The UDP-glycosyltransferase (UGT) superfamily expressed in humans, insects and plants: Animal⿿plant arms-race and co-evolution

[Display omitted] UDP-glycosyltransferases (UGTs) are major phase II enzymes of a detoxification system evolved in all kingdoms of life. Lipophilic endobiotics such as hormones and xenobiotics including phytoalexins and drugs are conjugated by vertebrates mainly with glucuronic acid, by invertebrate...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Biochemical pharmacology 2016-01, Vol.99, p.11-17
Main Author: Bock, Karl Walter
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animals
Biological Evolution
Gene Expression Regulation, Enzymologic
Glucosinolates
Glucuronosyltransferase - biosynthesis
Glucuronosyltransferase - genetics
Humans
Insecta - enzymology
Insecta - genetics
Phylogeny
Phytoalexins
Plants - enzymology
Plants - genetics
Quercetin
Species Specificity
UDP-glycosyltransferases
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Summary:[Display omitted] UDP-glycosyltransferases (UGTs) are major phase II enzymes of a detoxification system evolved in all kingdoms of life. Lipophilic endobiotics such as hormones and xenobiotics including phytoalexins and drugs are conjugated by vertebrates mainly with glucuronic acid, by invertebrates and plants mainly with glucose. Plant⿿herbivore arms-race has been the major driving force for evolution of large UGT and other enzyme superfamilies. The UGT superfamily is defined by a common protein structure and signature sequence of 44 amino acids responsible for binding the UDP moiety of the sugar donor. Plants developed toxic phytoalexins stored as glucosides. Upon herbivore attack these conjugates are converted to highly reactive compounds. In turn, animals developed large families of UGTs in their intestine and liver to detoxify these phytoalexins. Interestingly, phytoalexins, exemplified by quercetin glucuronides and glucosinolate-derived isocyanates, are known insect attractant pigments in plants, and antioxidants, anti-inflammatory and chemopreventive compounds of humans. It is to be anticipated that phytochemicals may provide a rich source in beneficial drugs.
ISSN:0006-2952
1873-2968
DOI:10.1016/j.bcp.2015.10.001