Ha K, Ryu S, Trinh CT. Alpha-ketoacid decarboxylases: Diversity, structures, reaction mechanisms, and applications for biomanufacturing of platform chemicals and fuels.
Biotechnol Adv 2025;
81:108531. [PMID:
39955038 DOI:
10.1016/j.biotechadv.2025.108531]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2024] [Revised: 02/05/2025] [Accepted: 02/05/2025] [Indexed: 02/17/2025]
Abstract
In living cells, alpha-ketoacid decarboxylases (KDCs, EC 4.1.1.-) are a class of enzymes that convert alpha-ketoacids into aldehydes through decarboxylation. These aldehydes serve as either drop-in chemicals or precursors for the biosynthesis of alcohols, carboxylic acids, esters, and alkanes. These compounds play crucial roles in cellular metabolism and fitness and the bioeconomy, facilitating the sustainable and renewable biomanufacturing of platform chemicals and fuels. This review explores the diversity and classification of KDCs, detailing their structures, mechanisms, and functions. We highlight recent advancements in repurposing KDCs to enhance their efficiency and robustness for biomanufacturing. Additionally, we present modular KDC-dependent metabolic pathways for the microbial biosynthesis of aldehydes, alcohols, carboxylic acids, esters, and alkanes. Finally, we discuss recent developments in the modular cell engineering technology that can potentially be applied to harness the diversity of KDC-dependent pathways for biomanufacturing platform chemicals and fuels.
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