Rhamnosyltransferases: Biochemical activities, potential biotechnology for production of natural products and their applications

Rhamnosyltransferase is an enzyme that catalyzes the transfer of rhamnose moieties from an activated donor molecule, typically nucleotide diphosphate-rhamnose (NDP-rhamnose), to a wide range of acceptor molecules, including proteins, lipids, saccharides, glycoproteins, glycans, and glycolipids. This enzymatic process, known as rhamnosylation, plays a fundamental role in the biosynthesis of critical biomolecules, such as components of the cell wall, plasma membrane channels, receptors, antigens, signaling molecules, antibiotics, and other secondary metabolites. Due to its essential involvement in both primary and secondary metabolic pathways, rhamnosyltransferase is indispensable for various biological processes and exhibits significant potential for applications in human health and industrial biotechnology. In recent years, this enzyme has garnered substantial attention from the scientific community, owing to its unique biochemical properties and its utility in diverse sectors, including medicine, food technology, and cosmetics. This review aims to synthesize recent advancements in the study of rhamnosyltransferase, with a focus on its catalytic mechanisms, biological significance, and emerging applications in biotechnological innovation.