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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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2
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Zhang X, Xie J, Cao S, Zhang H, Pei J, Bu S, Zhao L. Efficient production of the glycosylated derivatives of baicalein in engineered Escherichia coli. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2023; 107:2831-2842. [PMID: 36930276 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-023-12464-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Revised: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
Baicalein-7-O-glucoside and baicalein-7-O-rhamnoside have been proven to possess many pharmacological activities and are potential candidate drug leads and herb supplements. However, their further development is largely limited due to low content in host plants. Few studies reported that both bioactive plant components are prepared through the bioconversion of baicalein that is considered as the common biosynthetic precursor of both compounds. Herein, we constructed a series of the engineered whole-cell bioconversion systems in which the deletion of competitive genes and the introduction of exogenous UDP-glucose supply pathway, glucosyltransferase, rhamnosyltransferase, and the UDP-rhamnose synthesis pathway are made. Using these engineered strains, the precursor baicalein is able to be transformed into baicalein-7-O-glucoside and baicalein-7-O-rhamnoside, with high-titer production, respectively. The further optimization of fermentation conditions led to the final production of 568.8 mg/L and 877.0 mg/L for baicalein-7-O-glucoside and baicalein-7-O-rhamnoside, respectively. To the best of our knowledge, it is the highest production in preparation of baicalein-7-O-glucoside from baicalein so far, while the preparation of baicalein-7-O-rhamnoside is the first reported via bioconversion approach. Our study provides a reference for the industrial production of high-value products baicalein-7-O-glucoside and baicalein-7-O-rhamnoside using engineered E. coli. KEY POINTS: • Integrated design for improving the intracellular UDP-glucose pool • High production of rare baicalein glycosides in the engineered E. coli • Baicalein-7-O-glucoside and baicalein-7-O-rhamnoside.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaomeng Zhang
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center of Efficient Processing and Utilization of Forest Resources, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, 210037, China
- College of Chemical Engineering, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, 210037, China
| | - Jingcong Xie
- Institute of Chemical Industry of Forest Products, CAF, Nanjing, China
| | - Shiping Cao
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center of Efficient Processing and Utilization of Forest Resources, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, 210037, China
- College of Chemical Engineering, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, 210037, China
| | - Haiyan Zhang
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center of Efficient Processing and Utilization of Forest Resources, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, 210037, China
- College of Chemical Engineering, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, 210037, China
| | - Jianjun Pei
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center of Efficient Processing and Utilization of Forest Resources, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, 210037, China
- College of Chemical Engineering, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, 210037, China
| | - Su Bu
- College of Biology and the Environment, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, 210037, China.
| | - Linguo Zhao
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center of Efficient Processing and Utilization of Forest Resources, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, 210037, China.
- College of Chemical Engineering, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, 210037, China.
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He B, Bai X, Tan Y, Xie W, Feng Y, Yang GY. Glycosyltransferases: Mining, engineering and applications in biosynthesis of glycosylated plant natural products. Synth Syst Biotechnol 2022; 7:602-620. [PMID: 35261926 PMCID: PMC8883072 DOI: 10.1016/j.synbio.2022.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2021] [Revised: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 01/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
UDP-Glycosyltransferases (UGTs) catalyze the transfer of nucleotide-activated sugars to specific acceptors, among which the GT1 family enzymes are well-known for their function in biosynthesis of natural product glycosides. Elucidating GT function represents necessary step in metabolic engineering of aglycone glycosylation to produce drug leads, cosmetics, nutrients and sweeteners. In this review, we systematically summarize the phylogenetic distribution and catalytic diversity of plant GTs. We also discuss recent progress in the identification of novel GT candidates for synthesis of plant natural products (PNPs) using multi-omics technology and deep learning predicted models. We also highlight recent advances in rational design and directed evolution engineering strategies for new or improved GT functions. Finally, we cover recent breakthroughs in the application of GTs for microbial biosynthesis of some representative glycosylated PNPs, including flavonoid glycosides (fisetin 3-O-glycosides, astragalin, scutellarein 7-O-glucoside), terpenoid glycosides (rebaudioside A, ginsenosides) and polyketide glycosides (salidroside, polydatin).
