Leucocyanidin (LC)

Leucocyanidin is a colorless chemical compound related to leucoanthocyanidins. (+)Leucocyanidin can be synthesized from (+)dihydroquercetin by sodium borohydride reduction. Leucocyanidin oxygenase uses leucocyanidin, 2-oxoglutarate, and O2 to produce cis-dihydroquercetin, trans-dihydroquercetin (taxifolin), succinate, CO2, and H2O. Leucoanthocyanidin reductase (LAR or leucocyanidin reductase LCR) uses (2R,3S)-catechin, NADP+, and H2O to produce 2,3-trans-3,4-cis-leucocyanidin, NADPH, and H+. Its gene expression has been studied in developing grape berries and grapevine leaves. Its activity has also been measured in leaves, flowers, and seeds of the legumes Medicago sativa, Lotus japonicus, Lotus uliginosus, Hedysarum sulfurescens, and Robinia pseudoacacia. The C-4 stereochemistry of leucocyanidin substrates affects anthocyanidin synthase (ANS) products.