Rutinosidase and other diglycosidases: Rising stars in biotechnology

• Published in: Biotechnology advances 2023-11, Vol.68, p.108217, Article 108217
• Main Authors: Křen, Vladimír, Bojarová, Pavla
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Aspergillus; Diglycosidase; Glycobiology; Primeverosidase; Rutinosidase; Transglycosylation
• ISSN: 0734-9750; 1873-1899; 1873-1899
• DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2023.108217

Diglycosidases are a special class of glycosidases (EC 3.2.1) that catalyze the separation of intact disaccharide moieties from the aglycone part. The main diglycosidase representatives comprise rutinosidases that cleave rutinose (α-l-Rha-(1–6)-β-d-Glc) from rutin or other rutinosides, and (iso)primeverosidases processing (iso)primeverosides (d-Xyl-(1–6)-β-d-Glc), but other activities are known. Notably, some diglycosidases may be ranked as monoglucosidases with enlarged substrate specificity. Diglycosidases are found in various microorganisms and plants. Diglycosidases are used in the food industry for aroma enhancement and flavor modification. Besides their hydrolytic activity, they also possess pronounced synthetic (transglycosylating) capabilities. Recently, they have been demonstrated to glycosylate various substrates in a high yield, including peculiar species like inorganic azide or carboxylic acids, which is a unique feature in biocatalysis. Rhamnose-containing compounds such as rutinose are currently receiving increased attention due to their proven activity in anti-cancer and dermatological experimental studies. This review demonstrates the vast and yet underrated biotechnological potential of diglycosidases from various sources (plant, microbial), and reveals perspectives on the use of these catalysts as well as of their products in biotechnology. •Diglycosidases catalyze the cleavage of the intact disaccharide from the glycoside.•Diglycosidases are used in the food industry to improve aroma and modify the flavor.•Besides hydrolytic activity, they also possess pronounced synthetic capabilities.•Rutinosidases can glycosylate acceptors such as phenols, inorganic azide, or carboxylic acids.•Rutinose and rutinosides receive attention in anticancer and dermatological applications.