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Updated: Jun 19, 2026
09:27
Rapid One-step Enzymatic Synthesis and All-aqueous Purification of Trehalose Analogues
Published on: February 17, 2017
Trehalose metabolism: from osmoprotection to signaling
Gabriel Iturriaga1, Ramón Suárez1, Barbara Nova-Franco1
1Centro de Investigación en Biotecnología-UAEM, Av. Universidad 1001, Col. Chamilpa, Cuernavaca 62209, Morelos, Mexico.
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|October 30, 2009
Summary
Trehalose, a sugar found in nature, protects organisms from dehydration and has biotechnological uses. Its biosynthesis genes are widespread, and it plays key roles in plant development and interactions.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Plant Science
- Microbiology
Background:
- Trehalose is a non-reducing disaccharide composed of two glucose units.
- It is found in various organisms like bacteria, fungi, invertebrates, and plants, enabling survival in dehydrated states.
- Trehalose possesses unique physicochemical properties beneficial for biotechnological applications, including preservation of food, enzymes, vaccines, and cells at room temperature.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the diverse functions and applications of trehalose.
- To highlight the significance of trehalose biosynthesis genes.
- To investigate the role of trehalose in plant development and plant-microorganism interactions.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of trehalose properties and functions.
- Analysis of trehalose biosynthesis pathways and gene distribution.
- Examination of trehalose's role in plant physiology and ecological interactions.
Main Results:
- Trehalose enables organisms to withstand extreme dehydration and aids in revival upon rehydration.
- Genes for trehalose biosynthesis are present in many organisms, even those not accumulating high levels of trehalose.
- Trehalose is crucial for plant development (embryogenesis, flowering), carbon metabolism, photosynthesis, and plant-microorganism interactions.
Conclusions:
- Trehalose is a vital protectant molecule with broad biotechnological potential.
- The widespread presence of trehalose biosynthesis genes suggests ancient evolutionary origins and diverse regulatory mechanisms.
- Trehalose plays multifaceted roles in plants, impacting development, metabolism, and symbiotic relationships.
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