NaBBL2_candidate_FOX1_2

UniProt ID: A0A1J6KPK0
Organism: Nicotiana attenuata
Review Status: DRAFT
Aliases:
FOX1_2 NaBBL2
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Gene Description

NaBBL2_candidate_FOX1_2 is a BBL-like oxidoreductase candidate for the late nicotine pathway in Nicotiana attenuata. BBL-family participation in the stereoselective late pathway is strongly supported, and FOX1_2 remains a leading candidate for the attenuata BBL2-like copy.

Existing Annotations Review

GO Term Evidence Action Reason
GO:0005773 vacuole
IEA
GO_REF:0000044
KEEP AS NON CORE
Summary: Vacuolar localization is plausible and worth retaining as non-core context.
Reason: UniProt supports a vacuolar location, but the key curation signal is the catalytic late-pathway role rather than compartment detail.
Supporting Evidence:
file:NICAT/NaBBL2_candidate_FOX1_2/NaBBL2_candidate_FOX1_2-uniprot.txt
CC -!- SUBCELLULAR LOCATION: Vacuole {ECO:0000256|ARBA:ARBA00004116}.
GO:0016491 oxidoreductase activity
IEA
GO_REF:0000002
MARK AS OVER ANNOTATED
Summary: This generic oxidoreductase term is true but underspecific.
Reason: The BBL family is now tied to a specific late nicotine oxidase role, so the parent term is not the most informative curation outcome.
Supporting Evidence:
file:NICAT/NaBBL2_candidate_FOX1_2/NaBBL2_candidate_FOX1_2-notes.md
The full preprint makes BBLa/NicGS a mechanistically defined late-pathway enzyme that drives stereoselective nicotine formation, with both structural and dropout support.
GO:0050660 flavin adenine dinucleotide binding
IEA
GO_REF:0000002
ACCEPT
Summary: FAD binding is an appropriate cofactor annotation for FOX1_2.
Reason: BBL-family proteins are FAD-linked oxidoreductases, and this cofactor term is informative and specific.
GO:0071949 FAD binding
IEA
GO_REF:0000002
REMOVE
Summary: This is redundant with GO:0050660.
Reason: Keep GO:0050660 as the preferred cofactor-binding annotation and drop the duplicate variant.
GO:0042179 nicotine biosynthetic process
IEA
GO_REF:0000041
ACCEPT
Summary: This is an appropriate core pathway annotation for FOX1_2.
Reason: FOX1_2 is the best current attenuata BBL2-like anchor, and the BBL family is now directly supported as a core late nicotine-pathway module.
Supporting Evidence:
file:NICAT/NaBBL2_candidate_FOX1_2/NaBBL2_candidate_FOX1_2-notes.md
That strengthens the existing choice to keep FOX1_2 as the best current BBL2-like anchor, while still leaving exact NICAT BBL paralog resolution open.

Core Functions

FOX1_2 is the best current NICAT BBL2-like oxidoreductase candidate for the late stereoselective nicotine-pathway oxidation step.

Molecular Function:
oxidoreductase activity
Directly Involved In:
Supporting Evidence:
  • file:NICAT/NaBBL2_candidate_FOX1_2/NaBBL2_candidate_FOX1_2-notes.md
    The full preprint makes BBLa/NicGS a mechanistically defined late-pathway enzyme that drives stereoselective nicotine formation, with both structural and dropout support.

References

Gene Ontology annotation through association of InterPro records with GO terms
Gene Ontology annotation based on UniPathway vocabulary mapping
Gene Ontology annotation based on UniProtKB/Swiss-Prot Subcellular Location vocabulary mapping, accompanied by conservative changes to GO terms applied by UniProt
file:NICAT/NaBBL2_candidate_FOX1_2/NaBBL2_candidate_FOX1_2-uniprot.txt
UniProt entry A0A1J6KPK0 for Nicotiana attenuata FOX1_2
  • FOX1_2 is a BBL-family late oxidase associated with nicotine biosynthesis
    "Involved in the biosynthesis of pyridine alkaloid natural products, leading mainly to the production of anabasine, anatabine, nicotine and nornicotine ... Catalyzes a late oxidation step subsequent to the pyridine ring condensation reaction in the biosynthesis of alkaloids."
  • UniProt assigns FOX1_2 to vacuole and FAD-dependent chemistry
    "CC -!- SUBCELLULAR LOCATION: Vacuole {ECO:0000256|ARBA:ARBA00004116}."
file:NICAT/NaBBL2_candidate_FOX1_2/NaBBL2_candidate_FOX1_2-notes.md
NaBBL2 FOX1_2 candidate notes
  • The glucosylation paper mechanistically secures BBL-family late-pathway chemistry
    "The full preprint makes BBLa/NicGS a mechanistically defined late-pathway enzyme that drives stereoselective nicotine formation, with both structural and dropout support."
  • FOX1_2 is the best current BBL2-like anchor in the project
    "That strengthens the existing choice to keep FOX1_2 as the best current BBL2-like anchor, while still leaving exact NICAT BBL paralog resolution open."

