Article Info 제29권 1호 강원 농업생명환경연구 Vol.29, No.1, pp.1-17, 2017
Title Roles of Pectin Methylesterases and Pectin Methylesterase Inhibitors in Plant Physiology
Author Hong, P. N. and C. Lee*
Institutions Graduate School of Biotechnology, Kyung Hee University, Yongin 17104, Korea 
Abstract Pectin, an enriched component in primary cell walls and middle lamellae, is an essential polysaccharide
in all higher plants. Homogalacturonans (HGs), a major form of pectin, are synthesized and
methyl-esterified by enzymes localized in the Golgi apparatus and transported into the cell wall.
Depending on cell type, the degree and pattern of pectin methylesterification are strictly regulated
by cell wall-localized pectin methylesterases (PMEs) which are governed by multiple pectin
methylesterase inhibitors (PMEIs) in vivo. Pectin methylesterases (PMEs, EC 3.1.1.11), belonging
to carbohydrate esterase family 8, cleave the ester bond between a galacturonic acid and an methyl
group and the resulting change in pectin methylesterification status from which clearly impacts
diverse plant developmental processes and stress responses. PMEs play major roles in modification
of pectin properties, such as the stiffening by forming Ca 2+ -pectate cross-link complexes or
loosening by triggering cell wall degrading enzymes (CWDE)s to break out cell wall components
including pectin and its interactiors. The action of PMEIs results in opposite consequences to
PMEs on pectin properties. Optimal pectin methylesterification status in each cell type is
determined by the balance between PME activity and post-translational PME inhibition by
PMEIs.
Keyword Cell wall modifications, Pectin, Pectin methylesterase inhibitors, Pectin methylesterases, Plant cell walls
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