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Review
. 2024 Aug;66(8):1772-1785.
doi: 10.1007/s12033-023-00827-7. Epub 2023 Jul 24.

Multiple Functions of Compatible Solute Ectoine and Strategies for Constructing Overproducers for Biobased Production

Wei Zhang  1 , Kun Liu  2 , Fang Kong  2 , Tao Ye  2 , Tianwen Wang  3
Affiliations
Review

Multiple Functions of Compatible Solute Ectoine and Strategies for Constructing Overproducers for Biobased Production

Wei Zhang et al. Mol Biotechnol. 2024 Aug.

Abstract

Ectoine and its derivative 5-hydroxyectoine are compatible solutes initially found in the hyperhalophilic bacterium Ectothiorhodospira halochloris, which inhabits the desert in Egypt. The habitat of ectoine producers implies the primary function of ectoine as a cytoprotectant against harsh conditions such as high salinity, drought, and high radiation. More extensive and in-depth studies have revealed the multiple functions of ectoine in its native producer bacterial cells and other types of cells and its biomolecular components (such as proteins and DNA) as a general protective agent. Its chemical properties as a bio-based amino acid derivative make it attractive for basic scientific research and related industries, such as the food/agricultural industry, cosmetic manufacturing, biologics, and therapeutic agent preparation. This article first discusses the functions and applications of ectoine and 5-hydroxyectoine. Subsequently, more emphasis was placed on advances in bio-based ectoine and/or 5-hydroxyectoine production. Strategies for developing more robust cell factories for highly efficient ectoine and/or 5-hydroxyectoine production are further discussed. We hope this review will provide a valuable reference for studies on the bio-based production of ectoine and 5-hydroxyectoine.

Keywords: Bio-based production; Biomolecule protectant; Ectoine; NMR-aided protein engineering; Substrate channeling.

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