Biochemical and Structural Characterization of UDP-glycosyltransferases (UGTs) in the Stevia Biosynthetic Pathway
Disciplines
Laboratory and Basic Science Research | Molecular, Genetic, and Biochemical Nutrition | Molecular Genetics
Abstract (300 words maximum)
The overconsumption of sugar has plunged our population into a worldwide health crisis, including issues such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. Identifying low or non-calorie sweeteners and researching their biosynthetic pathways are crucial for addressing numerous health issues. Our research on Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni-derived Stevia, a potent natural sweetener, aims to comprehensively elucidate its biosynthetic pathways. As a 2024 CSM Mentor-Protégé Fellow and an Honors Research Assistant (HON 3002), we are particularly interested in the UDP-glycosyltransferases (UGTs) that catalyze the production of steviol glycosides. Our objective is to decipher the molecular mechanisms of core UGT enzymes and determine their three-dimensional structures for innovative protein engineering approaches. The insights gained from these pathways are expected to enable the development of novel and flexible methods for engineering protein activities and enhancing their effectiveness. This work contributes not only to our scientific understanding of plant-based sweeteners but also offers practical strategies for tackling global health challenges such as diabetes.
Academic department under which the project should be listed
CSM - Molecular and Cellular Biology
Primary Investigator (PI) Name
Soon Goo Lee
Biochemical and Structural Characterization of UDP-glycosyltransferases (UGTs) in the Stevia Biosynthetic Pathway
The overconsumption of sugar has plunged our population into a worldwide health crisis, including issues such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. Identifying low or non-calorie sweeteners and researching their biosynthetic pathways are crucial for addressing numerous health issues. Our research on Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni-derived Stevia, a potent natural sweetener, aims to comprehensively elucidate its biosynthetic pathways. As a 2024 CSM Mentor-Protégé Fellow and an Honors Research Assistant (HON 3002), we are particularly interested in the UDP-glycosyltransferases (UGTs) that catalyze the production of steviol glycosides. Our objective is to decipher the molecular mechanisms of core UGT enzymes and determine their three-dimensional structures for innovative protein engineering approaches. The insights gained from these pathways are expected to enable the development of novel and flexible methods for engineering protein activities and enhancing their effectiveness. This work contributes not only to our scientific understanding of plant-based sweeteners but also offers practical strategies for tackling global health challenges such as diabetes.