididymis. In human and mouse sperm, in vitro inhibition of TPPP2 caused significantly decreased motility and ATP content. Studies on Tppp2 knockout (KO) mice demonstrated that deletion of TPPP2 resulted in male subfertility with a significantly decreased sperm count and motility. In Tppp2-/- mice, increased irregular mitochondria lacking lamellar cristae, abnormal expression of electron transfer chain molecules, lower ATP levels, decreased mitochondrial membrane potential and increased apoptotic index were observed in sperm, which could be the potential causes for its oligoasthenozoospermia phenotype. Moreover, we identified a potential TPPP2-interactive protein, eEf1b (eukaryotic translation elongation factor 1 beta), which plays an important role in protein translation extension. Thus, TPPP2 is probably a potential pathogenic factor in oligoasthenozoospermia. Deficiency of TPPP2 might affect the translation of specific proteins, altering the structure and function of sperm mitochondria, and resulting in decreased sperm count, motility and fertility.

Hydrothermal synthesis of Bi2WO6 with a new tungsten source and enhanced photocatalytic activity of Bi2WO6 hybridized with C3N4.

Bi2WO6 nanosheets were synthesized by a hydrothermal method with H2WO4 for the first time. The band structure of Bi2WO6 was investigated on the basis of density functional theory calculations. Bi2WO6 photocatalysts showed photocatalytic activity for the degradation of methylene blue under visible light irradiation. Kinetic studies using radical scavenger technologies suggested that holes were the dominant photo-oxidants. After hybridization with C3N4, the photocatalytic activity of Bi2WO6 was obviously enhanced. The enhanced photocatalytic activity of the C3N4/Bi2WO6 photocatalysts could be attributed to the effective separation of photogenerated e-/h+ pairs. The photogenerated holes on the valence band of Bi2WO6 can transfer to the highest occupied molecular orbital of C3N4via the well-developed interface, causing a reduction in the probability of e-/h+ recombination; consequently, large numbers of photogenerated holes led to the enhancement of the photocatalytic activity.

Pou1f1, the key transcription factor related to somatic growth in tilapia (Orechromis niloticus), is regulated by two independent post-transcriptional regulation mechanisms.

This study aims to determine the post-transcriptional regulation mechanism of the transcription factor pou1f1 (pou class 1 homeobox 1), which is the key gene for pituitary development, somatic growth in vertebrates, and transcription of several hormone genes in teleost fish. MicroRNA miR-223-3p was identified as a bona fide target of pou1f; overexpression of miR-223-3p in primary pituitary cells led to the down-regulation of pou1f1 and downstream genes, and inhibition of miR-223-3p led to the up-regulation of pou1f1 in Nile tilapia dispersed primary pituitary cells. An adenylate-uridylate-rich element (AU-Rich element) was found in the 3'UTR of pou1f1 mRNA, and deletion of the AU-Rich element led to slower mRNA decay and therefore more protein output. A potential mutual relationship between miR-223-3p and the AU-rich element was also investigated, and the results demonstrated that with or without the AU-Rich element, miR-223-3p induced the up-regulation of a reporter system under serum starvation conditions, indicating that miR-223-3p and the AU-Rich element function independent of each other. This study is the first to investigate the post-transcriptional mechanism of pou1f1, which revealed that miR-223-3p down-regulated pou1f1 and downstream gene expressions, and the AU-Rich element led to rapid decay of pou1f1 mRNA. MicroRNA miR-223-3p and the AU-Rich element co-regulated the post-transcriptional expression of pou1f1 independently in Nile tilapia, demonstrating that pou1f1 is under the control of a dual post-transcription regulation mechanism.

Synthesis of Cyano-Containing Phenanthridine Derivatives via Catalyst-, Base-, and Oxidant-Free Direct Cyanoalkylarylation of Isocyanides.

