Plant diseases pose significant challenges to agricultural productivity, presenting formidable hurdles that require urgent attention. Left unchecked, these diseases can spread rapidly, inflicting widespread damage on crops and leading to reduced yields and substantial economic losses. Therefore, accurately identifying the pathogens responsible for these diseases is crucial. This identification allows for targeted interventions that minimize risks and effectively mitigate the agricultural impacts.

Xanthomonas species are notorious plant pathogens that affect a broad spectrum of hosts, including key crops like rice, wheat, and tomatoes. These pathogens augment their pathogenicity by utilizing α-1,6-cyclized β-1,2-glucohexadecaose (CβG16α) to suppress essential plant defense mechanisms, such as the expression of pathogenesis-related proteins and the accumulation of callose.

In a recent breakthrough published on June 19, 2024, in the Journal of the American Chemical Society, a team of researchers led by Associate Professor Masahiro Nakajima from Tokyo University of Science unveiled a significant discovery. They identified XccOpgD, a glycoside hydrolase (GH186) found in X. campestris pv campestris which plays a pivotal role in the biosynthesis of CβG16α. The research team also included Mr. Sei Motouchi from Tokyo University of Science, Principal Scientist Shiro Komba from the Institute of Food Research, NARO, and Hiroyuki Nakai from Niigata University.

"Glycan structures are intricate and multifaceted and fulfill diverse crucial roles in nature and organisms. Enzymes synthesize and degrade glycans, exhibiting diverse structures and functions that correspond to the glycan diversity. However, our understanding of these enzymes is still limited, which drives the search for new enzymes with varied new potentials," explains Prof. Nakajima, elaborating on the study's rationale.

The team conducted biochemical analysis to elucidate the role of XccOpgD in CβG16α biosynthesis. Advanced techniques such as X-ray crystallography were employed as structural analysis to unravel the enzyme's catalytic mechanism and substrate specificity.

These efforts have yielded profound insights. XccOpgD belongs to the GH186 family, essential for regulating bacterial cell wall components. Unlike the first identified GH186 enzymes, XccOpgD exhibits an unprecedented enzymatic mechanism known as anomer-inverting transglycosylation.

Image title: Conversion of linear β-1,2-glucan to cyclic compound
Image caption: Scientists identified the cyclic compound as CβG16α.
Image credit: Masahiro Nakajima from Tokyo University of Science
License type: Original Content
Usage restrictions: Cannot be reused without permission

"Reactions of typical GH enzymes are classified into four types by combination of retaining or inverting, and reaction with water (hydrolysis) or sugar (transglycosylation) theoretically. However, one classification is missing somehow in a long history of researches on carbohydrate associated enzymes and we discovered the missing classification. This breakthrough was made possible by unique structural environment, opening new possibilities for enzyme-based glycosylation," explains Prof. Nakajima. Moreover, the sugar chains synthesized through this mechanism are not merely minor components but rather essential structures utilized by various Gram-negative bacteria in nature for pathogenic purposes.

Detailed studies revealed that linear β-1,2-glucan was converted to cyclic compound and the compound was identified as CβG16α using nuclear magnetic resonance. Structural analysis of the Michaelis complex identified crucial substrate binding residues, further elucidating specific interactions along the glucan chain. Notably, XccOpgD utilizes an anomer-inverting transglycosylation mechanism, with D379 and D291 playing pivotal roles as catalysts.

These findings deepen our understanding and open avenues for developing targeted strategies against Xanthomonas-induced plant diseases. "We are expecting a pesticide concept targeting this enzyme homolog in the future. Unlike fungicides that promote the emergence of drug-resistant bacteria in soil, targeting this enzyme could potentially inhibit pathogenicity without causing sterilization. Enzyme homologs identified in this study may serve as promising structure-based drug targets, offering a potential solution to the issue of drug-resistant bacteria," says a hopeful Prof. Nakajima.

The discovery of XccOpgD and its role in CβG16α biosynthesis marks a major breakthrough in agriculture. It promises enhanced resilience and food security while mitigating environmental impacts linked to conventional pesticides. Overall, this advancement offers sustainable solutions to global agricultural challenges, promoting environmental stewardship and economic viability for farmers worldwide.

Image title: Unveiling XccOpgD: Key Player in Plant Pathogen Defense
Image caption: Scientists uncover XccOpgD's role in enhancing Xanthomonas pathogenicity.
Image credit: Masahiro Nakajima from Tokyo University of Science
License type: Original Content
Usage restrictions: Cannot be reused without permission

About The Tokyo University of Science

Tokyo University of Science (TUS) is a well-known and respected university, and the largest science-specialized private research university in Japan, with four campuses in central Tokyo and its suburbs and in Hokkaido. Established in 1881, the university has continually contributed to Japan's development in science through inculcating the love for science in researchers, technicians, and educators.

With a mission of "Creating science and technology for the harmonious development of nature, human beings, and society," TUS has undertaken a wide range of research from basic to applied science. TUS has embraced a multidisciplinary approach to research and undertaken intensive study in some of today's most vital fields. TUS is a meritocracy where the best in science is recognized and nurtured. It is the only private university in Japan that has produced a Nobel Prize winner and the only private university in Asia to produce Nobel Prize winners within the natural sciences field.