[Progress in metabolism and crucial enzymes of glycerol conversion to 1,3-propanediol]

1,3-propanediol production by microbial fermentation has become the research hot spot for its amiability with the environment. Here the molecular mechanism of glycerol bioconversion to 1,3-propanediol was outlined by elucidating the fermentation strains, metabolic pathways, regulon and key enzymes. Of enzymes, glycerol dehydrogenase, the velocity-limiting enzyme in glycerol reductive pathway, was emphatically discussed with regard to its molecular structure and reactivating factors. This paper aims to provide the basis for genetic modification of fermentation strains.