Degradation of alicyclic molecules by Rhodococcus ruber CD4 |
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Authors: | J. D. Schumacher R. M. Fakoussa |
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Affiliation: | (1) Institute of Applied Biochemistry, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba City, Ibaraki 305-8572, Japan, JP;(2) National Institute of Bioscience and Human Technology, Agency of Industrial Science and Technology, MITI, Tsukuba 305-8566, Japan e-mail: oda@nibh.go.jp Tel.: +81-298-54-6088 Fax: +81-298-54-6095, JP |
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Abstract: | The present work describes investigations on the bacterial degradation of the alicyclic molecule cyclododecane. It represents a structure where the initial degradative steps have to be similar to a “subterminal” attack as there is no “terminal” part of the molecule. We were able to show that the gram-positive bacterium Rhodococcus ruber CD4 DSM 44394 oxidizes cyclododecane to the corresponding alcohol and ketone, the latter being subject to ring fission by a Baeyer-Villiger oxygenase. This key enzyme is an NADPH- and O2-dependent flavoprotein with a substrate specificity for bigger rings. The further metabolism of the resulting lactone gives rise to an ω-hydroxyalkanoic acid that is susceptible to common β-oxidation. Due to its alicyclic character and its ring size, cyclododecane is comparable to aliphatic bridge components that are an important element in the coal texture. They contribute to the three-dimensional coal structure and thus could serve as a valuable target for the oxidative abilities of R. ruber CD4 to reduce the molecular mass of coal. Received: 2 July 1998 / Received revision: 27 October 1998 / Accepted: 30 October 1998 |
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