Overexpression of stilbene synthase genes to modulate the properties of plants and plant cell cultures

Abstract

Plant stilbenes have attracted special attention as they possess valuable health benefits and improve plant resistance to environmental stresses. Stilbenes are synthesized via the phenylpropanoid pathway, where stilbene synthase (STS, EC 2.3.1.95) directly catalyzes the formation of t-resveratrol (monomeric stilbene). This review discusses the features of using STS genes in genetic engineering and plant biotechnology with the purpose to increase plant resistance to environmental stresses and to modify secondary metabolite production.

Keywords: STS; piceid; resveratrol; stilbene synthase genes; stilbenes; stilbenoid glucoside; viniferin.