Abstract: Resveratrol is a natural phytoalexin, which is generated in plants due to fungal infections, ultraviolet illumination or pathological conditions. The phytoalexin enhances the resistance of plants against pathogens and has considerable physiological activities such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, blood lipid-regulating and anticancer functions. It has been shown to be able to prolong the lives of animals. Great advances have been made in the research on the synthesis pathway in grape and related enzymes. With the development of bioengineering technology, it is no longer difficult to express resveratrol synthase gene and synthesize resveratrol in plants, microbes and animals. This article reviews recent studies on the synthesis of resveratrol in different organisms. Meanwhile, problems and future directions for research into the synthesis of resveratrol by bioengineering technology are proposed.

Key words: resveratrol, bioengineering, expression system