Methyltransferases (MTs) constitute a large group of enzymes that catalyze the transfer of a methyl moiety, most frequently from S-adenosyl-L-methionine, to their substrates. It plays an essential role in regulation of gene expression and synthesis of many natural compounds. Owing to its broad substrate spectrum, MTs make important contributions to diversify the spectrum of products through methylation modifications. Recently, great progress has been made in application of MTs for the biosynthesis of various natural products including phenylpropane compounds, fragrances, hormones and antibiotics, which is summarized in this review. Moreover, we highlighted the strategies of using MTs for efficient production and for expanding the diversity of these methylated natural products, and discussed the current challenges and future prospects in this area.
甲基转移酶 (Methyltransferases，MTs) 普遍存在于所有生物有机体中，通常以S-腺苷甲硫氨酸作为甲基供体催化底物的甲基化反应，在基因的表达调控和许多天然化合物的合成中起着至关重要的作用。近年来，在微生物中异源表达MTs以实现一些重要天然产物的生物合成取得了巨大的进步，但迄今为止这方面的研究还没有得到详细和全面的总结。文中综述了MTs在微生物合成苯丙烷类化合物、香料类化合物、激素和抗生素等重要天然产物的最新研究进展，重点阐述了应用代谢工程策略高效合成这些甲基化的天然产物，以及利用MTs拓展天然产物分子多样性的研究进展。最后，探讨了MTs应用于微生物合成天然产物所面临的挑战，并对利用MTs进一步高效生产结构和生物活性多样化的天然产物进行了展望。.
Keywords: metabolic engineering; methyltransferases; natural products; synthetic biology.