Role of oxalic acid in fungal and bacterial metabolism and its biotechnological potential

Abstract

Oxalic acid and oxalates are secondary metabolites secreted to the surrounding environment by fungi, bacteria, and plants. Oxalates are linked to a variety of processes in soil, e.g. nutrient availability, weathering of minerals, or precipitation of metal oxalates. Oxalates are also mentioned among low-molecular weight compounds involved indirectly in the degradation of the lignocellulose complex by fungi, which are considered to be the most effective degraders of wood. The active regulation of the oxalic acid concentration is linked with enzymatic activities; hence, the biochemistry of microbial biosynthesis and degradation of oxalic acid has also been presented. The potential of microorganisms for oxalotrophy and the ability of microbial enzymes to degrade oxalates are important factors that can be used in the prevention of kidney stone, as a diagnostic tool for determination of oxalic acid content, as an antifungal factor against plant pathogenic fungi, or even in efforts to improve the quality of edible plants. The potential role of fungi and their interaction with bacteria in the oxalate-carbonate pathway are regarded as an effective way for the transfer of atmospheric carbon dioxide into calcium carbonate as a carbon reservoir.

Proteomic and Metabolomic Profiling of Archaeal Extracellular Vesicles from the Human Gut

“…The origin of the salicylic acid, which was found to be increased in AEVs of both species, is unclear (potentially from chorismate), but its potential effects on the host and microbiome could include bactericidal and antiseptic action in higher concentrations 72 . Another compound found to be increased was oxalic acid, the latter having the characteristics of a chelating agent for metal cations, making insoluble iron compounds into a soluble complex ion, which could be an interesting trait for gastrointestinal microbiota 73 . Significantly changed compounds are highlighted by an asterisk.…”

Proteomic and Metabolomic Profiling of Archaeal Extracellular Vesicles from the Human Gut

“…The origin of the salicylic acid, which was found to be increased in AEVs of both species, is unclear (potentially from chorismate), but its potential effects on the host and microbiome could include bactericidal and antiseptic action in higher concentrations 72 . Another compound found to be increased was oxalic acid, the latter having the characteristics of a chelating agent for metal cations, making insoluble iron compounds into a soluble complex ion, which could be an interesting trait for gastrointestinal microbiota 73 .…”