Bacterial 2,4-Dioxygenases: New Members of the α/β Hydrolase-Fold Superfamily of Enzymes Functionally Related to Serine Hydrolases

1H-3-hydroxy-4-oxoquinoline 2,4-dioxygenase (Qdo) from Pseudomonas putida 33/1 and 1H-3-hydroxy-4-oxoquinaldine 2,4-dioxygenase (Hod) from Arthrobacter ilicis Rü61a catalyze an N-heterocyclic-ring cleavage reaction, generating N-formylanthranilate and N-acetylanthranilate, respectively, and carbon monoxide. Amino acid sequence comparisons between Qdo, Hod, and a number of proteins belonging to the alpha/beta hydrolase-fold superfamily of enzymes and analysis of the similarity between the predicted secondary structures of the 2,4-dioxygenases and the known secondary structure of haloalkane dehalogenase from Xanthobacter autotrophicus GJ10 strongly suggested that Qdo and Hod are structurally related to the alpha/beta hydrolase-fold enzymes. The residues S95 and H244 of Qdo were found to be arranged like the catalytic nucleophilic residue and the catalytic histidine, respectively, of the alpha/beta hydrolase-fold enzymes. Investigation of the potential functional significance of these and other residues of Qdo through site-directed mutagenesis supported the hypothesis that Qdo is structurally as well as functionally related to serine hydrolases, with S95 being a possible catalytic nucleophile and H244 being a possible catalytic base. A hypothetical reaction mechanism for Qdo-catalyzed 2,4-dioxygenolysis, involving formation of an ester bond between the catalytic serine residue and the carbonyl carbon of the substrate and subsequent dioxygenolysis of the covalently bound anionic intermediate, is discussed.     

Site-directed mutagenesis of potential catalytic residues in 1H-3-hydroxy-4-oxoquinoline 2,4-dioxygenase, and hypothesis on the catalytic mechanism of 2,4-dioxygenolytic ring cleavage

1H-3-Hydroxy-4-oxoquinoline 2,4-dioxygenase (Qdo) is a cofactor-free dioxygenase proposed to belong to the alpha/beta hydrolase fold superfamily of enzymes. Alpha/beta Hydrolases contain a highly conserved catalytic triad (nucleophile-acidic residue-histidine). We previously identified a corresponding catalytically essential histidine residue in Qdo. However, as shown by amino acid replacements through site-directed mutagenesis, nucleophilic and acidic residues of Qdo considered as possible triad residues were not absolutely required for activity. This suggests that Qdo does not contain the canonical catalytic triad of the alpha/beta hydrolase fold enzymes. Some radical trapping agents affected the Qdo-catalyzed reaction. A hypothetical mechanism of Qdo-catalyzed dioxygenation of 1H-3-hydroxy-4-oxoquinoline is compared with the dioxygenation of FMNH2 catalyzed by bacterial luciferase, which also uses a histidine residue as catalytic base.     

Dioxygenases without requirement for cofactors and their chemical model reaction: compulsory order ternary complex mechanism of 1H-3-hydroxy-4-oxoquinaldine 2,4-dioxygenase involving general base catalysis by histidine 251 and single-electron oxidation of the substrate dianion

1H-3-Hydroxy-4-oxoquinaldine 2,4-dioxygenase (Hod) is a cofactor-less dioxygenase belonging to the alpha/beta hydrolase fold family, catalyzing the cleavage of 1H-3-hydroxy-4-oxoquinaldine (I) and 1H-3-hydroxy-4-oxoquinoline (II) to N-acetyl- and N-formylanthranilate, respectively, and carbon monoxide. Bisubstrate steady-state kinetics and product inhibition patterns of HodC, the C69A protein variant of Hod, suggested a compulsory-order ternary-complex mechanism, in which binding of the organic substrate precedes dioxygen binding, and carbon monoxide is released first. The specificity constants, k(cat)/K(m,A) and k(cat)/K(m,O)()2, were 1.4 x 10(8) and 3.0 x 10(5) M(-1) s(-1) with I and 1.2 x 10(5) and 0.41 x 10(5) M(-1) s(-1) with II, respectively. Whereas HodC catalyzes formation of the dianion of its organic substrate prior to dioxygen binding, HodC-H251A does not, suggesting that H251, which aligns with the histidine of the catalytic triad of the alpha/beta hydrolases, acts as general base in catalysis. Investigation of base-catalyzed dioxygenolysis of I by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy revealed formation of a resonance-stabilized radical upon exposure to dioxygen. Since in D(2)O spectral properties are not affected, exchangeable protons are not involved, confirming that the dianion is the reactive intermediate that undergoes single-electron oxidation. We suggest that in the ternary complex of the enzyme, direct single-electron transfer from the substrate dianion to dioxygen may occur, resulting in a radical pair. Based on the estimated spin distribution within the radical anion (observed in the model reaction of I), radical recombination may produce a C4- or C2-hydroperoxy(di)anion. Subsequent intramolecular attack would result in the 2,4-endoperoxy (di)anion that may collapse to the reaction products.     