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Maharjan R, Fukuda Y, Nakayama T, Nakayama T, Hamada H, Ozaki SI, Inoue T. Structural basis for substrate recognition in the Phytolacca americana glycosyltransferase PaGT3. Acta Crystallogr D Struct Biol 2022; 78:379-389. [PMID: 35234151 PMCID: PMC8900826 DOI: 10.1107/s2059798322000869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Crystal structures of the UDP glycosyltransferase PaGT3 in complex with various ligands are reported. This study sheds light on how the enzyme accommodates sugar acceptors of different shapes and sizes for successful glycosylation. Capsaicinoids are phenolic compounds that have health benefits. However, the pungency and poor water solubility of these compounds limit their exploitation. Glycosylation is a powerful method to improve water solubility and reduce pungency while preserving bioactivity. PaGT3, a uridine diphosphate glycosyltransferase (UGT) from Phytolacca americana, is known for its ability to glycosylate capsaicinoids and other phenolic compounds. While structural information on several UGTs is available, structures of UGTs that can glycosylate a range of phenolic compounds are rare. To fill this gap, crystal structures of PaGT3 with a sugar-donor analogue (UDP-2-fluoroglucose) and the acceptors capsaicin and kaempferol were determined. PaGT3 adopts a GT-B-fold structure that is highly conserved among UGTs. However, the acceptor-binding pocket in PaGT3 is hydrophobic and large, and is surrounded by longer loops. The larger acceptor-binding pocket in PaGT3 allows the enzyme to bind a range of compounds, while the flexibility of the longer loops possibly plays a role in accommodating the acceptors in the binding pocket according to their shape and size. This structural information provides insights into the acceptor-binding mechanism in UGTs that bind multiple substrates.
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Huang W, He Y, Jiang R, Deng Z, Long F. Functional and Structural Dissection of a Plant Steroid 3-O-Glycosyltransferase Facilitated the Engineering Enhancement of Sugar Donor Promiscuity. ACS Catal 2022. [DOI: 10.1021/acscatal.1c05729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Wei Huang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Combinatorial Biosynthesis and Drug Discovery, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Yue He
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Combinatorial Biosynthesis and Drug Discovery, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Renwang Jiang
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmacodynamic Constituents of TCM and New Drugs Research, Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Natural Products, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Zixin Deng
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Combinatorial Biosynthesis and Drug Discovery, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Feng Long
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Combinatorial Biosynthesis and Drug Discovery, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
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Yin Q, Wei Y, Han X, Chen J, Gao H, Sun W. Unraveling the Glucosylation of Astringency Compounds of Horse Chestnut via Integrative Sensory Evaluation, Flavonoid Metabolism, Differential Transcriptome, and Phylogenetic Analysis. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2022; 12:830343. [PMID: 35185970 PMCID: PMC8850972 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2021.830343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The seeds of Chinese horse chestnut are used as a source of starch and escin, whereas the potential use of whole plant has been ignored. The astringency and bitterness of tea produced from the leaves and flowers were found to be significantly better than those of green tea, suggesting that the enriched flavonoids maybe sensory determinates. During 47 flavonoids identified in leaves and flowers, seven flavonol glycosides in the top 10 including astragalin and isoquercitrin were significantly higher content in flowers than in leaves. The crude proteins of flowers could catalyze flavonol glucosides' formation, in which three glycosyltransferases contributed to the flavonol glucosylation were screened out by multi-dimensional integration of transcriptome, evolutionary analyses, recombinant enzymatic analysis and molecular docking. The deep exploration for flavonol profile and glycosylation provides theoretical and experimental basis for utilization of flowers and leaves of Aesculus chinensis as additives and dietary supplements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qinggang Yin
- Artemisinin Research Center, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yiding Wei
- Artemisinin Research Center, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoyan Han
- Beijing Botanical Garden, Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jingwang Chen
- Institute of Food Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Han Gao
- Artemisinin Research Center, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Sun
- Artemisinin Research Center, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
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Zhang M, Yi Y, Gao B, Su H, Bao Y, Shi X, Wang H, Li F, Ye M, Qiao X. Functional Characterization and Protein Engineering of a Triterpene 3‐/6‐/2′‐
O
‐Glycosyltransferase Reveal a Conserved Residue Critical for the Regiospecificity. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.202113587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Meng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs School of Pharmaceutical Sciences Peking University 38 Xueyuan Road Beijing 100191 China
| | - Yang Yi
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs School of Pharmaceutical Sciences Peking University 38 Xueyuan Road Beijing 100191 China
| | - Bai‐Han Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs School of Pharmaceutical Sciences Peking University 38 Xueyuan Road Beijing 100191 China
| | - Hui‐Fei Su
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs School of Pharmaceutical Sciences Peking University 38 Xueyuan Road Beijing 100191 China
| | - Yang‐Oujie Bao
