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Biosynthesis and genetic engineering of proanthocyanidins and (iso)flavonoids

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Abstract

Plant natural products have been used since ancient times as medicines and herbal remedies. Over the past two decades, the results of population and intervention studies, or assays in animal or cell model systems, have revealed positive health beneficial effects for various classes of phytochemicals, particularly polyphenols. The results of such studies have ignited an interest in being able to manipulate the levels of such bioactive compounds in plants using biotechnological approaches. Although still in its infancy, this technology promises to deliver health benefits to humans and animals through direct consumption of genetically-modified or -enhanced dietary plant materials. We here review the strategies currently being used for engineering two classes of nutraceuticals, the proanthocyanidins and the isoflavones, in transgenic plants. We also provide an overview of recent advances in our understanding of the biosynthesis of these classes of compounds.

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Abbreviations

AHA:

Autoinhibited H+-ATPase isoform

ANR:

Anthocyanidin reductase

ANS:

Anthocyanidin synthase

DFR:

Dihydroflavonol reductase

DMAPP:

Dimethylallyl pyrophosphate

ER:

Estrogen receptor

F3H:

Flavanone 3-hydroxylase

F3′H:

Flavonoid 3′-hydroxylase

FLS:

Flavonol synthase

FNS:

Flavone synthase

GPP:

Geranyl pyrophosphate

GSPE:

Grape seed proanthocyanidin extract

GST:

Glutathione S-transferase

2HID:

2-Hydroxyisoflavanone dehydratase

2HIS:

2-Hydroxyisoflavanone synthase

IFS:

Isoflavone synthase

LAR:

Leucoanthocyanidin reductase

LDL:

Low density lipoprotein

MATE:

Multidrug and toxic efflux transporter

2-OG:

2-Oxoglutarate

OMT:

O-methyltransferase

PA:

Proanthocyanidin

PAL:

Phenylalanine ammonia-lyase

PAP:

Production of anthocyanin pigmentation

TT:

Transparent testa

TTG:

Transparent Testa Glabra

UGT:

UDP glycosyltransferase

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Acknowledgements

We thank Dr. Gregory Peel for critical reading of the manuscript.

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  1. Plant Biology Division, The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation, 2510 Sam Noble Parkway, Ardmore, OK, 73401, USA

    Li Tian, Yongzhen Pang & Richard A. Dixon

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  1. Li Tian
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  2. Yongzhen Pang
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  3. Richard A. Dixon
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Correspondence to Richard A. Dixon.

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Tian, L., Pang, Y. & Dixon, R.A. Biosynthesis and genetic engineering of proanthocyanidins and (iso)flavonoids. Phytochem Rev 7, 445–465 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11101-007-9076-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11101-007-9076-y

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