Pectate lyase

Plant polypeptides that hydrolytically cleave pectin polymers enzymatically. They are of great allergological interest as various marker allergens, e.g. Amb a 1 of ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia), species v 6 of mugwort (Artemia vulgaris) Cry j 1 of Arizona cypress or Cup a 1 of Japanese cedar belong to this enzyme group.

Pectinases are polypeptides and can be classified according to their substrates, the methyl esterified pectins as well as the polygalacturonic acid (pectate), and according to their reaction mechanism, beta elimination or hydrolysis (e.g. pectate lyase). Pectate lyases play a role as enzymes in the ripening and rotting process of plant tissue. In pollen, pectate lyases are activated during their development phase to enable the growth and discharge of the pollen tube through the enzymatic degradation of the pectin-containing cell wall.

1. Cho Y et al (2015) A Pectate Lyase Coding Genes Abundantly Expressed during Early Stages of Infection Is Required for Full Virulence in Alternaria brassicicola. PLoS One 10:e0127140.
2. Fu L et al (2015) Characterization of Cell-Death-Inducing Members of the Pectate Lyase Gene Family in Phytophthora capsici and Their Contributions to Infection of Pepper. Mol Plant Microbe Interact 28:766-775.
3. Pichler U et al (2015) Pectate lyase pollen allergens: sensitization profiles and cross-reactivity pattern. PLoS One 10:e0120038.