Cyclitols and Aminocyclitols as Signals: Their Roles in Supporting Ecosystems and Promoting Human Health.

Area of Science:

• Natural Products Chemistry
• Microbiology
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• Secondary metabolites, including cyclitols and aminocyclitols, are known for ecological roles.
• While some functions are established, their signaling capacities are increasingly recognized.
• This family includes myo-inositol derivatives, aminoglycoside antibiotics, and C7-cyclitols/C7N-aminocyclitols.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the diverse roles of cyclitol/aminocyclitol natural products as signaling molecules.
• To highlight their involvement in bacterial colonization, gene regulation, and ecological processes.
• To discuss the implications for human health and other organisms.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies on cyclitol/aminocyclitol natural products.
• Analysis of research on their signaling functions in various biological systems.
• Synthesis of findings regarding their physiological and ecological impacts.

Main Results:

• Cyclitols and aminocyclitols function as signals in bacterial biofilm formation and fungal metabolite production.
• C7-cyclitols and C7N-aminocyclitols modulate gut microbiota, regulate genes in fungi/insects, and influence plant-bacteria symbiosis.
• Mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs) exhibit gene regulatory and signaling pathway activation activities.

Conclusions:

• Cyclitol/aminocyclitol natural products are versatile signaling molecules with broad biological significance.
• Their roles in microbial interactions and gene regulation have profound ecological and health implications.
• Further research into these natural products can uncover novel applications in medicine and biotechnology.