The UGT73 Family of Glycosyltransferases in Plants: Gene Structure, Catalytic Mechanisms, and Biological Functions

Uridine diphosphate (UDP)-dependent glycosyltransferases (UGTs) play important roles in plant growth and development. As an important branch of plant UGTs, the UGT73 family participates in secondary metabolism, hormone regulation, and stress responses. Studies have shown that this family is involved in the synthesis of flavonoids, terpenoids, and other substances as well as the regulation of hormone homeostasis through precise glycosylation modifications. This review has collated the relevant properties of the plant UGT73 family in recent years and aimed to (1) analyze the structural characteristics of UGT73 family glycosyltransferase genes in different plant species; (2) outline the substrate specificity, catalytic sites, and mechanisms of UGT73 family glycosyltransferases; and (3) elaborate on their notable roles in growth and development, hormone regulation, and stress resistance. In-depth investigations are required to analyze the catalytic structure of the UGT73 family, complex regulatory networks, and interspecific functional differences. Future studies should combine multi-omic and synthetic biology technologies to explore new functions of the UGT73 family, thereby providing theoretical support and practical guidance for the development of plant metabolic engineering and green biotechnology.