METABOLIC PATHWAYS | Production of Secondary Metabolites of Bacteria

Abstract

Bacterial secondary metabolites exhibit several biological properties and many among them are pharmacologically important. Secondary metabolites are assembled by a variety of enzymatic pathways using l-chiral, d-chiral, and nonproteinogenic amino acids, as well as by using acetate units derived from various acyl-CoA esters. The nascent secondary metabolites are further modified by tailoring enzymes for biotechnological applications to attain the intended function. The production of secondary metabolites via several biochemical pathways generally occurs during the late phase of bacterial growth. These compounds protect bacteria during harsh environmental conditions and also act as antibacterial agents against other environmental microorganisms during competition for nutrients. Indirectly, these metabolites have both deleterious and beneficial effects on human health, nutrition, and economy of our society. This review will emphasize the formation of secondary metabolites using nonribosomal peptide synthase, polyketide synthase, shikimate pathways, and β-lactam pathways for uses in the pharmaceutical, food, and agriculture industries.