MBW complex
A regulatory protein complex formed by MYB, bHLH, and WD40 proteins. In flowering plants, MBW complexes control the expression of genes in several flavonoid pathways.
MBW is an abbreviation for MYB-bHLH-WD40. The MYB and bHLH components bind DNA and help select target genes, while the WD40-repeat protein provides a platform for protein interactions. Different combinations of these proteins regulate different tissues and branches of flavonoid metabolism.
In many flowering plants, an MBW complex activates late genes in anthocyanin Anthocyanin Water-soluble flavonoid pigments stored in plant cell vacuoles. They produce purple, red and blue tones in cannabis and in many fruits and vegetables. biosynthesis. Other regulators can strengthen, weaken, or disrupt the complex, allowing pigment production to vary with tissue, development, hormones, and environmental signals.
Cannabis studies have identified candidate MYB, bHLH, and WD40 genes whose expression correlates with anthocyanin-related genes and pigmented tissues. The exact composition and function of cannabis MBW complexes still require direct functional confirmation.