Biochemical Characterization of UGT74B1 in Glucosinolate Biosynthesis: Tools for Understanding Natural Product Production
Disciplines
Cell Biology | Molecular Biology
Abstract (300 words maximum)
Plant natural products hold significant potential for various nutritional and pharmaceutical applications. Among them, glucosinolates (β-D-thioglucoside-N-hydroxysulfates) are sulfur-rich, nitrogen-containing secondary metabolites primarily found in Brassica plants (e.g., broccoli, mustard, and oilseed rape) and the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana. Due to their diverse bioactivities, ranging from anti-herbivory defense in plants to anti-cancer properties in humans, glucosinolates have garnered significant research interest. As participants in the 2024–2025 First-Year Scholars Program at Kennesaw State University, our research team aims to elucidate the biochemical and structural basis of the core enzymes and regulatory proteins involved in glucosinolate biosynthesis, an economically important class of natural products. Since Fall 2024, we have identified and characterized UGT74B1, a UDP-dependent glycosyltransferase (UGT) enzyme, which plays a key role in the glucosinolate biosynthetic pathway in Arabidopsis thaliana. Specifically, we have developed optimal strategies for overexpressing and purifying UGT74B1 using a heterologous expression system in Escherichia coli. This research will provide insights into the three-dimensional structure of UGT74B1 and explore how modifications in glycosylation patterns regulate glucosinolate levels. Ultimately, this work will support the development of strategies to enhance glucosinolate production, potentially benefiting human health.
Academic department under which the project should be listed
CSM - Molecular and Cellular Biology
Primary Investigator (PI) Name
Soon Goo Lee
Biochemical Characterization of UGT74B1 in Glucosinolate Biosynthesis: Tools for Understanding Natural Product Production
Plant natural products hold significant potential for various nutritional and pharmaceutical applications. Among them, glucosinolates (β-D-thioglucoside-N-hydroxysulfates) are sulfur-rich, nitrogen-containing secondary metabolites primarily found in Brassica plants (e.g., broccoli, mustard, and oilseed rape) and the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana. Due to their diverse bioactivities, ranging from anti-herbivory defense in plants to anti-cancer properties in humans, glucosinolates have garnered significant research interest. As participants in the 2024–2025 First-Year Scholars Program at Kennesaw State University, our research team aims to elucidate the biochemical and structural basis of the core enzymes and regulatory proteins involved in glucosinolate biosynthesis, an economically important class of natural products. Since Fall 2024, we have identified and characterized UGT74B1, a UDP-dependent glycosyltransferase (UGT) enzyme, which plays a key role in the glucosinolate biosynthetic pathway in Arabidopsis thaliana. Specifically, we have developed optimal strategies for overexpressing and purifying UGT74B1 using a heterologous expression system in Escherichia coli. This research will provide insights into the three-dimensional structure of UGT74B1 and explore how modifications in glycosylation patterns regulate glucosinolate levels. Ultimately, this work will support the development of strategies to enhance glucosinolate production, potentially benefiting human health.