Isoprenoid biosynthesis in eukaryotic phototrophs: A spotlight on algae
Isoprenoids are one of the largest groups of natural compounds and have a variety of important functions in the primary metabolism of land plants and algae. In recent years, our understanding of the numerous facets of isoprenoid metabolism in land plants has been rapidly increasing, while knowledge on the metabolic network of isoprenoids in algae still lags behind. Here, current views on the biochemistry and genetics of the core isoprenoid metabolism in land plants and in the major algal phyla are compared and some of the most pressing open questions are highlighted. Based on the different evolutionary histories of the various groups of eukaryotic phototrophs, we discuss the distribution and regulation of the mevalonate (MVA) and the methylerythritol phosphate (MEP) pathways in land plants and algae and the potential consequences of the loss of the MVA pathway in groups such as the green algae. For the prenyltransferases, serving as gatekeepers to the various branches of terpenoid biosynthesis in land plants and algae, we explore the minimal inventory necessary for the formation of primary isoprenoids and present a preliminary analysis of their occurrence and phylogeny in algae with primary and secondary plastids. The review concludes with some perspectives on genetic engineering of the isoprenoid metabolism in algae.
- Research Organization:
- Brookhaven National Lab. (BNL), Upton, NY (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE EE OFFICE OF ENERGY EFFICIENCY & RENEWABLE ENERGY (EERE)
- DOE Contract Number:
- DE-AC02-98CH10886
- OSTI ID:
- 1044015
- Report Number(s):
- BNL-97177-2012-JA; R&D Project: BO-162; BM0204010; TRN: US201214%%270
- Journal Information:
- Plant Science, Vol. 185-186; ISSN 0168-9452
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Cell free biosynthesis of isoprenoids from isopentenol
Isotope ratio-based quantification of carbon assimilation highlights the role of plastidial isoprenoid precursor availability in photosynthesis