Do Lytic Polysaccharide Monooxygenases Aid in Plant Pathogenesis and Herbivory?

Lytic polysaccharide monooxygenases (LPMOs), copper-dependent enzymes mainly found in fungi, bacteria, and viruses, are responsible for enabling plant infection and degradation processes. Since their discovery 10 years ago, significant progress has been made in understanding the major role these enzymes play in biomass conversion. The recent discovery of additional LPMO families in fungi and oomycetes (AA16) as well as insects (AA15) strongly suggests that LPMOs might also be involved in biological processes such as overcoming plant defenses. In this review, we aim to give a comprehensive overview of the potential role of different LPMO families from the perspective of plant defense and their multiple implications in devising new strategies for achieving crop protection from plant pathogens and insect pests.

Automated summary

Lytic polysaccharide monooxygenases (LPMOs) are crucial enzymes mainly found in fungi, bacteria, and viruses that enable plant infection and degradation processes. Recent discoveries of additional LPMO families in fungi, oomycetes, and insects indicate their potential involvement in overcoming plant defenses. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the potential roles of different LPMO families in plant defense and their implications for developing new strategies for crop protection.