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Updated: Feb 7, 2026
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Targeting Cysteine Thiols for in Vitro Site-specific Glycosylation of Recombinant Proteins
Published on: October 4, 2017
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Function of N-glycosylation in plants
Yukihiro Nagashima1, Antje von Schaewen2, Hisashi Koiwa1
1Department of Horticultural Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA.
Summary
Complex N-glycans in plants are crucial for protein folding and quality control in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Their distinct structures and functions impact cellulose biosynthesis and stress tolerance.
Area of Science:
- Plant Biology
- Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Protein N-glycosylation is a key post-translational modification in eukaryotes.
- In lower eukaryotes, N-glycans primarily support protein folding and quality control in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER).
- Complex N-glycans in multicellular organisms are vital for development and immunity, but their roles in plants remain largely unexplored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the functions of complex N-glycans in plants.
- To understand the impact of N-glycan structures on protein homeostasis and cellular processes in plants.
- To explore the genetic basis and physiological relevance of plant-specific N-glycans.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of plant-specific glycosyltransferases.
- Genetic studies to assess the impact of N-glycosylation defects.
- Investigating the unfolded protein response (UPR) and ER protein quality control (ERQC) pathways.
Main Results:
- Plant complex N-glycans exhibit unique structures due to plant-specific glycosyltransferases.
- Severe underglycosylation triggers UPR and ERQC pathways, indicating protein misfolding.
- Genetic studies highlight the importance of complex N-glycans in cellulose biosynthesis and plant growth under stress.
Conclusions:
- Complex N-glycans play essential roles in maintaining protein homeostasis in plants.
- Plant N-glycans are critical for fundamental processes like cellulose synthesis and stress adaptation.
- Further research is needed to fully elucidate the diverse functions of plant N-glycans.
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