Biosynthesis, evolution and ecology of microbial terpenoids

Natural Product Reports, vol. 39, pp. 249–272

Abstract

Covering: through June 2021Terpenoids are the largest class of natural products recognised to date. While mostly known to humans as bioactive plant metabolites and part of essential oils, structurally diverse terpenoids are increasingly reported to be produced by microorganisms. For many of the compounds biological functions are yet unknown, but during the past years significant insights have been obtained for the role of terpenoids in microbial chemical ecology. Their functions include stress alleviation, maintenance of cell membrane integrity, photoprotection, attraction or repulsion of organisms, host growth promotion and defense. In this review we discuss the current knowledge of the biosynthesis and evolution of microbial terpenoids, and their ecological and biological roles in aquatic and terrestrial environments. Perspectives on their biotechnological applications, knowledge gaps and questions for future studies are discussed.

Authors 6

1. Mariana Ávalos corresponding Aachen Institute of Biology, Leiden University

   Leiden University · Netherlands Institute of Ecology

   Affiliation as printed

   Department of Microbial Ecology, Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW), Droevendaalsesteeg 10, 6708 PB Wageningen, The Netherlands

   Institute of Biology, Leiden University, Sylviusweg 72, 2333 BE Leiden, The Netherlands

2. Paolina Garbeva

   Netherlands Institute of Ecology

   Affiliation as printed

   Department of Microbial Ecology, Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW), Droevendaalsesteeg 10, 6708 PB Wageningen, The Netherlands

3. Lisa Vader Aachen Institute of Biology, Leiden University

   Leiden University

   Affiliation as printed

   Institute of Biology, Leiden University, Sylviusweg 72, 2333 BE Leiden, The Netherlands

4. Gilles P. van Wezel Aachen Institute of Biology, Leiden University

   Leiden University · Netherlands Institute of Ecology

   Affiliation as printed

   Department of Microbial Ecology, Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW), Droevendaalsesteeg 10, 6708 PB Wageningen, The Netherlands

   Institute of Biology, Leiden University, Sylviusweg 72, 2333 BE Leiden, The Netherlands

5. Jeroen S. Dickschat

   University of Bonn · Netherlands Institute of Ecology

   Affiliation as printed

   Department of Microbial Ecology, Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW), Droevendaalsesteeg 10, 6708 PB Wageningen, The Netherlands

   University of Bonn, Kekulé-Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Gerhard-Domagk-Straße 1, 53121 Bonn, Germany

6. Dana Ulanová corresponding

   University of Kochi · Kōchi University

   Affiliation as printed

   Faculty of Agriculture and Marine Science, Kochi University, 200 Otsu, Monobe, Nankoku, Kochi 783-8502, Japan