α-Ketoglutarate (AKG) also known as 2-oxoglutarate is an essential metabolite in virtually all organisms as it participates in a variety of biological processes including anti-oxidative defence, energy production, signalling modules, and genetic modification. This keto-acid also possesses immense commercial value as it is utilized as a nutritional supplement, a therapeutic agent, and a precursor to a variety of value-added products such as ethylene and heterocyclic compounds. Hence, the generation of KG in a sustainable and environmentally-neutral manner is a major ongoing research endeavour. In this mini-review, the enzymatic systems and the metabolic networks mediating the synthesis of AKG will be described. The importance of such enzymes as isocitrate dehydrogenase (ICDH), glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH), succinate semialdehyde dehydrogenase (SSADH) and transaminases that directly contribute to the formation of KG will be emphasized. The efficacy of microbial systems in providing an effective platform to generate this moiety and the molecular strategies involving genetic manipulation, abiotic stress and nutrient supplementation that result in the optimal production of AKG will be evaluated. Microbial systems and their components acting via the metabolic networks and the resident enzymes are well poised to provide effective biotechnological tools that can supply renewable AKG globally.

中文翻译：

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α-酮戊二酸的生化途径，一种多方面的代谢物

α-酮戊二酸 (AKG) 也称为 2-酮戊二酸，是几乎所有生物体的必需代谢物，因为它参与各种生物过程，包括抗氧化防御、能量产生、信号模块和基因改造。这种酮酸还具有巨大的商业价值，因为它被用作营养补充剂、治疗剂和各种增值产品（如乙烯和杂环化合物）的前体。因此，以可持续和环境中和的方式产生 KG 是一项正在进行的主要研究工作。在这篇小型综述中，将描述介导 AKG 合成的酶系统和代谢网络。异柠檬酸脱氢酶 (ICDH)、谷氨酸脱氢酶 (GDH)、将强调直接促成 KG 形成的琥珀酸半醛脱氢酶 (SSADH) 和转氨酶。将评估微生物系统在提供产生该部分的有效平台方面的功效，以及涉及导致 AKG 最佳生产的基因操作、非生物胁迫和营养补充的分子策略。微生物系统及其通过代谢网络和常驻酶起作用的成分准备好提供有效的生物技术工具，可以在全球范围内供应可再生 AKG。将评估导致最佳 AKG 生产的非生物胁迫和营养补充。微生物系统及其通过代谢网络和常驻酶起作用的成分准备好提供有效的生物技术工具，可以在全球范围内供应可再生 AKG。将评估导致最佳 AKG 生产的非生物胁迫和营养补充。微生物系统及其通过代谢网络和常驻酶起作用的成分准备好提供有效的生物技术工具，可以在全球范围内供应可再生 AKG。