Genome-wide identification of R2R3-MYB gene family and association with anthocyanin biosynthesis in pear

• 130 R2R3-MYB genes were genome-wide identified and characterized in Pyrus pyrifolia . • Five candidates associated with pear skin anthocyanin accumulation were screened. • Expression analysis defined the stage-specific patterns of the candidates in anthocyanin accumulation of pear skin. • This study shows the R2R3-MYB genes for pear anthocyanin biosynthesis, provides molecular targets for red-skinned pear breeding. R2R3-MYBs play a critical role for anthocyanin synthesis in plant. Here we performed genome-wide identification and functional characterization of the R2R3-MYB transcription factor family in pear ( Pyrus pyrifolia ), with particular emphasis on their regulatory roles in anthocyanin biosynthesis and fruit coloration. Bioinformatic analysis revealed 130 putative R2R3-MYB genes, which were subsequently characterized through integrated analyses of chromosomal distribution, structural features, conserved domains, and evolutionary relationships. Through comprehensive transcriptome profiling and expression pattern analysis, we identified five R2R3-MYB candidates that exhibited strong correlation with anthocyanin accumulation in pear skin. Homology analysis and functional prediction revealed that these candidates share significant sequence similarity with characterized anthocyanin-regulatory MYBs across diverse plant species. Spatiotemporal expression analysis revealed stage-specific regulatory patterns associated with anthocyanin accumulation. Our findings establish a comprehensive framework for understanding anthocyanin regulation in pear and provide molecular targets for breeding enhanced red-skinned cultivars.