An efficient catalyst-, base-, and oxidant-free direct cyanoalkylarylation of isocyanides with AIBN has been developed under mild conditions. This strategy provides an elusive and rapid access to a wide range of cyano-containing phenanthridine derivatives in good yields via a one-pot alkylation/cyclization radical-cascade process. The mild reaction conditions together with no need of any catalyst, base, or oxidant make this protocol environmentally benign and practical.

Long-term effects of repeated superovulation on the uterus and mammary gland in rhesus monkeys.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of repeated controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) on the structure and function of the uterus and mammary gland. METHODS: Three adult female rhesus monkeys were superovulated up to four times, and three spontaneously ovulating monkeys were used as controls. After a 5-year period, the uterus and mammary gland tissue samples were collected for examination of their structure and function. Further, the expression of certain tumor markers was examined to assess the cancer risk for each organ. RESULTS: Expression of Wnt7a (associated with the functional/developmental status of the uterus) was significantly decreased in the uterus of superovulated monkeys, and decreased expression of proliferation marker PCNA was found in uterine cells. Meanwhile, abnormal Golgi-derived secretory vesicles with an irregular shape were observed in the mammary glands of the superovulated monkeys, and decreased PCNA expression together with increased expression of caspase-3 (an apoptosis marker) was indicated in the mammary cells. The expression of tumor molecular markers of the uterus and mammary gland was not significantly different between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Repeated COH affects the expression of the uterine development-related gene several years later, and uterine cells exhibited a low proliferation status. The ultrastructure of the mammary gland epithelial cells was abnormal, and the cells exhibited both low proliferation and high apoptosis status. Cancer risk for these organs was not observed. Given that primates are the closest relatives of humans, the results obtained from this study provide more intuitive information for optimization of clinical COH.

Effects of conjugated linoleic acid on the performance of laying hens, lipid composition of egg yolk, egg flavor, and serum components.

OBJECTIVE: This experiment investigated the effects of dietary supplementation with conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) on the serum components, laying hen productivity, lipid composition of egg yolk, egg flavor and egg quality. METHODS: Healthy 28-week-old Hy-Line white laying hens (n = 480) were divided randomly into 4 groups, 6 replicates/group, 20 birds/replicate. The 30-day experimental diets included 0% (control), 0.4%, 0.8%, and 1.6% CLA. Some serum indices of the birds, and egg production, quality, fatty acid composition, egg quality were measured. RESULTS: The dietary supplementation with 0.4%, 0.8%, and 1.6% CLA did not significantly affect the laying rate and feed intake, as well as calcium ion and phosphorus ion concentration in serum (p>0.05). However, the CLA had significantly increased the strength of eggshell, decreased the odor, flavor, and taste of egg yolk, deepened the color of egg yolk, increased saturated fatty acids and polyunsaturated fatty acids, and reduced the monounsaturated fatty acids (p<0.05). On the other hand, the dietary supplementation with 1.6% CLA had significant effects on feed/gain, and improved serum hormones. Dietary supplementation with 0.4% and 0.8% CLA can significantly enhance the activity of alkaline phosphates. CONCLUSION: CLA has no effect on production performance, but does enhance the lipid content of the egg yolk and the strength of the eggshell.

Enantioselective Dearomatization of Naphthol Derivatives with Allylic Alcohols by Cooperative Iridium and Brønsted Acid Catalysis.

The combination of a transition-metal catalyst and organocatalyst was designed to achieve a highly enantioselective system for the allylic dearomatization reaction of naphthols with racemic secondary allylic alcohols. The desired ß-naphthalenones, bearing an all-carbon quaternary center, were obtained in good yields with high chemo- and enantioselectivities. The cooperative catalytic system, involving a chiral iridium complex and phosphoric acid, provided measurable improvements in yields, and chemo- and enantioselectivities relative to single-catalyst systems. Control experiments indicated that the chiral iridium complex functions as a key species in the control of the absolute configuration, thus enabling the formation of both ß-naphthalenone enantiomers by simply employing opposite enantiomeric ligands.