Microbial metabolism of quinoline and related compounds. V. Degradation of 1H-4-oxoquinoline by Pseudomonas putida 33/1

A bacterial strain was isolated with the ability to use 1H-4-oxoquinoline as the sole source of carbon, nitrogen and energy. On the basis of its physiological properties, this isolate was classified as Pseudomonas putida. 1H-3-Hydroxy-4-oxoquinoline, N-formylanthranilic acid, anthranilic acid and catechol were identified as intermediates in the degradation pathway. The latter was further degraded by ortho-cleavage. The enzymatic conversion of 1H-4-oxoquinoline into 1H-3-hydroxy-4-oxoquinoline requires oxygen and NADH. Experiments with 18O2 showed that the oxygen consumed in this enzymatic reaction is derived from the atmosphere.     

Stability, unfolding, and structural changes of cofactor-free 1H-3-hydroxy-4-oxoquinaldine 2,4-dioxygenase

Stability, unfolding mechanism, spectroscopic, densimetric, and structural characteristics of the oxidatively stable C69S variant (HodC) of 1H-3-hydroxy-4-oxoquinaldine 2,4-dioxygenase (Hod) have been determined by classical and pressure modulation scanning calorimetry (DSC and PMDSC, respectively), circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy, differential scanning densimetry (DSD), and dynamic light scattering measurements. At 25 degrees C, hexahistidine-tagged HodC has a hydrodynamic radius of 2.3 nm and is characterized by an unusually high degree of alpha-helical structure of approximately 60%, based on deconvolution of CD spectra. The percentage of beta-sheets and -turns is expected to be relatively low in view of its sequence similarity to proteins of the alpha/beta-hydrolase fold superfamily. His6HodC exhibits three-state unfolding (N <--> I <--> D) with an intermediate state I that exhibits at the transition temperature a volume larger than that of the native or denatured state. The intermediate state I is also associated with the highest isothermal expansion coefficient, alphaP, of the three states and exhibits a significantly lower percentage of alpha-helical structure than the native state. The stability difference between the native and intermediate state is rather small which makes I a potential candidate for reactions with various ligands, particularly those having a preference for the apparently preserved beta-type motifs.     

Thermodynamic analysis of denaturant-induced unfolding of HodC69S protein supports a three-state mechanism

Thermodynamic stability parameters and the equilibrium unfolding mechanism of His 6HodC69S, a mutant of 1 H-3-hydroxy-4-oxoquinaldine 2,4-dioxygenase (Hod) having a Cys to Ser exchange at position 69 and an N-terminal hexahistidine tag (His 6HodC69S), have been derived from isothermal unfolding studies using guanidine hydrochloride (GdnHCl) or urea as denaturants. The conformational changes were monitored by following changes in circular dichroism (CD), fluorescence, and dynamic light scattering (DLS), and the resulting transition curves were analyzed on the basis of a sequential three-state model N = I = D. The structural changes have been correlated to catalytic activity, and the contribution to stability of the disulfide bond between residues C37 and C184 in the native protein has been established. A prominent result of the present study is the finding that, independent of the method used for denaturing the protein, the unfolding mechanism always comprises three states which can be characterized by, within error limits, identical sets of thermodynamic parameters. Apparent deviations from three-state unfolding can be rationalized by the inability of a spectroscopic probe to discriminate clearly between native, intermediate, and unfolded ensembles. This was the case for the CD-monitored urea unfolding curve.     

