title: Softening-up mannan-rich cell walls.
abstract: The softening and degradation of the cell wall (CW), often mannan enriched, is involved in several processes during development of higher plants, such as meristematic growth, fruit ripening, programmed cell death, and endosperm rupture upon germination. Mannans are also the predominant hemicellulosic CW polymers in many genera of green algae. The endosperm CWs of dry seeds often contain mannan polymers, sometimes in the form of galactomannans (Gal-mannans). The endo-β-mannanases (MANs) that catalyse the random hydrolysis of the β-linkage in the mannan backbone are one of the main hydrolytic enzymes involved in the loosening and remodelling of CWs. In germinating seeds, the softening of the endosperm seed CWs facilitates the emergence of the elongating radicle. Hydrolysis and mobilization of endosperm Gal-mannans by MANs also provides a source of nutrients for early seedling growth, since Gal-mannan, besides its structural role, serves as a storage polysaccharide. Therefore, the role of mannans and of their hydrolytic enzymes is decisive in the life cycle of seeds. This review updates and discusses the significance of mannans and MANs in seeds and explores the increasing biotechnological potential of MAN enzymes.
authors.affiliation: Pharmacy, Department of Plant Physiology, University of Santiago de Compostela, 15782-Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
authors.forename: María del Carmen
authors.initials: Mdel C
authors.lastname: Rodríguez-Gacio
authors.forename: Raquel
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Iglesias-Fernández
authors.forename: Pilar
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Carbonero
authors.forename: Angel J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Matilla
mesh_terms: D002473:Cell Wall / Q000201:enzymology / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D008351:Mannans / Q000378:metabolism*; D010940:Plant Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D010944:Plants / Q000201:enzymology / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D012639:Seeds / Q000201:enzymology / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D044902:beta-Mannosidase / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D008351:Mannans; D010940:Plant Proteins; D044902:beta-Mannosidase