Suggested Questions for Experts

Q: Does FOX1_2 perform the same substrate-specific NicGS chemistry inferred for the tobacco BBL ortholog?

Q: Are the remaining BBL-family paralogs partially redundant with FOX1_2 or functionally divergent?

Suggested Experiments

Experiment: Reconstitute the late nicotine pathway with FOX1_2 and assay stereoselective formation of nicotine glucoside and nicotine.

Hypothesis: FOX1_2 is the principal attenuata BBL/NicGS paralog.

Type: pathway reconstitution assay

Experiment: Profile nicotine stereochemistry and glucosylated intermediates after targeted FOX1_2 disruption.

Hypothesis: Loss of FOX1_2 will substantially impair the stereoselective late nicotine step.

Type: genetics plus chiral metabolite profiling

Deep Research

OpenAI

(NaBBL2_candidate_FOX1_2-deep-research-openai.md)
**Protein Function and Catalytic Activity** OpenAI gpt-4.1 1 citations 2026-04-05T13:11:05.994933

The gene NaBBL2_candidate_FOX1_2 in Nicotiana attenuata encodes a flavin-dependent oxidoreductase, as indicated by its UniProt accession number A0A1J6KPK0. This protein is characterized by several conserved domains, including the Berberine Bridge Enzyme (BBE) domain (IPR012951) and the FAD-binding PCMH-type domains (IPR016166, IPR036318, IPR016167, IPR016169), suggesting its role in oxidation-reduction processes.

Protein Function and Catalytic Activity

Flavin-dependent oxidoreductases are enzymes that utilize flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) as a cofactor to catalyze redox reactions. The presence of the BBE domain in NaBBL2_candidate_FOX1_2 suggests a function similar to that of berberine bridge enzymes, which are known to catalyze the formation of complex alkaloids through oxidative coupling reactions. In plants, such enzymes are often involved in the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites, including alkaloids, which play roles in defense mechanisms and other physiological processes.

Biological Processes and Localization

While specific experimental data on NaBBL2_candidate_FOX1_2 are limited, the structural domains present in the protein provide insights into its potential biological roles. The BBE domain is commonly associated with enzymes involved in the biosynthesis of alkaloids and other secondary metabolites. Additionally, the FAD-binding domains are indicative of a role in redox reactions, possibly linked to metabolic pathways involving electron transfer.

In Nicotiana attenuata, flavin-dependent oxidoreductases have been implicated in various metabolic processes. For instance, a related flavin-dependent oxidoreductase, identified as A0A1J6IW50, has been associated with alkaloid metabolism and localized to the vacuole, suggesting a compartmentalized role in secondary metabolite biosynthesis (db.cngb.org). Given the structural similarities, it is plausible that NaBBL2_candidate_FOX1_2 functions in a comparable manner, contributing to the biosynthesis or modification of alkaloid compounds within specific cellular compartments.

Pathway Involvement

The specific metabolic pathways involving NaBBL2_candidate_FOX1_2 have not been explicitly characterized. However, based on its domain architecture and the known functions of similar enzymes, it is reasonable to infer that this protein participates in the biosynthetic pathways of secondary metabolites, particularly alkaloids. These pathways are crucial for plant defense and adaptation, as alkaloids often serve as deterrents against herbivores and pathogens.

Inference from Structure and Evolution

The conservation of the BBE and FAD-binding domains across various plant species suggests an evolutionary conserved function in secondary metabolism. The BBE domain, in particular, is associated with enzymes that catalyze oxidative reactions leading to the formation of complex alkaloid structures. The presence of these domains in NaBBL2_candidate_FOX1_2 indicates that it likely shares a similar catalytic mechanism and functional role.

