Abstract
Myo-inositol phosphates (phytates) are important biological molecules produced largely by plants to store phosphorus. Phytate is very abundant in many different soils making up a large portion of all soil phosphorus. This review assesses current phytase science from the perspective of its substrate, phytate, by examining the intricate relationship between the phytate-hydrolyzing enzymes and phytate as their substrate. Specifically, we examine available data on phytate’s structural features, distribution in nature and functional roles. The role of phytases and their localization in soil and plant tissues are evaluated. We provide a summary of the current biotechnological advances in using industrial or recombinant phytases to improve plant growth and animal nutrition. The prospects of future discovery of novel phytases with improved biochemical properties and bioengineering of existing enzymes are also discussed. Two alternative but complementary directions to increase phosphorus bioavailability through the more efficient utilization of soil phytate are currently being developed. These approaches take advantage of microbial phytases secreted into rhizosphere either by phytase-producing microbes (biofertilizers) or by genetically engineered plants. More research on phytate metabolism in soils and plants is needed to promote environmentally friendly, more productive and sustainable agriculture.
Highlights
We provide a summary of the current biotechnological advances in using industrial or recombinant phytases to improve plant growth and animal nutrition
This review focuses on phytase science from the perspective of its substrate, phytate
Expression of B. subtilis 168PhyA phytase in Arabidopsis thaliana led to a higher shoot dry weight and an increase in phosphorus content by 100% compared to the wild type [75]
Summary
Phosphorus is one of the key elements necessary for growth and development of all liv-. A promising approach in plant biotechnology is to generate transgenic plants engineered to secrete microbial phytases into rhizosphere In theory, this approach can provide substantial amounts of phosphorus for plant nutrition, which would in turn increase plant productivity and their nutritional value for animal consumption [18]. This approach can provide substantial amounts of phosphorus for plant nutrition, which would in turn increase plant productivity and their nutritional value for animal consumption [18] Such genetically modified plants could potentially help solve ecological problems by reducing phytate accumulation in soil and water [19] [20]. We further discuss promising environmentally friendly and cost effective strategies to increase soil phosphorus bioavailability through the use of biofertilizers or generation of transgenic plants capable of secreting microbial phytases into rhizosphere. The advantages and drawbacks of each approach, as well as the likely direction of future research, are discussed
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