A novel type of oxygenolytic ring cleavage: 2,4-oxygenation and decarbonylation of 1H-3-hydroxy-4-oxoquinaldine and 1H-3-hydroxy-4-oxoquinoline

Abstract The utilization of quinaldine (2-methylquinoline) by Arthrobacter sp. Rü61a proceeds via 1 H -4-oxoquinaldine, 1 H -3-hydroxy-4-oxoquinaldine, and N -acetyl-anthranilic acid. By analogy, 1 H -4-oxoquinoline is degraded by Pseudomonas putida 33/1 via 1 H -3-hydroxy-4-oxoquinoline and N -formylanthranilic acid. Using the purified enzymes from both organisms, the mode of N -heterocyclic ring cleavage was investigated. The conversions of 1 H -3-hydroxy-4-oxoquinaldine and 1 H -3-hydroxy-4-oxoquinoline to N -acetyl- and N -formylanthranilic acid, respectively, were both accompanied by the release of carbon monoxide. The enzyme-catalysed transformations were performed in an [¹⁸O]O₂ atmosphere and resulted in the incorporation of two oxygen atoms into the respective products, N -acetyl- and N -formylanthranilic acid, indicating an oxygenolytic attack at C-2 and C-4 of both 1 H -3-hydroxy-4-oxoquinaldine and 1 H -3-hydroxy-4-oxoquinolone.     

Dioxygenases Without Requirement for Cofactors: Identification of Amino Acid Residues Involved in Substrate Binding and Catalysis, and Testing for Rate-Limiting Steps in the Reaction of 1H-3-Hydroxy-4-oxoquinaldine 2,4-dioxygenase

1H-3-Hydroxy-4-oxoquinaldine 2,4-dioxygenase (Hod), catalyzing cleavage of its heteroaromatic substrate to form carbon monoxide and N-acetylanthranilate, belongs to the α/β hydrolase fold family of enzymes. Analysis of protein variants suggested that Hod has adapted active-site residues of the α/β hydrolase fold for the dioxygenolytic reaction. H251 was recently shown to act as a general base to abstract a proton from the organic substrate. Residue S101, which corresponds to the nucleophile of the catalytic triad of α/β-hydrolases, presumably participates in binding the heteroaromatic substrate. H102 and residues located in the topological region of the triad’s acidic residue appear to influence O₂ binding and reactivity. A tyrosine residue might be involved in the turnover of the ternary complex [HodH⁺–3,4-dioxyquinaldine dianion–O₂]. Absence of viscosity effects and kinetic solvent isotope effects suggests that turnover of the ternary complex, rather than substrate binding, product release, or proton movements, involves the rate-determining step in the reaction catalyzed by Hod.     

Geranyl flavonoids from the leaves of Artocarpus altilis

Five geranyl dihydrochalcones, 1-(2,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-3-{4-hydroxy-6,6,9-trimethyl-6a,7,8,10a-tetrahydro-6H-dibenzo[b,d]pyran-5-yl}-1-propanone (2), 1-(2,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-3-[3,4-dihydro-3,8-dihydroxy-2-methyl-2-(4-methyl-3-pentenyl)-2H-1-benzopyran-5-yl]-1-propanone (4), 1-(2,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-3-[8-hydroxy-2-methyl-2-(3,4-epoxy-4-methyl-1-pentenyl)-2H-1-benzopyran-5-yl]-1-propanone (5), 1-(2,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-3-[8-hydroxy-2-methyl-2-(4-hydroxy-4-methyl-2-pentenyl)-2H-1-benzopyran-5-yl]-1-propanone (8), and 2-[6-hydroxy-3,7-dimethylocta-2(E),7-dienyl]-2',3,4,4'-tetrahydroxydihydrochalcone (9), along with four known geranyl flavonoids (1, 3, 6, 7), were isolated from the leaves of Artocarpus altilis. Their structures were established by spectroscopic means and by comparison with the literature values. Compounds 2, 4, and 9 exhibited moderate cytotoxicity against SPC-A-1, SW-480, and SMMC-7721 human cancer cells.     

p-Cumate catabolic pathway in Pseudomonas putida Fl: cloning and characterization of DNA carrying the cmt operon.

