Biosynthesis, metabolism, molecular engineering, and biological functions of stilbene phytoalexins in plants

Abstract

Stilbenic compounds recently have become the focus of a number of studies in medicine and plant physiology as well as have emerged as promising molecules that potentially affect human health. Stilbenes are relatively simple compounds synthesized by plants and deriving from the phenyalanine/polymalonate route, the last and key enzyme of this pathway being stilbene synthase. Here, we review the biological significance of stilbenes in plants together with their biosynthesis pathway and their metabolism both by fungi and in planta. Special attention will be paid to the role of stilbenic molecules as phytoalexins.

MALDI Mass Spectrometry Imaging for the Simultaneous Location of Resveratrol, Pterostilbene and Viniferins on Grapevine Leaves

“…Phytoalexins are of great interest because they are biosynthetized in response to biotic or abiotic stress. They are also well known for inducing an antifungal activity [13][14][15][16][17][18] and, for example, we observed by MSI experiment a co-localization of resveratrol and pterostilbene (trimethoxystilbene) at the infection site on the leaf abaxial side (Cabernet Sauvignon) [12] after infection by downy mildew. MSI allowed the identification and mapping of resveratrol and pterostilbene but the biosynthesis of some other stilbenes is also expected to be induced in grapevine leaves and even berries in response to pathogen infection or UV irradiation [19][20][21].…”

Regulation of stilbene biosynthesis in plants

“…Multiple studies show that production of stilbenes in plants is induced upon infection by various fungal pathogens, and STS gene transfers to the genomes of various plants often led to increased or foreign stilbene production and improved resistance to various fungal pathogens (Chong et al 2009;Jeandet et al 2010).…”

“…1), e.g., piceatannol, pinosylvin, combretastatins, polydatin (piceid), mulberroside, or various oligostilbenes, are also known to display valuable biological activities and beneficial effects (Piotrowska et al 2012;Du et al 2013;Wang et al 2014a;Greene et al 2015;Laavola et al 2015;Wang and Yao 2015). Stilbenes are involved in constitutive and inducible plant defense responses and have also attracted intense interest due to their protective properties against plant fungal pathogens, nematodes, and herbivores (Chong et al 2009;Jeandet et al 2010). …”

A Common Fungal Associate of the Spruce Bark Beetle Metabolizes the Stilbene Defenses of Norway Spruce

“…They are reported to have antifungal properties and have been shown to contribute to plant disease resistance (Chong et al, 2009;Jeandet et al, 2010). In the genus Picea, the stilbene glucosides astringin and isorhapontin (Fig.…”