Rhamnogalacturonan lyase: a pectin modification enzyme of higher plants

Abstract

Plant cell wall is constituted by three main polysaccharides: cellulose, hemicellulose and pectin. The principal pectin domains comprise homogalacturonan, rhamnogalacturonan I (RG-I) and ramnogalacturonan II. Rhamnogalacturonan lyase (RGL) enzyme is capable of catalyzing the degradation of the RG-I backbone by a b-elimination mechanism. RGL enzyme have been studied in fungi and bacteria species, however, little data is available related with its function in plant biology. This review tries to fill the gaps on the knowledge about RGL enzyme. Here, we discuss our recent published work regarding the role of RGL in plants. In addition, we highlight results from different sequence analysis, RGL activity and function associated with plant development and fruit ripening, as well as its role in cell wall structure. The knowledge of this enzyme is essential to comprehend and elucidate its role in plant and fruit physiology.