Protein Secretion in Gram-Positive Bacteria: From Multiple Pathways to Biotechnology

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology
• Microbiology
• Industrial Microbiology

Background:

• Gram-positive bacteria are significant industrial producers of metabolites and proteins.
• They serve as valuable hosts for heterologous protein production due to extracellular secretion facilitating purification.
• Seven protein secretion pathways exist, with the general secretion (Sec) pathway being most common for heterologous protein production.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide an overview of protein secretion pathways in Gram-positive bacteria.
• To identify and describe bottlenecks hindering efficient heterologous protein secretion.
• To discuss strategies for improving protein yields, including Sec pathway modifications and omics-based approaches.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of protein secretion pathways in Gram-positive bacteria.
• Analysis of common bottlenecks in heterologous protein production.
• Exploration of yield improvement strategies, including genetic and omics approaches.

Main Results:

• Extracellular secretion by Gram-positive bacteria aids protein folding and purification.
• Common bottlenecks include hampered secretion, protease susceptibility, secretion stress, and metabolic burden.
• Yields can be improved by modifying Sec pathway components and employing omics-based strategies.

Conclusions:

• Gram-positive bacteria offer advantages for heterologous protein production.
• Overcoming secretion bottlenecks is crucial for achieving commercially viable yields.
• Targeted modifications and omics approaches provide rational strategies for optimizing protein production.