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

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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.

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Acknowledgements

The publication of this paper was financially supported by a Fund from Anhui Polytechnic University (2022YQQ063). We apologize for authors whose publications relevant to this paper's topic were not cited for various reasons.

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  1. College of Life Sciences, Xinyang Normal University, Xinyang, 464000, People’s Republic of China

    Wei Zhang

  2. College of Biology and Food Engineering, Anhui Polytechnic University, Wuhu, 241000, People’s Republic of China

    Kun Liu, Fang Kong, Tao Ye & Tianwen Wang

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Zhang, W., Liu, K., Kong, F. et al. Multiple Functions of Compatible Solute Ectoine and Strategies for Constructing Overproducers for Biobased Production. Mol Biotechnol (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12033-023-00827-7

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