Carotenoids in berries: Composition, benefits, metabolic processes and influencing factors - A review

Carotenoids play a crucial role in determining the vibrant colors of fruits and vegetables, offering numerous health benefits to humans. Notably, among berry fruits, such as grapes, cherries, cranberries, raspberries, strawberries, and figs, the composition of carotenoids can vary significantly across different fruit species, as well as within species. The intricate process of carotenoid biosynthesis is influenced and regulated by genes related to biosynthesis and degradation, post-transcriptional and library-derived regulation, transcription factors, and environmental factors. This article provides a comprehensive review of the current knowledge on berry carotenoids, including their physiological benefits, synthesis, transport, transcriptional regulation, and the influencing factors. The aim is to provide a reference for further studies on carotenoid biosynthesis, accumulation, and metabolism, as well as to aid in the selection and cultivation of carotenoid-rich berries.