The GH3 Family of Acyl Acid-Amido Synthetases: Structural and Biochemical Studies of Hormone-Amino Acid Conjugation
Date of Award
Winter 12-15-2013
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Degree Type
Dissertation
Abstract
Plants respond to a multitude of signals and adapt to maximize
survivability and reproduction. To accomplish this, plants use a variety of small
molecules called plant hormones, or phytohormones. These molecules,
synthesized from primary metabolites, lead to large-scale changes in the plant
throughout development. As small changes in hormone concentration has major
impacts, their synthesis, inactivation, and degradation are tightly controlled. One
such control mechanism is the attachment of amino acids to acidic hormones via
the formation of an amide bond. The GH3 family of enzymes is responsible for
formation of these conjugates, but little is known about their function. My thesis
work examines the GH3 enzymes from Arabidopsis thaliana, focusing on three
family members, AtGH3.5, AtGH3.11, and AtGH3.12. Additionally, my work aims
to understand the role of the aromatic amino acid precursor chorismate in both
AtGH3.12 and chorismate mutase function.
Language
English (en)
Chair and Committee
Joseph M Jez
Committee Members
Robert E Blankenship, Barbara N Kunkel, Thomas J Smith, Lucia C Strader, Hani S Zaher
Recommended Citation
Westfall, Corey Stephen, "The GH3 Family of Acyl Acid-Amido Synthetases: Structural and Biochemical Studies of Hormone-Amino Acid Conjugation" (2013). Arts & Sciences Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 33.
https://openscholarship.wustl.edu/art_sci_etds/33
Comments
Permanent URL: https://doi.org/10.7936/K7GT5K34