Biosynthesis of betalains: yellow and violet plant pigments

Betalains are the yellow and violet pigments that substitute anthocyanins in plants belonging to the order Caryophyllales. These pigments have attracted much attention because of their bioactivities, which range from an antioxidant capacity to the chemoprevention of cancer. However, the biosynthetic pathway of betalains remains under discussion; the main steps have been characterized in recent years, but multiple side reactions are possible. The key enzymes involved have only recently been described, providing clues about the regulation of betalain biosynthesis. In this review, we provide a comprehensive view of the biosynthetic scheme of betalains and discuss the different reactions that have been demonstrated experimentally or proposed in the literature.

► Current knowledge on the biosynthetic pathway of betalains is examined.
► A characteristic 4,5-DOPA-dioxygenase forms the structural unit of the pigments.
► Enzyme-catalyzed reactions and chemical side reactions leave alternative ways open.