Evidence supporting multienzyme complexes as metabolons: A review

Fungi are widespread organisms with complex multienzyme systems crucial for diverse biochemical processes. This study systematically reviewed research on multienzyme complexes, focusing on their isolation and identification, while examining their potential classification as metabolons. Using a theoretical framework based on PRISMA guidelines, the review analysed literature from 2013 to 2023 across databases such as Medline, Web of Science, and ScienceDirect, employing targeted descriptors to identify relevant studies. The articles were selected by two independent reviewers among those published in English in the last 10 years. From 2313 papers identified through bibliographic searches, 13 were selected for qualitative analysis. Purification methods for fungal multienzyme complexes vary, each offering unique advantages and requiring tailored approaches for specific enzyme systems. The isolation and characterisation of multienzyme complexes face significant challenges. Their classification as metabolons depends on three criteria: substrate channelling, functional coupling, and dynamic assembly. Although research highlights the significance of substrate channelling and the function of stabilising proteins in improving metabolic efficiency, evidence for dynamic assembly is limited. Future research should emphasise new stabilising measures, real-time monitoring of intricate dynamics, and a more profound investigation of molecular causes.