Jasmonic acid biosynthesis by microorganisms: Derivatives, first evidences on biochemical pathways and culture conditions for production

Jasmonic acid (JA) and its derivatives (called jasmonates) are lipid-derived signalling molecules that are produced by certain bacteria, fungi and plants. Beside this function, jasmonates have a great variety of applications in the flavour and fragrances production. In addition, they may have a high potential in agriculture. JAs protect plant against infections and may suppress the growth of cancer cells in humans and animals. Although a lot of information on the biosynthesis and function of JA exists from plants, knowledge on these aspects is still scarce for microorganisms. Taking into account the practical importance of JA, the objective of this review is to summarize knowledge on the occurrence of jasmonates from microbial culture media, their biosynthetic pathways and the culture conditions for optimal JA production as an alternative source for the production of these valuable metabolites