CRY1–GAIP1 complex mediates blue light to hinder the repression of PIF5 on AGL5 to promote carotenoid biosynthesis in mango fruit

Carotenoids are essential natural pigments that not only determine the commercial value of horticultural crops through colouration but also serve as vital antioxidants and provitamin A precursors in the human diet. Our previous research has demonstrated that blue light induces carotenoid biosynthesis in mango fruit. However, a critical knowledge gap remains regarding how blue light regulates carotenoid biosynthesis in fruit. In this study, blue light-induced MiAGL5 was identified to promote carotenoid biosynthesis by activating the promoters of MiBCH1 and MiZEP. Subsequently, MiPIF5, a phytochrome interacting factor, transcriptionally inhibited MiAGL5 expression. MiGAIP1, a DELLA protein, promoted carotenoid biosynthesis by interacting with MiPIF5 and preventing its repression of MiAGL5. Furthermore, blue light stabilized MiGAIP1 protein through MiCRY1–MiGAIP1 interaction and reduced MiGAIP1 degradation by decreasing GA content in mango fruit. Additionally, MiGAIP1 mediated the antagonistic effects between blue light and GA in regulating carotenoid biosynthesis. Collectively, these results demonstrate that blue light induces carotenoid biosynthesis through a mechanism involving MiCRY1–MiGAIP1 complex-mediated inhibition of MiPIF5 repression on MiAGL5. Our work provides solid evidence for CRY-DELLA-PIF-AGL cross-talk in plant metabolism and establishes a new paradigm for light-hormone antagonism in the regulation of specialized metabolites.