Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 30, 2025

Author Spotlight: Integrating Biochemical Functions of β-Glucanases and Peroxidase Enzymes in Wheat-RWA Interaction
Published on: July 26, 2024
A cellulose synthase-derived enzyme catalyses 3-O-glucuronosylation in saponin biosynthesis
Soo Yeon Chung1, Hikaru Seki1,2, Yukiko Fujisawa3
1Department of Biotechnology, Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka University, 2-1, Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan.
Abstract:
Triterpenoid saponins are specialised metabolites distributed widely in the plant kingdom that consist of one or more sugar moieties attached to triterpenoid aglycones. Despite the widely accepted view that glycosylation is catalysed by UDP-dependent glycosyltransferase (UGT), the UGT which catalyses the transfer of the conserved glucuronic acid moiety at the C-3 position of glycyrrhizin and various soyasaponins has not been determined. Here, we report that a cellulose synthase superfamily-derived glycosyltransferase (CSyGT) catalyses 3-O-glucuronosylation of triterpenoid aglycones. Gene co-expression analyses of three legume species (Glycyrrhiza uralensis, Glycine max, and Lotus japonicus) reveal the involvement of CSyGTs in saponin biosynthesis, and we characterise CSyGTs in vivo using Saccharomyces cerevisiae. CSyGT mutants of L. japonicus do not accumulate soyasaponin, but the ectopic expression of endoplasmic reticulum membrane-localised CSyGTs in a L. japonicus mutant background successfully complement soyasaponin biosynthesis. Finally, we produced glycyrrhizin de novo in yeast, paving the way for sustainable production of high-value saponins.
Related Concept Videos
Role of Microtubules in Cell Wall Deposition
Oligosaccharide Assembly
Multiple sugar molecules that may or may...
Biosynthesis of Polysaccharides
Cellulose and Pectic Polysaccharides
As a cell matures, its cell wall specializes according to its type. For example, the...
Protein Glycosylation
Glycosylation occurs in...
Drug Metabolism: Phase II Reactions

