How to address the function of a member of a prolific gene family encoding a multifunctional enzyme? The case of a Catharanthus roseus class III peroxidase involved in alkaloid biosynthesis

• Type: Article in International Conference Proceedings Book
• Date: 2003

Authors

Sottomayor, M (Author) FCUP; Barcelo, AR (Author) Other

Conference proceedings International

Title: PROCEEDINGS OF THE XII INTERNATIONAL CONGRESS ON GENES, GENE FAMILIES, AND ISOZYMES

Pages: 217-221

12th International Congress on Genes, Gene Families and Isozymes

Berlin, GERMANY, JUL 19-24, 2003

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 1 Citation

Scientific classification

FOS: Natural sciences > Biological sciences

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-000-KGA

Abstract (EN): Class III peroxidases (PRXs) are characteristic of plants and they form a gene family counting 73 genes in Arabidopsis. They arc highly plastic, multifunctional enzymes able to oxidise a wide spectrum of substrates in vitro, a fact that makes it difficult to confirm each individual function. In Catharanthus roseus, we have purified, characterized and cloned a basic PRX capable of performing, in vitro, the dimerization reaction leading to alpha-3',4'-anhydrovinblastine (AVLB), the direct precursor of two anticancer alkaloids. This basic PRX was the single PRX detected in leaves, and cytochemical and homology studies indicated a subcellular localization in the vacuole, together with the alkaloids. The merging of all gathered information points to a function of the enzyme as AVLB synthase, possibly involving a mechanism of metabolic channelling.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 5