Identification of a flavonoid 7-O-glucosyltransferase from Andrographis paniculata

Abstract

Andrographis paniculata is an important traditional medicinal herb in which flavonoids are part of the primary specialized metabolites. A flavonoid glucosyltransferase with broad substrate spectrum (named ApUGT3) was successfully identified by screening homologous glycosyltransferase genes from A. paniculata. The enzyme displayed glycosylation activity toward multiple flavonoids in vitro, and the major products were identified as 7-O-glucosides. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that ApUGT3 is the first reported glycosyltransferase from the Acanthaceae family that belongs to cluster I, suggesting that ApUGT3 is a new flavonoid glycosyltransferase of this subcluster. This enzyme is potentially useful as powerful glycosylation catalysts to modify flavonoid-like compounds and improve their biological activities.

Keywords:

• Flavonoid
• 7-O-glucosyltransferase
• Andrographis paniculata

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This work was financially supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China (81891010, 81891013, 81673547), the Key project at central government level: The ability establishment of sustainable use for valuable Chinese medicine resources (Grant No. 2060302), and the Support Project of High-level Teachers in Beijing Municipal Universities in the Period of 13th 5-year Plan (CIT&TCD20170324), and National Program for Special Support of Eminent Professionals.