Nitrile biosynthesis in nature: how and why?
Mingyu Liu1, Shengying Li1,2
1State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao, Shandong 266237, China. lishengying@sdu.edu.cn.
Natural Product Reports
|January 9, 2024
Summary
Natural nitriles are diverse secondary metabolites found across life. Their biosynthesis pathways are reviewed, highlighting roles in metabolism, defense, and communication, aiding biocatalyst development.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Metabolomics
- Evolutionary Biology
Background:
- Natural nitriles are secondary metabolites with diverse chemical and functional properties.
- Nitrile biosynthesis pathways exhibit evolutionary divergence and convergence across various organisms.
- These compounds are crucial for nitrogen metabolism, chemical defense, and ecological communication.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review naturally occurring nitrile-forming pathways from a biochemical standpoint.
- To discuss the biological and ecological functions of diverse nitrile biosyntheses.
- To provide insights for developing novel nitrile-forming biocatalysts.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of biochemical pathways for natural nitrile formation.
- Analysis of biological and ecological roles of nitriles in different organisms.
- Examination of evolutionary trajectories of nitrile biosynthesis.
Main Results:
- Identified diverse nitrile biosynthesis patterns in animals, plants, and microorganisms.
- Detailed the biochemical mechanisms underlying nitrile formation.
- Highlighted the multifaceted roles of nitriles in ecological interactions and defense.
Conclusions:
- Understanding nitrile biosynthesis mechanisms and evolution is key to appreciating their biological significance.
- Elucidation of these pathways can lead to the development of practical biocatalysts for nitrile synthesis.
- Nitrile diversity reflects significant evolutionary adaptations in metabolism and ecological strategies.
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