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs School of Pharmaceutical Sciences Peking University 38 Xueyuan Road Beijing 100191 China
| | - Xiao‐Meng Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs School of Pharmaceutical Sciences Peking University 38 Xueyuan Road Beijing 100191 China
| | - Hai‐Dong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs School of Pharmaceutical Sciences Peking University 38 Xueyuan Road Beijing 100191 China
| | - 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 Anhui 230026 China
| | - Min Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs School of Pharmaceutical Sciences Peking University 38 Xueyuan Road Beijing 100191 China
| | - Xue Qiao
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs School of Pharmaceutical Sciences Peking University 38 Xueyuan Road Beijing 100191 China
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Zhang M, Yi Y, Gao BH, Su HF, Bao YO, Shi XM, Wang HD, Li FD, Ye M, Qiao X. Functional Characterization and Protein Engineering of a Triterpene 3-/6-/2'-O-Glycosyltransferase Reveal a Conserved Residue Critical for the Regiospecificity. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2021; 61:e202113587. [PMID: 34894044 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202113587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Engineering the function of triterpene glucosyltransferases (GTs) is challenging due to the large size of the sugar acceptors. In this work, we identified a multifunctional glycosyltransferase AmGT8 catalyzing triterpene 3-/6-/2'-O-glycosylation from the medicinal plant Astragalus membranaceus. To engineer its regiospecificity, a small mutant library was built based on semi-rational design. Variants A394F, A394D, and T131V were found to catalyze specific 6-O, 3-O, and 2'-O glycosylation, respectively. The origin of regioselectivity of AmGT8 and its A394F variant was studied by molecular dynamics and hydrogen deuterium exchange mass spectrometry. Residue 394 is highly conserved as A/G and is critical for the regiospecificity of the C- and O-GTs TcCGT1 and GuGT10/14. Finally, astragalosides III and IV were synthesized by mutants A394F, T131V and P192E. This work reports biocatalysts for saponin synthesis and gives new insights into protein engineering of regioselectivity in plant GTs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, 38 Xueyuan Road, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Yang Yi
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, 38 Xueyuan Road, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Bai-Han Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, 38 Xueyuan Road, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Hui-Fei Su
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, 38 Xueyuan Road, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Yang-Oujie Bao
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, 38 Xueyuan Road, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Xiao-Meng Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, 38 Xueyuan Road, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Hai-Dong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, 38 Xueyuan Road, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - 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, Anhui 230026, China
| | - Min Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, 38 Xueyuan Road, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Xue Qiao
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, 38 Xueyuan Road, Beijing, 100191, China
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Kurze E, Wüst M, Liao J, McGraphery K, Hoffmann T, Song C, Schwab W. Structure-function relationship of terpenoid glycosyltransferases from plants. Nat Prod Rep 2021; 39:389-409. [PMID: 34486004 DOI: 10.1039/d1np00038a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Covering: up to 2021Terpenoids are physiologically active substances that are of great importance to humans. Their physicochemical properties are modified by glycosylation, in terms of polarity, volatility, solubility and reactivity, and their bioactivities are altered accordingly. Significant scientific progress has been made in the functional study of glycosylated terpenes and numerous plant enzymes involved in regio- and enantioselective glycosylation have been characterized, a reaction that remains chemically challenging. Crucial clues to the mechanism of terpenoid glycosylation were recently provided by the first crystal structures of a diterpene glycosyltransferase UGT76G1. Here, we review biochemically characterized terpenoid glycosyltransferases, compare their functions and primary structures, discuss their acceptor and donor substrate tolerance and product specificity, and elaborate features of the 3D structures of the first terpenoid glycosyltransferases from plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth Kurze
- Biotechnology of Natural Products, TUM School of Life Sciences, Technische Universität München, Liesel-Beckmann-Str. 1, 85354 Freising, Germany.
| | - Matthias Wüst
- Chair of Food Chemistry, Institute of Nutritional and Food Sciences, University of Bonn, Endenicher Allee 19C, 53115 Bonn, Germany.
| | - Jieren Liao
- Biotechnology of Natural Products, TUM School of Life Sciences, Technische Universität München, Liesel-Beckmann-Str. 1, 85354 Freising, Germany.
| | - Kate McGraphery
- Biotechnology of Natural Products, TUM School of Life Sciences, Technische Universität München, Liesel-Beckmann-Str. 1, 85354 Freising, Germany.
| | - Thomas Hoffmann
- Biotechnology of Natural Products, TUM School of Life Sciences, Technische Universität München, Liesel-Beckmann-Str. 1, 85354 Freising, Germany.
| | - Chuankui Song
- State Key Laboratory of Tea Plant Biology and Utilization, International Joint Laboratory on Tea Chemistry and Health Effects, Anhui Agricultural University Hefei, Anhui 230036, People's Republic of China.
| | - Wilfried Schwab
- Biotechnology of Natural Products, TUM School of Life Sciences, Technische Universität München, Liesel-Beckmann-Str. 1, 85354 Freising, Germany. .,State Key Laboratory of Tea Plant Biology and Utilization, International Joint Laboratory on Tea Chemistry and Health Effects, Anhui Agricultural University Hefei, Anhui 230036, People's Republic of China.
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