Key-enzymes involved in the biosynthesis of resveratrol-based stilbenes in Vitis spp.: a review

Polyphenols are a large class of plant specialized metabolites with interesting biological properties. Among them, the stilbene phytoalexins are particularly abundant in grapevine gaining considerable applications in the cosmetic and nutraceutical industry. The well-studied stilbene biosynthetic pathway uses phenylalanine to generate resveratrol, the primary stilbene core synthetized in grapevine. A set of enzymes further metabolize resveratrol producing a diversity of stilbenes with different properties, activities and stabilities. In grapevine, 13 enzymes have been identified with the ability to use resveratrol as a substrate, including ten peroxidases, two glycosyltransferases and one O-methyltransferase. Peroxidases and methyltransferases are the most studied enzymes in grapevine, especially under stress conditions while the role of plant laccases and hydroxylases in stilbene metabolism is still poorly described. This article provides an overview of the key enzymes involved in the synthesis of resveratrol-based derivatives in Vitis spp. Perspectives to identify new enzymes are discussed, which could be further used for stilbene bioproduction using biotechnologies.