Anthocyanins and reactive oxygen species: a team of rivals regulating plant development?

Abstract

Anthocyanins are a family of water-soluble vacuolar pigments present in almost all flowering plants. The chemistry, biosynthesis and functions of these flavonoids have been intensively studied, in part due to their benefit for human health. Given that they are efficient antioxidants, intense research has been devoted to studying their possible roles against damage caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS). However, the redox homeostasis established between antioxidants and ROS is important for plant growth and development. On the one hand, high levels of ROS can damage DNA, proteins, and lipids, on the other, they are also required for cell signaling, plant development and stress responses. Thus, a balance is needed in which antioxidants can remove excessive ROS, while not precluding ROS from triggering important cellular signaling cascades. In this article, we discuss how anthocyanins and ROS interact and how a deeper understanding of the balance between them could help improve plant productivity, nutritional value, and resistance to stress, while simultaneously maintaining proper cellular function and plant growth.

Polyphenolic profiles of a variety of wild berries from the Pacific Northwest region of North America

“…Of note, one accession (DSCF3986-5) was markedly lower in anthocyanins. Anthocyanins, and most polyphenols generally, are also well known for their antioxidant properties and specifically polyphenols ability to directly scavenge free radical species ( Cerqueira et al, 2023 ; Tsao, 2010 ).

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Genome-Wide Identification of Glutathione S-Transferase Genes in Eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) Reveals Their Potential Role in Anthocyanin Accumulation on the Fruit Peel

“…The anthocyanin pigmentations are attributed to the purple coloration in the leaves, flowers, fruit peel and flesh. The degree of purple color intensity and expression is determined by the vacuolar PH levels [5,6]. Anthocyanins are key attractants or repellants to insects and animals [7].…”