Chronic alpha-linolenic acid treatment alleviates age-associated neuropathology: Roles of PERK/eIF2α signaling pathway.

Aging is a principal risk factor for neurodegenerative diseases and especially shares similar pathologic mechanisms to Alzheimer's disease (AD). Amyloid-ß (Aß) plaques deposition and neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) are the prominent age-dependent pathologies implicated in the cognitive deficits. Accumulation of mis-folded proteins in the endoplasmic reticulum triggers a cellular stress response called the unfolded protein response (UPR), the activation of which is increased in AD patients. However, the UPR relates to the pathological hallmarks of aging is still elusive. In this study, we report that long-term supplement of α-linolenic acid (ALA), starting before the onset of disease symptoms (6month-old), prevents the age-related memory deficits during natural aging. The amelioration of the memory impairment is associated with a decrease in UPR related markers [glucose regulated protein 78 (GRP78), protein kinase RNA-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK), eukaryotic Initiation Factor 2α (eIF2α)]. ALA suppressed the PERK/eIF2α signaling, which may be responsible for multifaceted memory-deteriorating and neurodegenerative mechanisms, including inhibition of Aß production by suppressing ß-site APP-cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1) expression, enhancement of cAMP response element binding protein (CREB) function via down-regulating activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4), and suppression of Tau phosphorylation by inhibiting glycogen synthase kinase 3ß (GSK-3ß) pathway. Taken together, our findings provide new insights into the link between ALA and PERK/eIF2α signaling, which could contribute to a better understanding of an ALA-mediated protective effect in aging-associated neuropathology.

Orexin-A stimulates the expression of GLUT4 in a glucose dependent manner in the liver of orange-spotted grouper (Epinephelus coioides).

Orexins are hypothalamic neuropeptides involved in the central regulation of feeding behavior, sleep-wake cycle and other physiological functions. Orexin-A can regulate energy metabolism and increase glucose uptake, suggesting a role in glucose metabolism. In this study, we investigated the effects of orexin-A on GLUT4 mRNA and protein levels and the intracellular signaling mechanisms mediating orexin-A activity in the hepatocytes of grouper. Our results demonstrate that intraperitoneal injection of orexin-A increased the expression of GLUT4 in the liver, and this effect was significantly enhanced by co-injection of glucose. Treatment of primary cultured hepatocytes with either orexin-A or glucose alone had no effect on the expression of GLUT4, while co-treatment with orexin-A and glucose significantly increased the expression of GLUT4. This stimulatory effect was partially blocked by inhibitors to ERK1/2, JNK or p38 MAPK and was further blocked by an orexin receptor antagonist, which indicates that orexin-A could stimulate the expression of GLUT4 in a glucose dependent manner in primary hepatocytes via ERK1/2, JNK and p38 signaling. Our results suggest that orexin-A could play a pivotal role in stimulating glucose utilization in grouper, for a long-term goal, which might be useful in reducing costs in the aquaculture industry.

Roles of ROS mediated oxidative stress and DNA damage in 3-methyl-2-quinoxalin benzenevinylketo-1, 4-dioxide-induced immunotoxicity of Sprague-Dawley rats.

3-methyl-2-quinoxalin benzenevinylketo-1, 4-dioxide (Quinocetone, QCT) has been broadly used to treat dysentery and promote animal growth in food producing animals. However, its potential toxicity could not been neglected as parts of safety assessment according to the acceptable guidelines for QCT administration. In this study, the immunotoxicity of QCT was investigated in male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats following a 28-day oral exposure at doses of 0, 50, 800, and 2400 mg/kg/day. The food consumption, body weight gain and relative spleen weight were significantly decreased by QCT in a dose-dependent manner. Treatment of rats with QCT also notably suppressed the T-cell proliferation and natural killer (NK) cell activity, accompanied by intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation, antioxidant system inhibition and DNA damage enhancement. Thus, the primary finding of this study is that QCT exposure (2400 mg/kg/day) could cause immunotoxicity in SD rats due to ROS mediated oxidative stress and DNA damage.

