GPAT6 Antibody

Introduction to GPAT6

GPAT6 belongs to the GPAT family of enzymes, which catalyze the transfer of acyl groups to glycerol-3-phosphate (G3P) in lipid biosynthesis. Unlike mammalian GPATs (e.g., GPAT4/AGPAT6, which function in triglyceride synthesis), plant GPAT6 is specialized for cutin formation—a hydrophobic polymer essential for the plant cuticle .

Key Functions of GPAT6:

• Cutin Synthesis: Catalyzes the acylation of G3P to produce lysophosphatidic acid (LPA), a precursor for cutin monomers (e.g., ω-hydroxy fatty acids) .

• Pathogen Resistance: Modulates cuticle structure to resist pathogens like Phytophthora and Botrytis .

• Cell Wall Integrity: Maintains the cell wall–cuticle continuum, influencing stomatal density and water loss .

Enzymatic Activity and Substrate Specificity

GPAT6 exhibits bifunctional activity, acting as both a sn-2 acyltransferase and a phosphatase . Key studies highlight its substrate preferences:

Data adapted from .

Role in Pathogen Resistance

GPAT6 modulates cuticle-mediated defense against pathogens:

• Overexpression: Increases resistance to Phytophthora by strengthening the cuticle and reducing appressorium formation .

• Knockdown/Knockout: Enhances susceptibility to Phytophthora but improves resistance to Botrytis cinerea (fungal pathogen) .

Table 1: Pathogen Resistance Phenotypes in GPAT6-Altered Plants

Data synthesized from .

Localization and Tissue Expression

• Localization: Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) in plants .

• Expression: Highest in flowers (e.g., Arabidopsis), with moderate levels in leaves and roots .

GPAT6 in Plant Defense and Biotechnology

GPAT6’s dual role in cutin biosynthesis and pathogen resistance makes it a target for crop improvement strategies. For example:

• Breeding for Drought Tolerance: Enhancing cuticle integrity via GPAT6 overexpression could reduce water loss.

• Pathogen-Resistant Crops: Modulating GPAT6 expression to balance resistance against oomycetes and fungi .

Challenges and Opportunities

• Antibody Limitations: Current GPAT6 antibodies are plant-specific and limited to WB . Development of pan-specific or fluorescently tagged variants could expand applications.

• Functional Redundancy: Other GPATs (e.g., GPAT8) may compensate for GPAT6 loss, necessitating multi-gene studies .