Analysis of Metabolic Network of Synthetic Escherichia coli Producing Linalool Using Constraint-based Modeling

Linalool is a major volatile compound used frequently as an ingredient of perfumes and fragrances. Typically, it is produced by chemical routes that are not eco-friendly. We have previously succeeded to construct a synthetic Escherchia coli producing linalool. However, the linalool productivity of this strain is not economically feasible. In this work, the metabolic network of this synthetic E. coli was analyzed by using constraint-based modeling through flux balance analysis (FBA) and single gene deletion analysis to enhance linalool production. The results suggest that a deletion of gdh gene can improve the production of linalool by 14 folds with no growth reduction. The analysis of metabolic flux distribution reveals that the fluxes around glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate and pyruvate, which are the intermediates for the biosynthesis of DXP and linalool, are markedly increased in gdh-deleted strain.