Metabolic Engineering of Terpenoid Biosynthesis in Medicinal Plants: From Genomic Insights to Biotechnological Applications

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Abstract
Terpenoids, which are essential pharmaceutical compounds, encounter significant production challenges due to their low yields in native plants and associated ecological concerns. This review summarizes recent advances in metabolic engineering strategies applied across three complementary platforms: native medicinal plants, microbial systems, and heterologous plant hosts. We present how the “Genomic Insights to Biotechnological Applications” paradigm, supported by multi-omics technologies such as genomics, transcriptomics, metabolomics, and related disciplines, contributes to advancing research in this field. These technologies enable the systematic identification of key biosynthetic genes and regulatory networks. CRISPR-based tools, enzyme engineering, and subcellular targeting are presented as pivotal transformative strategies in advancing metabolic engineering approaches. Strategic co-expression and optimization approaches have achieved substantial improvements in product yields, as demonstrated by a 25-fold increase in paclitaxel production and a 38% enhancement in artemisinin yield. Persistent challenges, such as metabolic flux balancing, cytotoxicity, and scale-up economics, are discussed in conjunction with emerging solutions, including machine learning and photoautotrophic chassis systems. We conclude by proposing a strategic roadmap for industrial translation that highlights the essential integration of systems biology and synthetic biology approaches to accelerate the transition of terpenoid biomanufacturing from discovery to commercial-scale application.
Funding Information
  • Guangxi Major Science and Technology Special Project (Guike AA22096021, Guike AD22080016, GXQH202402)
  • Guangxi Science and Technology Base and Talent Special Project (Guike AA22096021, Guike AD22080016, GXQH202402)
  • Guangxi Qihuang scholars training program (Guike AA22096021, Guike AD22080016, GXQH202402)

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