Sinapoyltransferase

Sinapoyltransferases are a class of plant enzymes belonging to the serine carboxypeptidase-like (SCPL) acyltransferase family (Milkowski & Strack, 2004). They catalyze the transfer of sinapoyl moieties from 1-O-sinapoyl-beta-D-glucose to various acceptor molecules, such as malate, choline, and anthocyanins, to form sinapate esters (Stehling et al., 2009). These esters are crucial for plant health, providing protection against ultraviolet (UV-B) radiation and acting as precursors for lignin and other defensive compounds (Lehfeldt et al., 2000). For example, sinapoylmalate is a major UV-screening pigment in the leaves of Arabidopsis thaliana, while sinapine (sinapoylcholine) is a significant storage compound in seeds (Fraser et al., 2007). Because these enzymes are specific to plant metabolic pathways, they are not considered therapeutic targets for human medicine, and no drugs have been developed to interact with them (UniProt Consortium, 2023). Research on sinapoyltransferases is primarily directed toward agricultural applications, such as enhancing plant stress tolerance or modifying nutritional content in crops like rapeseed (Nair et al., 2004).

Other names

1-O-sinapoyl-beta-D-glucose:choline sinapoyltransferase1-O-sinapoyl-beta-D-glucose:L-malate sinapoyltransferaseSinapoylglucose—choline O-sinapoyltransferaseSinapoylglucose—malate O-sinapoyltransferaseSCPL acyltransferase