Arabinoxylans

Arabinoxylans are synthesized from UDP-D-xylose and UDP-L-arabinose by the action of glycosyltransferases in the Golgi vesicles. The sugar residues are added onto existing acceptor molecules which may be oligo- or polysaccharides. In order to characterize the individual glycosyltransferases it is essential to develop assays that are dependent on solubilized enzymes and exogenous acceptor molecules. We have developed assays for xylosyl- and arabinosyl-transferases involved in the biosynthesis of cereal arabinoxylan.

 

Arabinoxylan and mixed-linkage beta-glucan are the major fiber components in cereals. Especiall beta-glucans are known to be health-promoting bioactive compounds and we are trying to understand the mechanism of this effect.