Cellulose synthase (UDP-forming) (CesA)

Cellulose synthase is a membrane-bound enzyme complex essential for the synthesis of cellulose, the primary structural component of plant cell walls and some microbial biofilms [UniProt]. It belongs to the glycosyltransferase family 2 (GT2) and catalyzes the polymerization of UDP-glucose into beta-1,4-glucan chains [PubMed]. In plants, multiple Cellulose Synthase (CesA) subunits assemble into large rosette terminal complexes (RTCs) that move through the plasma membrane, guided by the underlying microtubule cytoskeleton [Wikipedia]. Because cellulose is absent in humans, this enzyme represents a highly selective target for herbicides, which disrupt plant growth without direct toxicity to mammals [PubChem]. Commercial herbicides like isoxaben and indaziflam act by inhibiting the activity or assembly of these complexes, leading to cell wall collapse and seedling death [PubMed]. Research is also investigating cellulose synthase-like enzymes in pathogenic bacteria and fungi as potential targets for anti-infective therapies, particularly to disrupt biofilm formation [PubMed].

Other names

UDP-glucose:1,4-beta-D-glucan 4-beta-D-glucosyltransferase1,4-beta-glucan synthaseCellulose synthase (UDP-forming)CesA

Inhibition of the polymerization of UDP-glucose into beta-1,4-glucan chains or disruption of the assembly of the cellulose synthase complex.