Characterization of hydroxycinnamoyltransferase from rice and its application for biological synthesis of hydroxycinnamoyl glycerols

► OsHCT4 was cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli. ► OsHCT4 is proposed to belong to a hitherto unknown class of HCT. ► OsHCT4 uses glycerol as well as shikimic acid as a acyl acceptor. ► Using E. coli harboring OsHCT4 and 4CL, hydroxycinnamoyl glycerols were synthesized.