• Background Transglutaminases have been studied in plants since ’87 within investigation aimed at interpreting some of the molecular mechanisms of growth and differentiation exerted by polyamines. Transglutaminases are a widely distributed enzyme family having a myriad of biological reactions in animals. In plants the catalysis of the post-translational modification of proteins by polyamines forming inter- or intra-molecular cross-links has been mainly studied. •Characteristics of plant transglutaminases The few plant transglutaminases sequenced so far have a scarce sequence homology with the best known animal enzymes, except for the catalytic triad, however they share a possible structural homology; proofs of their catalytic activity are: i) their ability to produce glutamyl-polyamine derivatives, ii) their recognition by animal transglutaminase antibodies, iii) biochemical features, such as calcium dependency, etc. However many of their fundamental biochemical and physiological properties still remain elusive. • Transglutaminase is ubiquitous Its activity has been detected in algae and in Angiosperms in different organs and sub-cellular compartments, chloroplasts being the most studied organelle. • Possible roles concern the structure modification of specific protein substrates. In chloroplasts transglutaminases appear to stabilise the photosynthetic complexes and Rubisco, being regulated by light and other factors, possibly exerting a positive effect on photosynthesis and photoprotection. In the cytoplasm, they modify cytoskeletal proteins. Preliminary reports suggest an involvement in the cell wall construction/organization. Other roles appear to be related to plant fertilisation, abiotic and biotic stresses, senescence and programmed cell death, including hypersensitive reaction. • Conclusions The widespread location of transglutaminases in all organs and cell compartments studied until now suggests the relevance of their yet to be fully defined physiological roles. At present, it is not possible to classify this enzyme family in plants, due to the scarce information of their codifying genes.

Transglutaminases: Widespread Cross-linking Enzymes in Plants

SERAFINI FRACASSINI, DONATELLA;DEL DUCA, STEFANO
2008

Abstract

• Background Transglutaminases have been studied in plants since ’87 within investigation aimed at interpreting some of the molecular mechanisms of growth and differentiation exerted by polyamines. Transglutaminases are a widely distributed enzyme family having a myriad of biological reactions in animals. In plants the catalysis of the post-translational modification of proteins by polyamines forming inter- or intra-molecular cross-links has been mainly studied. •Characteristics of plant transglutaminases The few plant transglutaminases sequenced so far have a scarce sequence homology with the best known animal enzymes, except for the catalytic triad, however they share a possible structural homology; proofs of their catalytic activity are: i) their ability to produce glutamyl-polyamine derivatives, ii) their recognition by animal transglutaminase antibodies, iii) biochemical features, such as calcium dependency, etc. However many of their fundamental biochemical and physiological properties still remain elusive. • Transglutaminase is ubiquitous Its activity has been detected in algae and in Angiosperms in different organs and sub-cellular compartments, chloroplasts being the most studied organelle. • Possible roles concern the structure modification of specific protein substrates. In chloroplasts transglutaminases appear to stabilise the photosynthetic complexes and Rubisco, being regulated by light and other factors, possibly exerting a positive effect on photosynthesis and photoprotection. In the cytoplasm, they modify cytoskeletal proteins. Preliminary reports suggest an involvement in the cell wall construction/organization. Other roles appear to be related to plant fertilisation, abiotic and biotic stresses, senescence and programmed cell death, including hypersensitive reaction. • Conclusions The widespread location of transglutaminases in all organs and cell compartments studied until now suggests the relevance of their yet to be fully defined physiological roles. At present, it is not possible to classify this enzyme family in plants, due to the scarce information of their codifying genes.
2008
Serafini-Fracassini D; Del Duca S.
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/11585/57497
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