Ever wondered what gives foods like garlic, horseradish and mustard their strong taste and smell? It’s the chemical structure of the plant cells signaling and creating defenses. But scientists still don’t completely understand the molecular functions and physiological roles of certain enzymes in similar plants. 

With a $984,000 grant from the National Science Foundation, Dr. Pablo Sobrado and his research group will study flavin-dependent monooxygenases (FMOs), which are enzymes from plants that synthesize special molecules used for their defense. These molecules are what give some plants unique flavors and nutritional profiles, like the distinct taste of garlic.  

“We are focusing on FMOs, which generate a diverse range of chemical reactions,” says Sobrado, the Richard K. Vitek/FCR Endowed Chair of Biochemistry at Missouri S&T. “The goal of this research project is to establish substrate specificity for these FMOs, characterize the chemical mechanisms of them, and understand their 3D structures.” 

Sobrado believes that the research project can give new insights into how evolution solved difficult chemical problems using flavins as reaction centers. To conduct the research, Sobrado’s laboratory will partner with Dr. John Tanner, professor of chemistry and biochemistry, at the University of Missouri-Columbia.  

“Ultimately, we hope this research will inspire the design of new catalysts and the engineering of biochemical pathways to produce high-value compounds,” says Sobrado. “This could lead to crops of heartier plants with stronger roots and leaves.”  

The research team will also study FMOs known as YUCCA enzymes, which are responsible for synthesizing a plant growth hormone called auxin. Despite plants containing multiple YUCCA genes, the molecular functions and physiological roles of YUCCA enzymes are not completely understood.  

“Our research team was the first to characterize a YUCCA enzyme from plants and established their role in plant growth and regulation,” says Sobrado.

Sobrado also says the research project will aim to establish new action mechanisms of the plants and potentially new structural folds – often thought of as the “muscles” of a plant. 

For more information about Missouri S&T’s chemistry programs, visit chem.mst.edu. 

About Missouri S&T 

Missouri University of Science and Technology (Missouri S&T) is a STEM-focused research university of over 7,000 students located in Rolla, Missouri. Part of the four-campus University of Missouri System, Missouri S&T offers over 100 degrees in 40 areas of study and is among the nation’s top public universities for salary impact, according to the Wall Street Journal. For more information about Missouri S&T, visit  www.mst.edu.