FLAVONOID METABOLON FORMATION IN CITRUS SINENSIS

Abstract

The flavonoid metabolon has been previously theorized and researched, but little work has been done on the mapping of later pathway and periphery enzymes. This research has demonstrated novel characterizations of interactions among glucosyltransferases (GTs) and the primary flavonoid pathway as well as created rapid assays for the characterization of protein-protein interactions of multiple classes of enzymes. Additionally, several assays have been created for the analysis of membrane bound P450 class enzymes, specifically Flavone Synthase II (FNSII). These procedures will allow for the rapid assaying of a wide variety of enzymes alongside partner groups of various experience levels. The putative flavonoid metabolon structure of Citrus sinensis differs from previously examined Arabidopsis thaliana and may provide insight into the stabilizing effects of periphery pathway enzymes. Genetic differences between blond and blood cultivars of sweet orange were also identified as potential binding sequences in GT enzymes.