The Role of Anthocyanins in Plant Tolerance to Drought and Salt Stresses

Drought and salinity affect various biochemical and physiological processes in plants, inhibit plant growth, and significantly reduce productivity. The anthocyanin biosynthesis system represents one of the plant stress-tolerance mechanisms, activated by surplus reactive oxygen species. Anthocyanins act as ROS scavengers, protecting plants from oxidative damage and enhancing their sustainability. In this review, we focus on molecular and biochemical mechanisms underlying the role of anthocyanins in acquired tolerance to drought and salt stresses. Also, we discuss the role of abscisic acid and the abscisic-acid-miRNA156 regulatory node in the regulation of drought-induced anthocyanin production. Additionally, we summarise the available knowledge on transcription factors involved in anthocyanin biosynthesis and development of salt and drought tolerance. Finally, we discuss recent progress in the application of modern gene manipulation technologies in the development of anthocyanin-enriched plants with enhanced tolerance to drought and salt stresses.

Automated summary

Drought and salinity have negative effects on plant growth and productivity, but the anthocyanin biosynthesis system can activate plant stress-tolerance mechanisms and enhance drought and salt tolerance. This review focuses on the molecular and biochemical mechanisms of anthocyanins in acquired tolerance to drought and salt stresses, as well as the role of abscisic acid and abscisic-acid-miRNA156 in regulating drought-induced anthocyanin production. Additionally, it summarizes the research progress on transcription factors involved in anthocyanin biosynthesis and the development of salt and drought tolerance. Finally, the recent progress in using modern gene manipulation technologies to develop anthocyanin-enriched plants with enhanced tolerance to drought and salt stresses is discussed.