Conclusion

While direct experimental evidence regarding the function of NaBBL2_candidate_FOX1_2 in Nicotiana attenuata is currently lacking, the analysis of its conserved domains strongly suggests that it acts as a flavin-dependent oxidoreductase involved in the biosynthesis of alkaloid compounds. Its activity is likely compartmentalized within specific cellular structures, such as the vacuole, to facilitate the production and storage of these secondary metabolites. Further experimental studies are necessary to elucidate the precise substrates, reaction mechanisms, and regulatory pathways associated with this enzyme.

📚 Additional Documentation

Notes

(NaBBL2_candidate_FOX1_2-notes.md)

NaBBL2_candidate_FOX1_2 Notes

  • The full preprint makes BBLa/NicGS a mechanistically defined late-pathway enzyme that drives stereoselective nicotine formation, with both structural and dropout support. [file:projects/NICOTINE_BIOSYNTHESIS/biorxiv-nicotine-glucosylation-notes.md "BBLa = NicGS, an (S)-nicotine glucoside synthase that drives pathway stereoselectivity"; "removing BBL/NicGS reduces nicotine and leaves residual racemic product"]
  • That strengthens the existing choice to keep FOX1_2 as the best current BBL2-like anchor, while still leaving exact NICAT BBL paralog resolution open. [file:projects/NICOTINE_BIOSYNTHESIS/biorxiv-nicotine-glucosylation-notes.md "For the NICAT project, this paper is therefore strongest for pathway-role assignment and weakest for exact paralog/accession resolution."]

Description cleanup note

The YAML description field was revised to keep it as a standalone biological summary. Project-specific curation framing moved here instead.

  • Moved out of the YAML description: project mapping currently treats NaBBL2_candidate_FOX1_2 as the best NICAT anchor for the BBL/NicGS late nicotine-pathway oxidoreductase role.

