Molecular Mechanisms and Regulation of Anthocyanin Biosynthesis in Rosaceae Fruits: A Review
TL;DR
A critical synthesis of recent advances in pigment regulation is presented, moving beyond descriptive gene lists to examine the mechanistic underpinnings of pigment regulation and provides a foundation for rational manipulation of fruit coloration and nutritional quality.
Abstract
ABSTRACT Anthocyanin accumulation in Rosaceae fruits is governed by a multi‐layered regulatory network integrating transcriptional control, epigenetic modulation, environmental signaling, and metabolic flux allocation. This review presents a critical synthesis of recent advances in this field, moving beyond descriptive gene lists to examine the mechanistic underpinnings of pigment regulation. We first outline the core biosynthetic pathway and post‐synthetic modifications that ensure pigment stability. The central focus is on the MYB–bHLH–WD40 transcriptional complex and its integration with epigenetic mechanisms (DNA methylation, histone modifications, non‐coding RNAs) and post‐transcriptional regulation. We further examine how environmental cues—light, temperature, and hormones—are transduced through these molecular networks, and analyze metabolic flux control at pathway branch points. A cross‐species comparative perspective across major Rosaceae crops (Malus, Pyrus, Fragaria, Prunus) reveals conserved regulatory nodes and genus‐specific innovations. Finally, we discuss how this integrated knowledge, combined with multi‐omics and gene editing tools, is driving targeted strategies in molecular breeding and postharvest quality management. This framework provides a foundation for rational manipulation of fruit coloration and nutritional quality.
