Transcriptome Analysis Reveals That FvPAP1 Genes Are Related to the Prolongation of Red-Leaf Period in Ficus virens

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

The work proposed by the authors is interesting, in the context of the analysis of the physiology and changes in gene expression during the development of two types of Ficus virens leaves, starting from the change in their color during the development period. The various types of natural pigments that we find in various plant raw materials, in addition to therapeutic implications, also have a pleasant visual impact on arboreal or floral landscaping.

The evaluation of the article was based on:

1.     Introduction provides brief information about Ficus virens species, anthocyanosides (biosynthesis pathway, genetic modulation, importance of enzyme equipment);

2.     I believe that the purpose of the research and its objectives are well specified;

3.     The results are presented in detail on each sub-stage of the research; the morphological and organoleptic characteristics are evaluated, especially the color changes during the development period of the analyzed ficus leaves; the transcriptomic analysis aimed at determining the key genes that are involved in the biosynthesis of anthocyanins; the obtained results allowed the identification of the MYB gene FvPAP1, associated with the change in the content of anthocyanosides in the leaves, in different periods of their evolution; qRT-PCR analysis associated with transgenic studies, showed that FvPAP1 is involved in increasing the biosynthesis of anthocyanosides at the cellular level; in the description of the results, the authors use and present in the article photomicrographs, diagrams, differentiated analyses, graphs, which I consider to be justifiable;

4.     The discussions are extended and are consistent with the data from the specialized literature;

5.     Materials and work methods are properly presented;

6.     The material is also accompanied by an additional, supporting material;

7.     I consider the bibliography to be justifiable.

I consider the research article valuable, important in understanding the cofactors at the cellular level that are involved in the biosynthesis of anthocyanins, and the research can be a starting point for the evaluation of other species that biosynthesize anthocyanosides, important not only from an ornamental and therapeutic point of view.

Author Response

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Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Reviewer 2 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

Comments

The study titled “Transcriptome analysis reveals FvPAP1 genes related to the prolongation of red-leaf period in Ficus virens” by Ma et al. is interesting and informative. It systematically identifies a key MYB gene, FvPAP1, responsible for leaf color phenotypic differences between two types of F. virens plants via transcriptome analysis and confirmed its functionality via subsequent ectopic as well as native expression analyses. The study is well conducted. However, it may benefit from editing of its written content from someone professionally proficient in English. Comments are offered below for the authors to respond.

Major comments

1.        The authors have often mentioned ‘two types’ while discussing their plants of study. Are these accessions, varieties, or hybrids. The manuscript would benefit more from their relevant information instead of mentioning them just as ‘types’.

2.        Page 11, Figure 4: Many of the sub figures contain multiple asterisk positions within them. While the authors have mentioned what they represent. It would be more comprehensive to give one symbol for one comparison (between time points and sample materials) and another for second instead of giving same symbol for two. Authors are kindly suggested to make necessary adjustments.

3.        Page 12, Figure 5: Authors are kindly suggested to add necessary details of the data presented. Particularly in Figure 5(e), there are two independent bar-charts here (with at least one common gene between them) without any necessary explanations on the two charts. Authors are kindly suggested to add relevant descriptions in the legend.

Minor comments:

1.        Page 3, line 138: identify => identity

2.        Page 4, lines 165-168: Please restructure the sentence.

Comments on the Quality of English Language

The manuscript may benefit from editing of its written content from someone professionally proficient in English. Some of the correction suggestions have offered in the comments above. Authors are kindly suggested to make necessary changes.

Author Response

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Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Reviewer 3 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

Minor grammatical suggestions as attached

Comments for author File: Comments.pdf

Author Response

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Author Response File: Author Response.pdf