Pseudomonas putida F1 utilizes p-cumate (p-isopropylbenzoate) as a growth substrate by means of an eight-step catabolic pathway. A 35.75-kb DNA segment, within which the cmt operon encoding the catabolism of p-cumate is located, was cloned as four separate overlapping restriction fragments and mapped with restriction endonucleases. By examining enzyme activities in recombinant bacteria carrying these fragments and sub-cloned fragments, genes encoding most of the enzymes of the p-cumate pathway were located. Subsequent sequence analysis of 11,260 bp gave precise locations of the 12 genes of the cmt operon. The first three genes, cmtAaAbAc, and the sixth gene, cmtAd, encode the components of p-cumate 2,3-dioxygenase (ferredoxin reductase, large subunit of the terminal dioxygenase, small subunit of the terminal dioxygenase, and ferredoxin, respectively); these genes are separated by cmtC, which encodes 2,3-dihydroxy-p-cumate 3,4-dioxygenase, and cmtB, coding for 2,3-dihydroxy-2,3-dihydro-p-cumate dehydrogenase. The ring cleavage product, 2-hydroxy-3-carboxy-6-oxo-7-methylocta-2,4-dienoate, is acted on by a decarboxylase encoded by the seventh gene, cmtD, which is followed by a large open reading frame, cmtI, of unknown function. The next four genes, cmtEFHG, encode 2-hydroxy-6-oxo-7-methylocta-2,4-dienoate hydrolase, 2-hydroxypenta-2,4-dienoate hydratase, 4-hydroxy-2-oxovalerate aldolase, and acetaldehyde dehydrogenase, respectively, which transform the decarboxylation product to amphibolic intermediates. The deduced amino acid sequences of all the cmt gene products except CmtD and CmtI have a recognizable but low level of identity with amino acid sequences of enzymes catalyzing analogous reactions in other catabolic pathways. This identity is highest for the last two enzymes of the pathway (4-hydroxy-2-oxovalerate aldolase and acetaldehyde dehydrogenase [acylating]), which have identities of 66 to 77% with the corresponding enzymes from other aromatic meta-cleavage pathways. Recombinant bacteria carrying certain restriction fragments bordering the cmt operon were found to transform indole to indigo. This reaction, known to be catalyzed by toluene 2,3-dioxygenase, led to the discovery that the tod operon, encoding the catabolism of toluene, is located 2.8 kb downstream from and in the same orientation as the cmt operon in P. putida F1.     

Antitubercular activity of novel substituted 4,5-dihydro-1H-1-pyrazolylmethanethiones

A series of, anilino-5-(substituted) phenyl-3-(4-hydroxy-3-methylphenyl)-4,5-dihydro-1H-1-pyrazolylmethanethione and 2-chloroanilino-5-(substituted) phenyl-3-(4-hydroxy-3-methylphenyl)-4,5-dihydro-1H-1-pyrazolylmethanethione were synthesized by the reaction between hydrazine hydrate and the chalcones (3a-k) followed by condensation with the appropriate aryl isothiocyanate which yielded the N-substituted pyrazoline derivatives. These were tested for their in-vitro anti-mycobacterial activity against INH resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis (INHR MTB) using the BACTEC 460 radiometric system. Compound 2-chloroanilino-5-(2,6-dichlorophenyl)-3-(4-hydroxy-3-methylphenyl)-4,5-dihydro-1H-1-pyrazolyl-methanethione (6i) was found to be most active agent with a minimum inhibitory concentration of 0.96 microg/mL.     

Synthesis of 5-(4-hydroxy-3-methylphenyl) -5- (substituted phenyl)-4, 5-dihydro-1H-1-pyrazolyl-4-pyridylmethanone derivatives with anti-viral activity

A series of N1-nicotinoyl-3- (4-hydroxy-3-methyl phenyl)-5-(substituted phenyl)-2-pyrazolines were synthesized by the reaction between isoniazid (INH) and chalcones and were tested for their in vitro anti-viral activity. Among the compounds, the electron withdrawing group substituted analogues 5-(4-chlorophenyl)-3-(4-hydroxy-3-methylphenyl)-4, 5-dihydro-1H-1- pyrazolyl-4-pyridylmethanone (4b), 5-(2-chlorophenyl)-3-(4-hydroxy-3-methylphenyl)-4,5-dihydro-1H-1-pyrazolyl-4-pyri- dylmethanone (4i), 5-(4-fluorophenyl)-3-(4-hydroxy-3-methylphenyl)-4,5-dihydro- 1H-1-pyrazolyl-4-pyridylmethanone (4h) and 5-(2,6-dichlorophenyl)-3-(4-hydroxy-3-methylphenyl)-4,5-dihydro- 1H-1-pyrazolyl-4-pyridyl methanone (4j) were the most promising and the halogeno function appeared to be essential for antiviral activity.     

