Anthocyanins syntheses genes and abiotic stress: A review in cotton

Anthocyanins are crucial secondary metabolites in plants, playing a vital role in the survival and adaptation of plants under adverse conditions. This article systematically reviews the fundamental properties and biosynthetic pathways of anthocyanins. By integrating research progress on cotton under abiotic stress, it explores the biological functions of anthocyanins under stress conditions such as salinity, drought, temperature extremes, intense light, and heavy metals, as well as the genes regulating anthocyanin synthesis and the influence of external environmental factors. Studies have shown that anthocyanins significantly enhance plant adaptability to unfavorable environments by regulating osmotic pressure, scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS), chelating and compartmentalizing heavy metal ions, and enhancing photoprotective capabilities. The article proposes future directions for increasing crop anthocyanin content through gene gun technology, gene editing, and molecular breeding. Anthocyanins not only hold significant importance in plant stress resistance but also have potential applications in agricultural production and ecological conservation.