Abamectin is a highly effective and safety macrolide insecticide. This paper reviewed the pathway of abamectin biosynthesis, and the enzyme system and gene cluster involved in the biosynthesis. The genes that govern the synthesis of 8 abamectin components were analyzed, and especially genetic controlling sites of the component B_(1a) synthesis were discussed. The research progresss achieved in the production of single highly effective component B_(1a) and yield increase of active components with the aid of pathway engineering to modify Streptomyces avermitilis were reviewed.
Chemical Formula: C95H142O28
