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Updated: Oct 17, 2025
07:59
A Customizable Approach for the Enzymatic Production and Purification of Diterpenoid Natural Products
Published on: October 4, 2019
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Biosynthesis, evolution and ecology of microbial terpenoids
Mariana Avalos1,2, Paolina Garbeva2, Lisa Vader1
1Institute of Biology, Leiden University, Sylviusweg 72, 2333 BE Leiden, The Netherlands. m.avalos.garcia@biology.leidenuniv.nl.
Natural Product Reports
|October 6, 2021
Summary
Microbial terpenoids, diverse natural products, play crucial ecological roles in various environments. This review covers their biosynthesis, evolution, and functions, highlighting biotechnological potential.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry and Microbiology
- Natural Product Chemistry
Background:
- Terpenoids are the largest class of natural products, primarily known from plants.
- Microbial production of structurally diverse terpenoids is increasingly recognized.
- Many microbial terpenoids' biological functions remain unelucidated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current knowledge on microbial terpenoid biosynthesis and evolution.
- To discuss the ecological and biological roles of microbial terpenoids.
- To explore biotechnological applications and future research directions.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on microbial terpenoids up to June 2021.
- Synthesis of information on biosynthesis, evolution, and ecological functions.
- Analysis of existing data on biological roles in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems.
Main Results:
- Microbial terpenoids exhibit diverse functions, including stress alleviation and defense.
- These compounds are vital in microbial chemical ecology.
- Examples of roles include cell membrane integrity, photoprotection, and inter-organism interactions.
Conclusions:
- Microbial terpenoids are significant in both ecological interactions and cellular processes.
- Further research is needed to fully understand their functions and harness their biotechnological potential.
- This review provides a comprehensive overview and identifies future research avenues.
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