Crocus sativus L., of the Iridaceae family, yields world’s most prized spice, saffron. Saffron is well known for its distinctive aroma, odour and colour, which are imputed to the presence of some specific glycosylated apocarotenoids. Even though the main biosynthetic pathway and most of the enzymes leading to apocarotenoid production have been identified, the regulatory mechanisms that govern the developmental stage and tissue specific production of apocarotenoids in Crocus remain comparatively unravelled. Towards this, we report identification, and characterization of plant homeodomain (PHD) finger transcription factor family in Crocus sativus. We also report cloning and characterisation of CstPHD27 from C. sativus. CstPHD27 recorded highest expression in stigma throughout flower development. CstPHD27 exhibited expression pattern which corresponded to the apocarotenoid accumulation in Crocus stigmas. CstPHD27 is nuclear localized and transcriptionally active in yeast Y187 strain. Over-expression of CstPHD27 in Crocus stigmas enhanced apocarotenoid content by upregulating the biosynthetic pathway genes. This report on PHD finger transcription factor family from C. sativus may offer a basis for elucidating role of this gene family in this traditionally and industrially prized crop.

鸢尾科番红花(Crocus sativus L.)出产世界上最珍贵的香料藏红花。藏红花以其独特的香气、气味和颜色而闻名，这归因于某些特定的糖基化类胡萝卜素的存在。尽管已经确定了主要的生物合成途径和大多数导致类胡萝卜素产生的酶，但控制番红花中类胡萝卜素的发育阶段和组织特异性产生的调节机制仍然相对不清楚。为此，我们报告了番红花植物同源结构域（PHD）指转录因子家族的鉴定和表征。我们还报告了来自C. sativus的CstPHD27的克隆和表征。CstPHD27在整个花发育过程中的柱头中记录了最高表达。CstPHD27表现出的表达模式与番红花柱头中类胡萝卜素的积累相对应。CstPHD27 在酵母 Y187 菌株中定位于核并具有转录活性。番红花柱头中CstPHD27的过度表达通过上调生物合成途径基因来增强类胡萝卜素含量。这份关于来自C. sativus的 PHD Finger 转录因子家族的报告可能为阐明该基因家族在这种传统和工业上珍贵的作物中的作用提供基础。