Microbial degradation of plant toxins

Plants produce a variety of secondary metabolites in response to biotic and abiotic stresses. Although they have many functions, a subclass of toxic secondary metabolites mainly serve plants as deterring agents against herbivores, insects, or pathogens. Microorganisms present in divergent ecological niches, such as soil, water, or insect and rumen gut systems have been found capable of detoxifying these metabolites. As a result of detoxification, microbes gain growth nutrients and benefit their herbivory host via detoxifying symbiosis. Here, we review current knowledge on microbial degradation of toxic alkaloids, glucosinolates, terpenes, and polyphenols with an emphasis on the genes and enzymes involved in breakdown pathways. We highlight that the insect-associated microbes might find application in biotechnology and become targets for an alternative microbial pest control strategy. Plants produce a variety of secondary metabolites. This review summarizes the knowledge on microbial degradation of those metabolites with a focus on the genes and enzymes involved in the biodegradation pathways. Knowledge gaps and possible biotechnological applications of plant metabolite degrading microorganisms are highlighted.image

Automated summary

Plants produce a variety of secondary metabolites in response to different stresses. Microorganisms have the ability to detoxify these toxic metabolites, which benefits their herbivory host. This review focuses on the genes and enzymes involved in the breakdown pathways of toxic alkaloids, glucosinolates, terpenes, and polyphenols and highlights the potential biotechnological applications of insect-associated microbes in pest control strategies.