Cutinase

Cutinase (CUT) catalyzes the conversion of cutin to cutin monomers. Cutin is a main component of the plant cuticle. Polymeric cutin which is composed of hydroxyl and hydroxyepoxy fatty acids is found in the outer layer of plants. CUT is found in fungi and bacteria. CUT degrades the cutin enabling pathogens’ penetration into plant cells. CUT is inhibited by organophosphates like E600 (diethyl-p-nitrophenyl phosphate) and organophosphonates.^[1]

Relevance

Inhibition of CUT can prevent fungal plant infection.

Structural highlights

Upon CUT inhibition by organophosphates the catalytic triad of Ser-His-Asp exhibits esterification of Ser and ethylation of His.