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Thuan NH, Huong QTT, Lam BD, Tam HT, Thu PT, Canh NX, Tatipamula VB. Advances in glycosyltransferase-mediated glycodiversification of small molecules. 3 Biotech 2024; 14:209. [PMID: 39184913 PMCID: PMC11343957 DOI: 10.1007/s13205-024-04044-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2024] [Indexed: 08/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Currently, numerous glycosides have been synthesized and used in clinical applications, neutraceuticals, cosmetics, and food processing. Structurally, a glycoside is composed of aglycone attaching to one or several sugar moieties so-called glycone. It is found that biochemical or biopharmaceutical properties of glycoside are mainly determined by its sugar part and thereby alternation of this glycone resulting in novel structure and characteristics as well. The use of traditional production methods of glycosides such as direct extraction and purification from plants, animals, or microorganisms is very challenging (laborious, time-consuming, technique, high price, low yield, etc.). Alternatively, the use of enzymatic methods for the biosynthesis of glycosides has become a highly promising tool. Particularly, the diverse structure of glycosides can be obtained using the promiscuous catalytic activity of glycosyltransferases (GT) mined from bioresources (plants, fungi, microorganisms, etc.). In addition, the exploration of GT catalytic promiscuity toward diverse aglycones, and glycones has indeed been interesting and played a key role in the production of novel glycosides. This review described the recent advances in glycosyltransferase-mediated glycodiversification of small molecules (flavonoids, steroids, terpenoids, etc.). Mostly, references were collected from 2014 to 2023.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nguyen Huy Thuan
- Center for Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Duy Tan University, Da Nang, 550000 Vietnam
| | | | - Bui Dinh Lam
- Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, 112304 Taiwan
- Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Technology, Thai Nguyen University of Agriculture and Forestry, Thai Nguyen, 250000 Vietnam
| | - Ho Thanh Tam
- Institute for Global Health Innovations, Duy Tan University, Da Nang, Vietnam
- Biotechnology Department, College of Medicine and Pharmacy, Duy Tan University, Da Nang, Vietnam
| | - Pham The Thu
- Institute of Marine Environment and Resources (IMER), Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology (VAST), Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam
| | - Nguyen Xuan Canh
- Faculty of Biotechnology, Vietnam National University of Agriculture, Gialam, Hanoi, Vietnam
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2
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Li T, Borg AJE, Krammer L, Weber H, Breinbauer R, Nidetzky B. Discovery, characterization, and comparative analysis of new UGT72 and UGT84 family glycosyltransferases. Commun Chem 2024; 7:147. [PMID: 38942997 PMCID: PMC11213884 DOI: 10.1038/s42004-024-01231-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Glycosylated derivatives of natural product polyphenols display a spectrum of biological activities, rendering them critical for both nutritional and pharmacological applications. Their enzymatic synthesis by glycosyltransferases is frequently constrained by the limited repertoire of characterized enzyme-catalyzed transformations. Here, we explore the glycosylation capabilities and substrate preferences of newly identified plant uridine diphosphate (UDP)-dependent glycosyltransferases (UGTs) within the UGT72 and UGT84 families, with particular focus on natural polyphenol glycosylation from UDP-glucose. Four UGTs are classified according to their phylogenetic relationships and reaction products, identifying them as biocatalysts for either glucoside (UGT72 enzymes) or glucose ester (UGT84 members) formation from selected phenylpropanoid compounds. Detailed kinetic evaluations expose the unique attributes of these enzymes, including their specific activities and regio-selectivities towards diverse polyphenolic substrates, with product characterizations validating the capacity of UGT84 family members to perform di-O-glycosylation on flavones. Sequence analysis coupled with structural predictions through AlphaFold reveal an unexpected absence of a conserved threonine residue across all four enzymes, a trait previously linked to pentosyltransferases. This comparative analysis broadens the understood substrate specificity range for UGT72 and UGT84 enzymes, enhancing our understanding of their utility in the production of natural phenolic glycosides. The findings from this in-depth characterization provide valuable insights into the functional versatility of UGT-mediated reactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tuo Li
- Institute of Biotechnology and Biochemical Engineering, Graz University of Technology, NAWI Graz, Petersgasse 12/1, 8010, Graz, Austria
| | - Annika J E Borg
- Institute of Biotechnology and Biochemical Engineering, Graz University of Technology, NAWI Graz, Petersgasse 12/1, 8010, Graz, Austria
| | - Leo Krammer
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Graz University of Technology, NAWI Graz, Stremayrgasse 9, 8010, Graz, Austria
| | - Hansjörg Weber
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Graz University of Technology, NAWI Graz, Stremayrgasse 9, 8010, Graz, Austria
| | - Rolf Breinbauer
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Graz University of Technology, NAWI Graz, Stremayrgasse 9, 8010, Graz, Austria
| | - Bernd Nidetzky
- Institute of Biotechnology and Biochemical Engineering, Graz University of Technology, NAWI Graz, Petersgasse 12/1, 8010, Graz, Austria.
