Isoprenoids constitute the largest class of natural products and are present in many pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and biofuel compounds. Isoprenoids are derived from isopentenyl diphosphate (IPP), and dimethylallyl diphosphate (DMAPP). In many algae and cyanobacteria, IPP and DMAPP are produced exclusively via the MEP (methylerythritol phosphate) pathway.A method that increases the carbon flux in the MEP pathway toward the production of IPP and DMAPP would be useful for industrial applications. As such, we have developed an approach to rapidly track the carbon distribution of products in a panel of algae and cyanobacteria through [1-13C]-deoxyxylulose, an isotopically labeled intermediate of the MEP pathway. This approach has a number of advantages over the conventionally used [13C]-glucose. The ultimate goal of this method is to screen engineered phototrophs toward improved isoprenoid production.

Monitoring the distribution of isoprenoid products from the MEP pathway in algae and cyanobacteria

245th National Meeting (2013)

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.