Novel approaches and achievements in biosynthesis of functional isoprenoids in Escherichia coli

Appl Microbiol Biotechnol. 2009 Oct;84(6):1021-31. doi: 10.1007/s00253-009-2166-6. Epub 2009 Aug 12.

Abstract

Isoprenoids, also referred to as terpenes, are the most diverse class of natural products appearing in a variety of natural sources, specifically in higher plants, and have a wide range of biological functions. This review describes novel or recent approaches and achievements in pathway engineering of Escherichia coli towards efficient biosynthesis of functional isoprenoids, specifically carotenoids and sesquiterpene, following description of "regularity and simplicity" in the biosynthesis of isoprenoid basic structures. The introduction of heterologous mevalonate pathway-based genes into E. coli has been shown to improve the productivity of carotenoids or sesquiterpenes that are synthesized from farnesyl diphosphate. This achievement also enables relevant researchers to efficiently analyze an isolated gene candidate for a terpene synthase (terpene cyclase).

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Alkyl and Aryl Transferases / genetics
  • Alkyl and Aryl Transferases / metabolism
  • Animals
  • Biosynthetic Pathways / genetics
  • Carotenoids / biosynthesis
  • Carotenoids / chemistry
  • Chemical Engineering / methods
  • Diterpenes / chemistry
  • Diterpenes / metabolism
  • Escherichia coli / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Polyisoprenyl Phosphates / chemistry
  • Polyisoprenyl Phosphates / metabolism
  • Sesquiterpenes / chemistry
  • Sesquiterpenes / metabolism
  • Terpenes / chemistry
  • Terpenes / metabolism*

Substances

  • Diterpenes
  • Polyisoprenyl Phosphates
  • Sesquiterpenes
  • Terpenes
  • Carotenoids
  • farnesyl pyrophosphate
  • Alkyl and Aryl Transferases
  • terpene synthase