A novel gene, CaATHB-12, negatively regulates fruit carotenoid content under cold stress in Capsicum annuum

Background: Carotenoids, the secondary metabolites terpenoids, are the largest factors that form the fruit color. Similar to flavonoids, they are not only safe and natural colorants of fruits but also play a role as stress response biomolecules. Methods: To study the contribution of the key genes in carotenoids biosynthesis, fruit-color formation, and in response to cold stress, we characterized the key regulatory factor CaATHB-12 from the HD-ZIP I sub-gene family members in pepper. Results:...