[Brief introduction of research methods of commodity specification and grade of Chinese medicinal materials].

The commodity specification and grade of Chinese medicinal materials is a measure of the quality of traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs), which directly impacts on the safety and effectiveness of clinical medicines. It is an urgent problem to establish a set of standards which can both interpret the scientific connotation of the commodity specification and grade of Chinese medicinal materials and play a significant role on clinical medicines as well as markets. This paper reviews the research methods of the commodity specification and grade of Chinese medicinal materials such as sensory evaluation, chemical assessment, biological evaluation, and cited the applications of various methods for the classification of TCMs. It provides technical support for establishing standards of the commodity specification and grade of Chinese medicinal materials, and also constructs scientific basis for clinical rational drug use.

[Effects of bisphenol-A on blastocyst development and implantation].

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effects of bisphenol-A (BPA) on blastocyst development and implantation. METHODS: According to completely randomized grouping method, 90 pregnant mice were divided into 100, 300, and 600 mg/(kg·d)BPA groups and control group. BPA-treated pregnant mice were orally administered with BPA at concentrations of 100, 300 and 600 mg/(kg·d) from day 0.5 to day 3.5 of their pregnancy. Blastocyst implantation and development were studied. RESULTS: In the 300 mg/(kg·d) BPA group, the number of implantation sites and implantation rate were significantly decreased. In the 600 mg/(kg·d) group, no implantation sites were observed among pregnant mice and BPA inhibited embryo implantation. Blastocyst development on day 4 was examined, and findings showed that the development rate and total numbers of blastocysts in BPA treatment groups had no significant difference from the control group. However, BPA at 300 and 600 mg/(kg·d) significantly reduced blastocyst hatching rate and dramatically increased the number of blastocyst apoptotic cells when compared with those in the control group. CONCLUSION: BPA at a high concentration damages the blastocyst development before implantation and inhibits embryo implantation.

[Effects of bisphenol A on the female reproductive organs and their mechanisms].

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a commonly used phenolic environmental estrogen. Long-term exposure of female mammalians to BPA can lead to endocrine disorders, followed by the morphological and functional changes in ovary, uterus, vagina, and oviducts. The interactions of BPA with various target molecules or tissues will cause different effects. To further elucidate the effects of BPA on female reproductive system, we review the changes in the structure and functions of female reproduction system after BPA exposure and their possible mechanisms.

The brain-specific upregulation of CARD11 in response to avian brain-neurotropic virus infection serves as a potential biomarker.

Avian neurotropic viruses are critical problems in poultry industry causing severe central nervous system (CNS) damage with neuroinvasive and neurovirulence properties. Biomarker of neurotropic viral intracranial invasion is of great application value for the diagnosis, but that of avian neurotropic viruses remains elusive. Previously, we found that chicken caspase recruitment domain family, member 11 (CARD11) was only upregulated in virulent Newcastle disease virus-infected chickens and in chicken primary neuronal cells. In this study, CARD11 was systemically expressed in chickens and pigeons detected by absolute qPCR and immunohistochemical (IHC) assay. After virus challenging, only avian neurotropic viruses (avian encephalomyelitis virus [AEV] and pigeon paramyxovirus type 1 [PPMV-1]) except Marek's disease virus (MDV) can invade brain and cause pathological changes. The relative mRNA expression of CARD11 was brain-upregulated in AEV- or PPMV-1-infected animals, rather than MDV and non-neurotropic viruses (fowl adenovirus serotype 4 [FAdV-4] and infectious bronchitis virus [IBV]). Similarly, the protein expression of CARD11 was only upregulated in the cerebra and cerebella infected by avian brain-neurotropic virus using IHC assay. And there were no correlations between the change level of CARD11 and viral load. Our preliminary data suggested that avian CARD11 may be a potential brain biomarker for avian brain-neurotropic virus invasion.

