The strawberry pathogenesis-related 10 (PR-10) Fra a proteins control flavonoid biosynthesis by binding to metabolic intermediates

Background: Suppression of Fra a gene expression leads to down-regulation of color-producing flavonoid biosynthesis in strawberry. Results: Fra proteins can bind natural flavonoids, which induce conformational changes in conserved loop regions. Conclusion: Fra a proteins control flavonoid biosynthesis through binding to metabolic intermediates. Significance: PR-10 proteins may play a role in the control of secondary metabolism through binding of metabolites to their ligand-binding cavities.