Advances in the biosynthesis and regulatory mechanisms of anthocyanins in horticultural plants: a comprehensive review

Abstract

Anthocyanins, a class of important natural water-soluble pigments, play crucial roles in the coloration of flowers, leaves, and fruits in plants, as well as in conferring various functionalities, including stress tolerance, antioxidant activity, and anti-aging effects. Therefore, it is meaningful to reveal the regulatory mechanisms of anthocyanin biosynthetic pathway in different plants. In recent years, there has been increased research focusing on anthocyanin biosynthesis in horticultural plants, such as ornamental plants, fruits, and vegetables. This comprehensive review highlights the functions of anthocyanins, structural genes encoding enzymes, and the regulatory role of transcription factors (TFs) in the pathway in horticultural plants. The insights provided in this review offer a theoretical foundation for unraveling regulatory mechanisms of anthocyanin biosynthesis, which benefits the improvement of horticultural traits in plants.