Transcriptome Analysis Reveals Fruit Quality Formation in Actinidia eriantha Benth.

Actinidia chinensis Planch. is a fruit tree originating from China that is abundant in the wild. Actinidia eriantha Benth. is a type of A. chinensis that has emerged in recent years. The shape of A. eriantha is an elongated oval, and the skin is covered with dense, non-shedding milk-white hairs. The mature fruit has flesh that is bright green in colour, and the fruit has a strong flavour and a grass-like smell. It is appreciated for its rich nutrient content and unique flavour. Vitamin C, sugar, and organic acids are key factors in the quality and flavour composition of A. eriantha but have not yet been systematically analysed. Therefore, we sequenced the transcriptome of A. eriantha at three developmental stages and labelled them S1, S2, and S3, and comparisons of S1 vs. S2, S1 vs. S3, and S2 vs. S3 revealed 1218, 4019, and 3759 upregulated differentially expressed genes and 1823, 3415, and 2226 downregulated differentially expressed genes, respectively. Furthermore, the upregulated differentially expressed genes included 213 core genes, and Gene Ontology enrichment analysis showed that they were enriched in hormones, sugars, organic acids, and many organic metabolic pathways. The downregulated differentially expressed genes included 207 core genes, which were enriched in the light signalling pathway. We further constructed the metabolic pathways of sugars, organic acids, and vitamin C in A. eriantha and identified the genes involved in vitamin C, sugar, and organic acid synthesis in A. eriantha fruits at different stages. During fruit development, the vitamin C content decreased, the carbohydrate compound content increased, and the organic acid content decreased. The gene expression patterns were closely related to the accumulation patterns of vitamin C, sugars, and organic acids in A. eriantha. The above results lay the foundation for the accumulation of vitamin C, sugars, and organic acids in A. eriantha and for understanding flavour formation in A. eriantha.

Palmitoylated Sept8-204 modulates learning and anxiety by regulating filopodia arborization and actin dynamics.

Septin proteins are involved in diverse physiological functions, including the formation of specialized cytoskeletal structures. Septin 8 (Sept8) is implicated in spine morphogenesis and dendritic branching through palmitoylation. We explored the role and regulation of a Sept8 variant in human neural-like cells and in the mouse brain. We identified Sept8-204 as a brain-specific variant of Sept8 that was abundant in neurons and modified by palmitoylation, specifically at Cys469, Cys470, and Cys472. Sept8-204 palmitoylation was mediated by the palmitoyltransferase ZDHHC7 and was removed by the depalmitoylase PPT1. Palmitoylation of Sept8-204 bound to F-actin and induced cytoskeletal dynamics to promote the outgrowth of filopodia in N2a cells and the arborization of neurites in hippocampal neurons. In contrast, a Sept8-204 variant that could not be palmitoylated because of mutation of all three Cys residues (Sept8-204-3CA) lost its ability to bind F-actin, and expression of this mutant did not promote morphological changes. Genetic deletion of Sept8, Sept8-204, or Zdhhc7 caused deficits in learning and memory and promoted anxiety-like behaviors in mice. Our findings provide greater insight into the regulation of Sept8-204 by palmitoylation and its role in neuronal morphology and function in relation to cognition.

Effects of in ovo feeding of t10,c12-conjugated linoleic acid on hepatic lipid metabolism and subcutaneous adipose tissue deposition in newly hatched broiler chicks.

