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Workflow Based on the Combination of Isotopic Tracer Experiments to Investigate Microbial Metabolism of Multiple Nutrient Sources
Published on: January 22, 2018
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Using non-enzymatic chemistry to influence microbial metabolism
Stephen Wallace1, Erica E Schultz1, Emily P Balskus1
1Department of Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Harvard University, 12 Oxford St, Cambridge, MA 02138, United States.
Current Opinion in Chemical Biology
|January 13, 2015
Summary
This review explores combining non-enzymatic chemistry with microbial metabolism. Such integration offers novel ways to study microbial functions and advance organic synthesis.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry and Synthetic Biology
- Investigates the intersection of chemical reactions and biological systems.
Background:
- Metabolite structural manipulation is vital for all biological processes.
- Interfacing non-enzymatic chemistry with cellular metabolism remains underexplored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the combination of non-enzymatic chemistry and microbial metabolism.
- To highlight applications in studying microbial function and organic synthesis.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of historical and recent studies.
- Focus on non-biological reactions influencing microbial growth and function.
- Examination of auxotrophic microorganism rescue and engineered metabolism.
Main Results:
- Non-enzymatic reactions can probe microbial physiology.
- Non-enzymatic transformations can rescue auxotrophic strains.
- Integration enables novel organic synthesis pathways.
Conclusions:
- Combining non-enzymatic chemistry and microbial metabolism presents significant opportunities.
- This interdisciplinary approach advances both biological understanding and synthetic capabilities.
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