Sugar and anthocyanins: A scientific exploration of sweet signals and natural pigments

Abstract

The presence of anthocyanins imparts vibrant hues to plants, whose biosynthesis and accumulation is a complex process and are influenced by numerous factors. In plants, sugar acts as a primary energy source and signaling molecule regulating anthocyanins biosynthesis. In this review, we provides a comprehensive overview of the relationship between sugar and anthocyanin. We delved into the intricate biosynthetic pathway of anthocyanins, outlining the key structural genes involved and their functions. Furthermore, we summarized how various environmental factors such as sugar, light, abiotic stresses, etc., affect anthocyanin biosynthesis. Notably, Most notably, we emphasized that sugars can independently regulate anthocyanin biosynthesis by modulating the expression of the MBW complex or structural genes, as well as through cascades involving hormones. These findings offer valuable insights into understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying anthocyanin accumulation and present potential avenues for enhancing anthocyanin content in plants through targeted manipulations that could have applications in agriculture and nutrition.