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether in ovo feeding of t10,c12-conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) could regulate hepatic lipid metabolism and decrease lipid accumulation in newly hatched chicks. Three hundred and sixty fertilely specific pathogen-free hatching eggs were selected and randomly divided into 6 groups. On embryonic day 11 of incubation (E11), 0, 1.5, 3.0, 4.5, 6.0, or 7.5 mg t10,c12-CLA were injected into the eggs. The results indicated that in ovo feeding of t10,c12-CLA significantly decreased the subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) mass and the relative SAT weight of newly hatched chicks in linear and quadratic manners (P < 0.05). In liver, the levels of triglycerides were reduced linearly and quadratically and total cholesterol were reduced quadratically as the dose of t10,c12-CLA increased (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, the hepatic carnitine palmitoyltransferase-1a (CPT1a) content and polyunsaturated fatty acid proportion were increased quadratically in t10,c12-CLA groups (P < 0.05), accompanied by the decrease of malondialdehyde level and the increase of glutathione peroxidase and total antioxidant capacity activities (P < 0.05). In addition, in ovo feeding of t10,c12-CLA decreased the mRNA expression levels of fatty acid synthase, acetyl-CoA carboxylase 1 in linear and quadratic manners (P < 0.05), and decreased the mRNA expression of adipose triacylglyceride lipase and stearoyl-CoA desaturase significantly in liver (P < 0.05), accompanied by upregulating the mRNA expression of CPT1a quadratically and AMP-activated protein kinase α linearly and quadratically (P < 0.05). In SAT, the mRNA expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) and sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1c were decreased linearly and quadratically (P < 0.05), and the expression of PPARα and CPT1a genes were increased linearly and quadratically as the dose of t10,c12-CLA increased (P < 0.05). In conclusion, our findings demonstrate that in ovo feeding of t10,c12-CLA alleviates lipid accumulation in newly hatched chicks by suppressing fatty acid synthesis and stimulating lipolysis in the liver and inhibiting adipocyte differentiation in subcutaneous adipose tissue.

Crosstalk of Synapsin1 palmitoylation and phosphorylation controls the dynamicity of synaptic vesicles in neurons.

The dynamics of synaptic vesicles (SVs) within presynaptic domains are tightly controlled by synapsin1 phosphorylation; however, the mechanism underlying the anchoring of synapsin1 with F-actin or SVs is not yet fully understood. Here, we found that Syn1 is modified with protein palmitoylation, and examining the roles of Syn1 palmitoylation in neurons led us to uncover that Syn1 palmitoylation is negatively regulated by its phosphorylation; together, they manipulate the clustering and redistribution of SVs. Using the combined approaches of electron microscopy and genetics, we revealed that Syn1 palmitoylation is vital for its binding with F-actin but not SVs. Inhibition of Syn1 palmitoylation causes defects in SVs clustering and a reduced number of total SVs in vivo. We propose a model in which SVs redistribution is triggered by upregulated Syn1 phosphorylation and downregulated Syn1 palmitoylation, and they reversibly promote SVs clustering. The crosstalk of Syn1 palmitoylation and phosphorylation thereby bidirectionally manipulates SVs dynamics in neurons.

The Light-Induced WD40-Repeat Transcription Factor DcTTG1 Regulates Anthocyanin Biosynthesis in Dendrobium candidum.

Dendrobium candidum is used as a traditional Chinese medicine and as a raw material in functional foods. D. candidum stems are green or red, and red stems are richer in anthocyanins. Light is an important environmental factor that induces anthocyanin accumulation in D. candidum. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms have not been fully unraveled. In this study, we exposed D. candidum seedlings to two different light intensities and found that strong light increased the anthocyanin content and the expression of genes involved in anthocyanin biosynthesis. Through transcriptome profiling and expression analysis, we identified a WD40-repeat transcription factor, DcTTG1, whose expression is induced by light. Yeast one-hybrid assays showed that DcTTG1 binds to the promoters of DcCHS2, DcCHI, DcF3H, and DcF3'H, and a transient GUS activity assay indicated that DcTTG1 can induce their expression. In addition, DcTTG1 complemented the anthocyanin deficiency phenotype of the Arabidopsis thaliana ttg1-13 mutant. Collectively, our results suggest that light promotes anthocyanin accumulation in D. candidum seedlings via the upregulation of DcTTG1, which induces anthocyanin synthesis-related gene expression.