- Austrian Centre of Industrial Biotechnology (acib), Krenngasse 37, 8010, Graz, Austria.
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Gharabli H, Welner DH. The sugar donor specificity of plant family 1 glycosyltransferases. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2024; 12:1396268. [PMID: 38756413 PMCID: PMC11096472 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2024.1396268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Plant family 1 glycosyltransferases (UGTs) represent a formidable tool to produce valuable natural and novel glycosides. Their regio- and stereo-specific one-step glycosylation mechanism along with their inherent wide acceptor scope are desirable traits in biotechnology. However, their donor scope and specificity are not well understood. Since different sugars have different properties in vivo and in vitro, the ability to easily glycodiversify target acceptors is desired, and this depends on our improved understanding of the donor binding site. In the aim to unlock the full potential of UGTs, studies have attempted to elucidate the structure-function relationship governing their donor specificity. These efforts have revealed a complex phenomenon, and general principles valid for multiple enzymes are elusive. Here, we review the studies of UGT donor specificity, and attempt to group the information into key concepts which can help shape future research. We zoom in on the family-defining PSPG motif, on two loop residues reported to interact with the C6 position of the sugar, and on the role of active site arginines in donor specificity. We continue to discuss attempts to alter and expand the donor specificity by enzyme engineering, and finally discuss future research directions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ditte Hededam Welner
- The Novo Nordisk Center for Biosustainability, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
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Chang X, Fang X, Yao Y, Xu Z, Wu C, Lu L. Identification and Characterization of Glycosyltransferases Involved in the Biosynthesis of Neodiosmin. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2024; 72:4348-4357. [PMID: 38354268 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.3c09308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
Glycosylation plays a very important role in plant secondary metabolic modifications. Neodiosmin, identified as diosmetin-7-O-neohesperidoside, not only acts to mitigate bitterness and enhance the flavor of food but also serves as a pivotal metabolite that reinforces plant immunity. Investigating its biosynthetic pathway in plants is crucial for optimizing fruit quality and fortifying plant immune responses. In this study, through analysis of transcriptomic data from Astilbe chinensis, we identified two novel uridine diphosphate (UDP)-glycosyltransferases (UGTs): Ach14791 (AcUGT73C18), responsible for flavonoid 7-O-glycosylation and Ach15849 (AcUGT79B37), involved in flavonoid-7-O-glucoside-2″-O-rhamnosylation. By delving into enzymatic properties and catalytic promiscuity, we developed a biosynthesis route of neodiosmin by establishing a one-pot enzyme-catalyzed cascade reaction. Simultaneously, lonicerin and rhoifolin were also successfully synthesized using the same one-pot dual-enzyme catalytic reaction. Taken together, our findings not only identified two novel UGTs involved in neodiosmin biosynthesis but also provided important biocatalytic components for the microorganism-based biosynthesis of flavonoid-7-O-disaccharide compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaosa Chang
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese Medicine and Western Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
- Key Laboratory of Combinatorial Biosynthesis and Drug Discovery (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Xueting Fang
- Key Laboratory of Combinatorial Biosynthesis and Drug Discovery (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Yan Yao
- Key Laboratory of Combinatorial Biosynthesis and Drug Discovery (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Zhenni Xu
- Key Laboratory of Combinatorial Biosynthesis and Drug Discovery (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Chaoyan Wu
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese Medicine and Western Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Li Lu
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese Medicine and Western Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
- Key Laboratory of Combinatorial Biosynthesis and Drug Discovery (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan 430071, China
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An S, Yamashita M, Iguchi S, Kihara T, Kamon E, Ishikawa K, Kobayashi M, Ishimizu T. Biochemical Characterization of Parsley Glycosyltransferases Involved in the Biosynthesis of a Flavonoid Glycoside, Apiin. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:17118. [PMID: 38069442 PMCID: PMC10706860 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242317118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The flavonoid glycoside apiin (apigenin 7-O-[β-D-apiosyl-(1→2)-β-D-glucoside]) is abundant in apiaceous and asteraceous plants, including celery and parsley. Although several enzymes involved in apiin biosynthesis have been identified in celery, many of the enzymes in parsley (Petroselinum crispum) have not been identified. In this study, we identified parsley genes encoding the glucosyltransferase, PcGlcT, and the apiosyltransferase, PcApiT, that catalyze the glycosylation steps of apiin biosynthesis. Their substrate specificities showed that they were involved in the biosynthesis of some flavonoid 7-O-apiosylglucosides, including apiin. The expression profiles of PcGlcT and PcApiT were closely correlated with the accumulation of flavonoid 7-O-apiosylglucosides in parsley organs and developmental stages. These findings support the idea that PcGlcT and PcApiT are involved in the biosynthesis of flavonoid 7-O-apiosylglucosides in parsley. The identification of these genes will elucidate the physiological significance of apiin and the development of apiin production methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Song An
- College of Life Sciences, Ritsumeikan University, 1-1-1 Nojihigashi, Kusatsu 525-8577, Shiga, Japan
| | - Maho Yamashita
- College of Life Sciences, Ritsumeikan University, 1-1-1 Nojihigashi, Kusatsu 525-8577, Shiga, Japan
| | - Sho Iguchi