Synthesis of 5-(4-hydroxy-3-methylphenyl)-5-(substituted phenyl)-4, 5-dihydro-1H-1-pyrazolyl-4-pyridylmethanone derivatives with anti-viral activity

A series of N¹-nicotinoyl-3- (4-hydroxy-3-methyl phenyl)-5-(substituted phenyl)-2-pyrazolines were synthesized by the reaction between isoniazid (INH) and chalcones and were tested for their in vitro anti-viral activity. Among the compounds, the electron withdrawing group substituted analogues 5-(4-chlorophenyl)-3-(4-hydroxy-3-methylphenyl)-4, 5-dihydro-1H-1-pyrazolyl-4-pyridylmethanone (4b), 5-(2-chlorophenyl)-3-(4-hydroxy-3-methylphenyl)-4,5-dihydro-1H-1-pyrazolyl-4-pyridylmethanone (4i), 5-(4-fluorophenyl)-3-(4-hydroxy-3-methylphenyl)-4,5-dihydro-1H-1-pyrazolyl-4-pyridylmethanone (4h) and 5-(2,6-dichlorophenyl)-3-(4-hydroxy-3-methylphenyl)-4,5-dihydro-1H-1-pyrazolyl-4-pyridyl methanone (4j) were the most promising and the halogeno function appeared to be essential for antiviral activity.     

Biochemical and molecular characterization of a ring fission dioxygenase with the ability to oxidize (substituted) salicylate(s) from Pseudaminobacter salicylatoxidans

The gene coding for a dioxygenase with the ability to cleave salicylate by a direct ring fission mechanism to 2-oxohepta-3,5-dienedioic acid was cloned from Pseudaminobacter salicylatoxidans strain BN12. The deduced amino acid sequence encoded a protein with a molecular mass of 41,176 Da, which showed 28 and 31% sequence identity, respectively, to a gentisate 1,2-dioxygenase from Pseudomonas alcaligenes NCIMB 9867 and a 1-hydroxy-2-naphthoate 1,2-dioxygenase from Nocardioides sp. KP7. The highest degree of sequence identity (58%) was found to a presumed gentisate 1,2-dioxygenase from Corynebacterium glutamicum. The enzyme from P. salicylatoxidans BN12 was heterologously expressed in Escherichia coli and purified as a His-tagged enzyme variant. The purified enzyme oxidized in addition to salicylate, gentisate, 5-aminosalicylate, and 1-hydroxy-2-naphthoate also 3-amino- and 3- and 4-hydroxysalicylate, 5-fluorosalicylate, 3-, 4-, and 5-chlorosalicylate, 3-, 4-, and 5-bromosalicylate, 3-, 4-, and 5-methylsalicylate, and 3,5-dichlorosalicylate. The reactions were analyzed by high pressure liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry, and the reaction products were tentatively identified. For comparison, the putative gentisate 1,2-dioxygenase from C. glutamicum was functionally expressed in E. coli and shown to convert gentisate but not salicylate or 1-hydroxy-2-naphthoate.     

Flavonol 2,4-dioxygenase from Aspergillus niger DSM 821, a type 2 CuII-containing glycoprotein.

Flavonol 2,4-dioxygenase, which catalyzes the cleavage of quercetin to carbon monoxide and 2-protocatechuoyl-phloroglucinol carboxylic acid, was purified from culture filtrate of Aspergillus niger DSM 821 grown on rutin. It is a glycoprotein (46-54% carbohydrate) with N-linked oligo-mannose type glycan chains. The enzyme was resolved in SDS polyacrylamide gels in a diffuse protein band that corresponded to a molecular mass of 130-170 kDa. When purified flavonol 2,4-dioxygenase was heated, it dissociated into three peptides with apparent molecular masses of 63-67 kDa (L), 53-57 kDa (M), and 31-35 kDa (S), which occurred in a molar ratio of 1:1:1, suggesting a LMS structure. Crosslinking led to a 90-97 kDa species, concomitant with the decrease of staining intensity of the 63-67 kDa (L) and the 31-35 kDa (S) peptides. Analysis by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight-MS showed peaks at m/z approximately 69 600, m/z approximately 51 700, and m/z approximately 26 500 which are presumed to represent the three peptides of flavonol 2,4-dioxygenase, and a broad peak at m/z approximately 96 300, which might correspond to the LS heterodimer as formed in the crosslinking reaction. Based on the estimated molecular mass of 148 kDa, 1 mol of enzyme contained 1.0-1.6 mol of copper. Ethylxanthate, which specifically reduces CuII to CuI ethylxanthate, is a potent inhibitor of flavonol 2,4-dioxygenase. Metal chelating agents (such as diethyldithiocarbamate, diphenylthiocarbazone) strongly inhibited the enzymatic activity, but inactivation was not accompanied by loss of copper. The EPR spectrum of flavonol 2,4-dioxygenase (as isolated) showed the characteristic parameters of a nonblue type 2 CuII protein. The Cu2+ is assumed to interact with four nitrogen ligands, and the CuII complex has a (distorted) square planar geometry.     

