Functional diversity, evolution, and translational potential of isoprenoids in eukaryotic membranes

Eukaryotic membranes interact with numerous metabolites to fulfill diverse functions. Among these molecules, isoprenoids stand out as key components. The remarkable structural diversity of isoprenoids allows them to modulate membrane fluidity, stability, permeability, and organization. This review highlights recent findings on the evolution, diversity, roles, and effects of isoprenoids and isoprenoid-derived compounds in biological membranes. We focus on their significance as integral or associated components of eukaryotic cell membranes, including those of plants, fungi, and animals, emphasizing how their structures influence their ability to modulate membrane properties. Lastly, we address current advances and limitations in the production of membrane-relevant isoprenoids using synthetic biology, highlighting additional discoveries about membrane-relevant isoprenoid storage, regulation, and protein interactions made along the way.