D-Glucurono-3,6-lactone (CAS 32449-92-6)

D-Glucurono-3,6-lactone is a precursor molecule in the biosynthesis of ascorbic acid (vitamin C) in most living organisms, including plants and animals. This compound serves as an intermediate in the glucuronate pathway, where it undergoes enzymatic conversion to ascorbic acid. In research, D-Glucurono-3,6-lactone is used to investigate the biosynthetic pathways and regulatory mechanisms involved in vitamin C synthesis. Studies have focused on elucidating the enzymes responsible for catalyzing the conversion of D-Glucurono-3,6-lactone to ascorbic acid, such as gulonolactone oxidase (GULO) in mammals and L-galactono-1,4-lactone dehydrogenase (GalLDH) in plants. By understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying vitamin C biosynthesis, researchers aim to enhance the nutritional quality of crops, develop strategies to increase vitamin C content in foods, and investigate the physiological roles of vitamin C in health and disease. Moreover, D-Glucurono-3,6-lactone is employed as a substrate in enzymatic assays to study the kinetics and substrate specificity of enzymes involved in vitamin C biosynthesis. Additionally, this compound serves as a valuable tool in metabolic engineering approaches aimed at enhancing vitamin C production in microbial hosts for industrial applications, such as the production of vitamin C supplements and fortification of food products. Overall, D-Glucurono-3,6-lactone plays a crucial role in advancing our understanding of vitamin C metabolism and its implications for human health and nutrition.