Abstract: Anthocyanins are biosynthesized through a series of enzymes with the transcript levels of
their encoding genes commonly regulated by the MBW transcription complex containing MYB，bHLH and
WD40 transcription factors. The transcriptional regulation of anthocyanin biosynthesis has been studied in
model plants，such as maize，Arabidopsis and petunia，since 30 years ago，and great progresses have been
made in fleshy fruits as well in recent years. After briefly introducing general knowledge on classes，
distribution and functions of anthocyanins，the characteristics and roles of MYB，bHLH and WD40 TFs in
the regulation of anthocyanin biosynthesis，as well as the advances in mechanisms involved for
transcriptional regulation of anthocyanin biosynthesis by MYB-bHLH-WD40 transcription complex in
fleshy fruits were reviewed.

Key words: fruits, anthocyanin, biosynthesis, MYB, bHLH, WD40, transcriptional regulation