Metabolic Regulation and Engineering Strategies of Carbon and Nitrogen Metabolism in Escherichia coli

The intricacies of carbon and nitrogen metabolism in Escherichia coli indeed present both challenges and opportunities for metabolic engineering aimed at optimizing microbial production processes. Carbon is the primary energy source and building block for biomolecules at the cellular level, while nitrogen is vital for synthesizing amino acids, nucleotides, and other nitrogen-containing compounds. This review provides a comprehensive summary of the metabolic regulation of central metabolism and outlines engineering strategies for carbon and nitrogen metabolism in E. coli. This perspective enhances our understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved and enables the development of rational metabolic engineering strategies. One key aspect of metabolic engineering consists of understanding the regulatory networks that govern these processes. Both carbon and nitrogen metabolisms are tightly regulated to ensure cellular homeostasis. By elucidating the interconnected nature of carbon and nitrogen metabolism, this review serves not just to better inform the academic community but also to stimulate advancements in biotechnological applications. Metabolic engineering in E. coli, targeting these complex networks, holds immense promise for the sustainable production of chemicals, biofuels, and pharmaceuticals.