Enzymatic properties of UDP-glycosyltransferase 89B1 from radish and modulation of enzyme catalytic activity via loop region mutation

Abstract

Glycosyltransferases (GTs), crucial enzymes in plants, alter natural substances through glycosylation, a process with extensive applications in pharmaceuticals, food, and cosmetics. This study narrows its focus to GT family 1, specifically UDP-glycosyltransferases (UGTs), which are known for glycosylating small phenolic compounds, especially hydroxybenzoates. We delve into the workings of Raphanus sativus glucosyltransferase (Rs89B1), a homolog of Arabidopsis thaliana UGT89B1, and its mutant to explore their glycosyltransferase activities toward hydroxybenzoates. Our findings reveal that Rs89B1 glycosylates primarily the para-position of mono-, di-, trihydroxy benzoic acids, and its substrate affinity is swayed by the presence and position of the hydroxyl group on the benzene ring of hydroxybenzoate. Moreover, mutations in the loop region of Rs89B1 impact both substrate affinity and catalytic activity. The study demonstrates that insertional/deletional mutations in non-conserved regions, which are distant from the UGT’s recognition site, can have an effect on the UGT’s substrate recognition site, which in turn affects acceptor substrate selectivity and glycosyltransferase activity. This research uncovers new insights suggesting that mutations in the loop region could potentially fine-tune enzyme properties and enhance its catalytic activity. These findings not only have significant implications for enzyme engineering in biotechnological applications but also contribute to a more profound understanding of this field.