📄 View Raw YAML

id: A0A1J6KPK0
gene_symbol: NaBBL2_candidate_FOX1_2
product_type: PROTEIN
status: DRAFT
aliases:
- FOX1_2
- NaBBL2
taxon:
  id: NCBITaxon:49451
  label: Nicotiana attenuata
description: >-
  NaBBL2_candidate_FOX1_2 is a BBL-like oxidoreductase candidate for the late nicotine pathway in
  Nicotiana attenuata. BBL-family participation in the stereoselective late pathway is strongly
  supported, and FOX1_2 remains a leading candidate for the attenuata BBL2-like copy.
references:
- id: GO_REF:0000002
  title: Gene Ontology annotation through association of InterPro records with GO terms
  findings: []
- id: GO_REF:0000041
  title: Gene Ontology annotation based on UniPathway vocabulary mapping
  findings: []
- id: GO_REF:0000044
  title: Gene Ontology annotation based on UniProtKB/Swiss-Prot Subcellular Location vocabulary mapping, accompanied by conservative changes to GO terms applied by UniProt
  findings: []
- id: file:NICAT/NaBBL2_candidate_FOX1_2/NaBBL2_candidate_FOX1_2-uniprot.txt
  title: UniProt entry A0A1J6KPK0 for Nicotiana attenuata FOX1_2
  findings:
  - statement: FOX1_2 is a BBL-family late oxidase associated with nicotine biosynthesis
    supporting_text: Involved in the biosynthesis of pyridine alkaloid natural products, leading mainly to the production of anabasine, anatabine, nicotine and nornicotine ... Catalyzes a late oxidation step subsequent to the pyridine ring condensation reaction in the biosynthesis of alkaloids.
    reference_section_type: DATABASE_ENTRY
  - statement: UniProt assigns FOX1_2 to vacuole and FAD-dependent chemistry
    supporting_text: 'CC   -!- SUBCELLULAR LOCATION: Vacuole {ECO:0000256|ARBA:ARBA00004116}.'
    reference_section_type: DATABASE_ENTRY
- id: file:NICAT/NaBBL2_candidate_FOX1_2/NaBBL2_candidate_FOX1_2-notes.md
  title: NaBBL2 FOX1_2 candidate notes
  findings:
  - statement: The glucosylation paper mechanistically secures BBL-family late-pathway chemistry
    supporting_text: The full preprint makes BBLa/NicGS a mechanistically defined late-pathway enzyme that drives stereoselective nicotine formation, with both structural and dropout support.
    reference_section_type: LITERATURE_REVIEW
  - statement: FOX1_2 is the best current BBL2-like anchor in the project
    supporting_text: That strengthens the existing choice to keep FOX1_2 as the best current BBL2-like anchor, while still leaving exact NICAT BBL paralog resolution open.
    reference_section_type: LITERATURE_REVIEW
existing_annotations:
- term:
    id: GO:0005773
    label: vacuole
  evidence_type: IEA
  original_reference_id: GO_REF:0000044
  review:
    summary: Vacuolar localization is plausible and worth retaining as non-core context.
    action: KEEP_AS_NON_CORE
    reason: >-
      UniProt supports a vacuolar location, but the key curation signal is the
      catalytic late-pathway role rather than compartment detail.
    supported_by:
    - reference_id: file:NICAT/NaBBL2_candidate_FOX1_2/NaBBL2_candidate_FOX1_2-uniprot.txt
      supporting_text: 'CC   -!- SUBCELLULAR LOCATION: Vacuole {ECO:0000256|ARBA:ARBA00004116}.'
      reference_section_type: DATABASE_ENTRY
- term:
    id: GO:0016491
    label: oxidoreductase activity
  evidence_type: IEA
  original_reference_id: GO_REF:0000002
  review:
    summary: This generic oxidoreductase term is true but underspecific.
    action: MARK_AS_OVER_ANNOTATED
    reason: >-
      The BBL family is now tied to a specific late nicotine oxidase role, so the
      parent term is not the most informative curation outcome.
    supported_by:
    - reference_id: file:NICAT/NaBBL2_candidate_FOX1_2/NaBBL2_candidate_FOX1_2-notes.md
      supporting_text: The full preprint makes BBLa/NicGS a mechanistically defined late-pathway enzyme that drives stereoselective nicotine formation, with both structural and dropout support.
      reference_section_type: LITERATURE_REVIEW
- term:
    id: GO:0050660
    label: flavin adenine dinucleotide binding
  evidence_type: IEA
  original_reference_id: GO_REF:0000002
  review:
    summary: FAD binding is an appropriate cofactor annotation for FOX1_2.
    action: ACCEPT
    reason: >-
      BBL-family proteins are FAD-linked oxidoreductases, and this cofactor term
      is informative and specific.
- term:
    id: GO:0071949
    label: FAD binding
  evidence_type: IEA
  original_reference_id: GO_REF:0000002
  review:
    summary: This is redundant with GO:0050660.
    action: REMOVE
    reason: >-
      Keep GO:0050660 as the preferred cofactor-binding annotation and drop the
      duplicate variant.
- term:
    id: GO:0042179
    label: nicotine biosynthetic process
  evidence_type: IEA
  original_reference_id: GO_REF:0000041
  review:
    summary: This is an appropriate core pathway annotation for FOX1_2.
    action: ACCEPT
    reason: >-
      FOX1_2 is the best current attenuata BBL2-like anchor, and the BBL family is
      now directly supported as a core late nicotine-pathway module.
    supported_by:
    - reference_id: file:NICAT/NaBBL2_candidate_FOX1_2/NaBBL2_candidate_FOX1_2-notes.md
      supporting_text: That strengthens the existing choice to keep FOX1_2 as the best current BBL2-like anchor, while still leaving exact NICAT BBL paralog resolution open.
      reference_section_type: LITERATURE_REVIEW
core_functions:
- molecular_function:
    id: GO:0016491
    label: oxidoreductase activity
  directly_involved_in:
  - id: GO:0042179
    label: nicotine biosynthetic process
  description: >-
    FOX1_2 is the best current NICAT BBL2-like oxidoreductase candidate for the
    late stereoselective nicotine-pathway oxidation step.
  supported_by:
  - reference_id: file:NICAT/NaBBL2_candidate_FOX1_2/NaBBL2_candidate_FOX1_2-notes.md
    supporting_text: The full preprint makes BBLa/NicGS a mechanistically defined late-pathway enzyme that drives stereoselective nicotine formation, with both structural and dropout support.
    reference_section_type: LITERATURE_REVIEW
proposed_new_terms: []
suggested_questions:
- question: Does FOX1_2 perform the same substrate-specific NicGS chemistry inferred for the tobacco BBL ortholog?
- question: Are the remaining BBL-family paralogs partially redundant with FOX1_2 or functionally divergent?
suggested_experiments:
- description: Reconstitute the late nicotine pathway with FOX1_2 and assay stereoselective formation of nicotine glucoside and nicotine.
  experiment_type: pathway reconstitution assay
  hypothesis: FOX1_2 is the principal attenuata BBL/NicGS paralog.
- description: Profile nicotine stereochemistry and glucosylated intermediates after targeted FOX1_2 disruption.
  experiment_type: genetics plus chiral metabolite profiling
  hypothesis: Loss of FOX1_2 will substantially impair the stereoselective late nicotine step.