- College of Life Sciences, Ritsumeikan University, 1-1-1 Nojihigashi, Kusatsu 525-8577, Shiga, Japan
| | - Taketo Kihara
- College of Life Sciences, Ritsumeikan University, 1-1-1 Nojihigashi, Kusatsu 525-8577, Shiga, Japan
| | - Eri Kamon
- College of Life Sciences, Ritsumeikan University, 1-1-1 Nojihigashi, Kusatsu 525-8577, Shiga, Japan
| | - Kazuya Ishikawa
- College of Life Sciences, Ritsumeikan University, 1-1-1 Nojihigashi, Kusatsu 525-8577, Shiga, Japan
- Ritsumeikan Global Innovation Research Organization, Ritsumeikan University, 1-1-1 Nojihigashi, Kusatsu 525-8577, Shiga, Japan
| | - Masaru Kobayashi
- Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8502, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Takeshi Ishimizu
- College of Life Sciences, Ritsumeikan University, 1-1-1 Nojihigashi, Kusatsu 525-8577, Shiga, Japan
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Wang M, Ji Q, Lai B, Liu Y, Mei K. Structure-function and engineering of plant UDP-glycosyltransferase. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2023; 21:5358-5371. [PMID: 37965058 PMCID: PMC10641439 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2023.10.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural products synthesized by plants have substantial industrial and medicinal values and are therefore attracting increasing interest in various related industries. Among the key enzyme families involved in the biosynthesis of natural products, uridine diphosphate-dependent glycosyltransferases (UGTs) play a crucial role in plants. In recent years, significant efforts have been made to elucidate the catalytic mechanisms and substrate recognition of plant UGTs and to improve them for desired functions. In this review, we presented a comprehensive overview of all currently published structures of plant UGTs, along with in-depth analyses of the corresponding catalytic and substrate recognition mechanisms. In addition, we summarized and evaluated the protein engineering strategies applied to improve the catalytic activities of plant UGTs, with a particular focus on high-throughput screening methods. The primary objective of this review is to provide readers with a comprehensive understanding of plant UGTs and to serve as a valuable reference for the latest techniques used to improve their activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengya Wang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory for Modern Drug Delivery and High Efficiency, School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
- Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Qiushuang Ji
- Tianjin Key Laboratory for Modern Drug Delivery and High Efficiency, School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
- Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Bin Lai
- BMBF junior research group Biophotovoltaics, Department of Environmental Microbiology, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Leipzig 04318, Germany
| | - Yirong Liu
- Tianjin Key Laboratory for Modern Drug Delivery and High Efficiency, School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
- Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Kunrong Mei
- Tianjin Key Laboratory for Modern Drug Delivery and High Efficiency, School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
- Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
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Wang HT, Wang ZL, Chen K, Yao MJ, Zhang M, Wang RS, Zhang JH, Ågren H, Li FD, Li J, Qiao X, Ye M. Insights into the missing apiosylation step in flavonoid apiosides biosynthesis of Leguminosae plants. Nat Commun 2023; 14:6658. [PMID: 37863881 PMCID: PMC10589286 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-42393-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Apiose is a natural pentose containing an unusual branched-chain structure. Apiosides are bioactive natural products widely present in the plant kingdom. However, little is known on the key apiosylation reaction in the biosynthetic pathways of apiosides. In this work, we discover an apiosyltransferase GuApiGT from Glycyrrhiza uralensis. GuApiGT could efficiently catalyze 2″-O-apiosylation of flavonoid glycosides, and exhibits strict selectivity towards UDP-apiose. We further solve the crystal structure of GuApiGT, determine a key sugar-binding motif (RLGSDH) through structural analysis and theoretical calculations, and obtain mutants with altered sugar selectivity through protein engineering. Moreover, we discover 121 candidate apiosyltransferase genes from Leguminosae plants, and identify the functions of 4 enzymes. Finally, we introduce GuApiGT and its upstream genes into Nicotiana benthamiana, and complete de novo biosynthesis of a series of flavonoid apiosides. This work reports an efficient phenolic apiosyltransferase, and reveals mechanisms for its sugar donor selectivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao-Tian Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, 38 Xueyuan Road, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Zi-Long Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, 38 Xueyuan Road, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Kuan Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, 38 Xueyuan Road, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Ming-Ju Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, 38 Xueyuan Road, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Meng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, 38 Xueyuan Road, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Rong-Shen Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, 38 Xueyuan Road, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Jia-He Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, 38 Xueyuan Road, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Hans Ågren
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Uppsala University, SE-751 20, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Fu-Dong Li
- National Science Center for Physical Sciences at Microscale Division of Molecular & Cell Biophysics and School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China
| | - Junhao Li
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Uppsala University, SE-751 20, Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Xue Qiao
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, 38 Xueyuan Road, Beijing, 100191, China.
| | - Min Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, 38 Xueyuan Road, Beijing, 100191, China.
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