Natural product C-glycosyltransferases – a scarcely characterised enzymatic activity with biotechnological potential?

Natural Product Reports Pub Date: 2020-10-02 DOI: 10.1039/D0NP00040J

Abstract

Covering: up to 2020

C-Glycosyltransferases are enzymes that catalyse the transfer of sugar molecules to carbon atoms in substituted aromatic rings of a variety of natural products. The resulting β-C-glycosidic bond is more stable in vivo than most O-glycosidic bonds, hence offering an attractive modulation of a variety of compounds with multiple biological activities. While C-glycosylated natural products have been known for centuries, our knowledge of corresponding C-glycosyltransferases is scarce. Here, we discuss commonalities and differences in the known C-glycosyltransferases, review attempts to leverage them as synthetic biocatalysts, and discuss current challenges and limitations in their research and application.

Graphical abstract: Natural product C-glycosyltransferases – a scarcely characterised enzymatic activity with biotechnological potential
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