Molecular regulatory mechanisms of anthocyanin in the coloration of plant leaves and research prospects

Anthocyanin-rich foliage plants hold important applications in the pharmaceutical industry and the tea sector, beyond their significant ornamental value. These plants also possess biological and ecological importance, contributing to reproduction, defense against natural enemies, and adaptation to environmental changes. Thus, a deeper understanding of their leaf coloration will be essential for both practical applications and theoretical understanding. The present study comprehensively reviews the factors influencing anthocyanin metabolism, including biosynthesis, transport, degradation, transcription factors (TFS), post-transcriptional regulation, post translation regulation. Next, we summarize the application of omics technologies in unveiling the mechanisms of anthocyanin synthesis in leaves. Furthermore, we review the molecular mechanisms by which environmental factors regulate leaf coloration by inducing anthocyanin biosynthesis. Lastly, the study addresses unresolved issues in the research of plant leaf coloration and proposes future research directions in this field. This study is anticipated to provide a valuable reference for the study of plant leaf coloration.