Recent advances in lycopene and germacrene a biosynthesis and their role as antineoplastic drugs.

Chun-Li Liu, Eric Fordjour, Yankun Yang, Zhonghu Bai

Journal: World journal of microbiology & biotechnology 2024;40(8):254

PMID: 38916754

Abstract

Sesquiterpenes and tetraterpenes are classes of plant-derived natural products with antineoplastic effects. While plant extraction of the sesquiterpene, germacrene A, and the tetraterpene, lycopene suffers supply chain deficits and poor yields, chemical synthesis has difficulties in separating stereoisomers. This review highlights cutting-edge developments in producing germacrene A and lycopene from microbial cell factories. We then summarize the antineoplastic properties of β-elemene (a thermal product from germacrene A), sesquiterpene lactones (metabolic products from germacrene A), and lycopene. We also elaborate on strategies to optimize microbial-based germacrene A and lycopene production.

Address: The Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, School of Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122, China.; National Engineering Research Center of Cereal Fermentation, and Food Biomanufacturing, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Road, Wuxi, Jiangsu , 214122, China.; Jiangsu Provincial Research Centre for Bioactive Product Processing Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122, China.; The Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, School of Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122, China. [email protected].; National Engineering Research Center of Cereal Fermentation, and Food Biomanufacturing, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Road, Wuxi, Jiangsu , 214122, China. [email protected].; Jiangsu Provincial Research Centre for Bioactive Product Processing Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122, China. [email protected].

DOI: 10.1007/s11274-024-04057-0

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https://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11274-024-04057-0

MeSH Terms: Lycopene, Sesquiterpenes, Germacrane, Antineoplastic Agents, Humans, Carotenoids, Sesquiterpenes, Biosynthetic Pathways