Advance of the negative regulation of anthocyanin biosynthesis by MYB transcription factors

Plant Physiol Biochem. 2019 Mar:136:178-187. doi: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2019.01.024. Epub 2019 Jan 22.

Abstract

Anthocyanins are secondary metabolites derived from the specific branch of the flavonoid pathway, responsible for red, purple and blue coloration display in the flowers and fruits. The functions of anthocyanins are diverse, including acting as visual signals to pollinators, defense against biotic and abiotic stresses. Thus, anthocyanins have been the most intensely studied secondary metabolite pathway. From model plants to horticultural crops, numerous studies have resulted in the discovery of highly conserved MYB-bHLH-WDR (MBW) transcriptional complex for the regulation of anthocyanin biosynthesis in plants. Recent discoveries have revealed that the anthocyanin biosynthesis pathway is also controlled by MYB repressors. Here we focus on the research progress into the role of MYB repressors in anthocyanin biosynthesis. In particular, we will discuss their functions and relationship to the MBW complex in the control of anthocyanin accumulation. In addition, an integrated regulatory network of anthocyanin biosynthesis controlled by MYB repressors and MBW activation complex is built based on the significant progress.

Keywords: Anthocyanin; MBW; MYB; Repressor; Transcription factor.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anthocyanins / biosynthesis*
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Plant
  • Phylogeny
  • Plant Proteins / genetics
  • Plant Proteins / physiology*
  • Plants / genetics
  • Plants / metabolism*
  • Sequence Alignment
  • Transcription Factors / genetics
  • Transcription Factors / physiology*

Substances

  • Anthocyanins
  • Plant Proteins
  • Transcription Factors