Microbial metabolism of chlorosalicylates: accelerated evolution by natural genetic exchange

Methylsalicylate-grown cells of Pseudomonas sp. WR 401 cometabolized 3-, 4- and 5-substituted halosalicylates to the corresponding halocatechols. Further degradation was unproductive due to the presence of high levels of catechol 2,3-dioxygenase. This strain acquired the ability to utilize 3-chlorobenzoate following acquisition of genes from Pseudomonas sp. B 13 which are necessary for the assimilation of chlorocatechols. This derivative (WR 4011) was unable to use 4- or 5-chlorosalicylates. Derivatives able to use these compounds were obtained by plating WR 4011 on 5-chlorosalicylate minimal medium; one such derivative was designated WR 4016. The acquisition of this property was accompanied by concomitant loss of the methylsalicylate phenotype. During growth on 4- or 5-chlorosalicylate the typical enzymes of chlorocatechol assimilation were detected in cell free extracts, whereas catechol 2,3-dioxygenase activity was not induced. Repeated subcultivation of WR 4016 in the presence of 3-chlorosalicylate produced variants (WR 4016-1) which grew on all three isomers.Abbreviations CS chlorosalicylate - MS methylsalicylate - 3CB 3-chlorobenzoate - nal^r nalidixin-resistant - str^r streptomycin-resistant - C230 catechol-2,3-dioxygenase - C120 catechol-1,2-dioxygenase - HMSH 2-hydroxymuconic semialdehyde hydrolase or 2-hydroxy-6-oxo-hexa-2,4-dienoic acid-hydrolase - HMSD 2-hydroxymuconic semialdehyde dehydrogenase - Dienlacton hydrolase 4-carboxymethylenebut-2-en-4-olide hydrolase     

Toluene degradation by Pseudomonas putida F1: genetic organization of the tod operon

Pseudomonas putida PpF1 degrades toluene through cis-toluene dihydrodiol to 3-methylcatechol. The latter compound is metabolized through the well-established meta pathway for catechol degradation. The first four steps in the pathway involve the sequential action of toluene dioxygenase (todABC1C2), cis-toluene dihydrodiol dehydrogenase (todD), 3-methylcatechol 2,3-dioxygenase (todE), and 2-hydroxy-6-oxo-2,4-heptadienoate hydrolase (todF). The genes for these enzymes form part of the tod operon which is responsible for the degradation of toluene by this organism. A combination of transposon mutagenesis of the PpF1 chromosome, as well as analysis of cloned chromosomal fragments, was used to determine the physical order of the genes in the tod operon. The genes were determined to be transcribed in the order todF, todC1, todC2, todB, todA, todD, todE.     

Toluene degradation by Pseudomonas putida F1: genetic organization of the tod operon.

Pseudomonas putida PpF1 degrades toluene through cis-toluene dihydrodiol to 3-methylcatechol. The latter compound is metabolized through the well-established meta pathway for catechol degradation. The first four steps in the pathway involve the sequential action of toluene dioxygenase (todABC1C2), cis-toluene dihydrodiol dehydrogenase (todD), 3-methylcatechol 2,3-dioxygenase (todE), and 2-hydroxy-6-oxo-2,4-heptadienoate hydrolase (todF). The genes for these enzymes form part of the tod operon which is responsible for the degradation of toluene by this organism. A combination of transposon mutagenesis of the PpF1 chromosome, as well as analysis of cloned chromosomal fragments, was used to determine the physical order of the genes in the tod operon. The genes were determined to be transcribed in the order todF, todC1, todC2, todB, todA, todD, todE.