Mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs), a class of natural sunproof molecules, have attracted intensive attention because of their potent ultraviolet (UV) -absorbing capabilities and potential applications in the cosmetics industry. However, the complicated extraction process and low yield restrict their applications. To address challenges with the supply of MAAs, reconstructing the biosynthesis pathway for their production in microbial cells with synthetic biology techniques provides an effective strategy. This article systematically reviews current progress in the biosynthesis of MAAs, covering a range of critical aspects, including the analysis of structural diversity, which is essential for understanding the functional properties of different MAAs. Additionally, the article delves into the elucidation of biosynthetic pathways, providing insights into the biochemical steps and enzymes involved in the production of MAAs. Furthermore, this review explores the construction of chassis cells in the biosynthesis of MAAs, including the integration of heterologous genes and the optimization of metabolic pathways, highlighting the importance of selecting and engineering suitable microbial hosts to optimize MAAs biosynthesis. The review provides a forward-looking perspective on microbial synthesis of MAAs, with a focus on driving innovation in green and efficient biomanufacturing of these high-value compounds. Meanwhile, the article also discusses the current key challenges in MAAs biosynthesis research, including low precursor content, insufficient enzyme catalytic activity, and difficulties in accurate product identification, which collectively hinder the industrial development of MAAs. Breaking through these technical bottlenecks is expected to enable the development of sustainable and economically viable approaches for the large-scale production of MAAs. This review introduces the current status of research on MAAs synthesized by microbial cells from multiple perspectives and makes a prospective analysis of future development trends, aiming to provide a reference and guidance for research on microbial synthesis of MAAs. Biosynthesis technology shows promise in replacing traditional extraction methods, potentially revolutionizing the production mode of MAAs fundamentally. This innovative production approach will not only satisfy the growing demand for MAAs in the cosmetics industry, but will also significantly improve the accessibility and usage of MAAs in multiple fields.
| 科 Family | 属数 Number of genus | 种数 Number of species | 占总种数比例 Percentage of total species (%) | 属 Genus | 种数 Number of species | 占总种数比例 Percentage of total species (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 鹅膏菌科Amanitaceae | 2 | 11 | 5.26 | 鹅膏菌属 Amanita | 10 | 4.78 |
| 小菇科 Mycenaceae | 2 | 12 | 5.74 | 丝盖伞属 Inocybe | 5 | 2.39 |
| 多孔菌科 Polyporaceae | 8 | 14 | 6.70 | 蜡蘑属 Laccaria | 5 | 2.39 |
| 红菇科 Russulaceae | 3 | 23 | 11.00 | 小皮伞属 Marasmius | 6 | 2.87 |
| 小菇属 Mycena | 11 | 5.26 | ||||
| 光柄菇属 Pluteus | 5 | 2.39 | ||||
| 红菇属 Russula | 17 | 8.13 | ||||
| 栓菌属 Trametes | 5 | 2.39 |