Discovery of enzymes responsible for cyclization and postmodification in triterpenoid biosynthesis

Triterpenoids are a widely distributed group of natural products, which exhibit significant bioactivities including antitumor, antibacterial, and antiviral. During the biosynthesis, enzymes in cyclization and postmodification are crucial for generating the structural diversity and bioactivity of triterpenoids. Discovery of enzymes responsible for cyclization and postmodification is the prerequisite for efficient biosynthesis of triterpenoid. This chapter summarizes various approaches for enzyme discovery in triterpenoid biosynthesis. The advantages and limitations of each approach are debated. Finally the great potential of some emerging technologies for accelerating the enzyme discovery for triterpenoid biosynthesis is also discussed.