Regiospecific hydroxylation of 3-(methylaminomethyl) pyridine to 5-(methylaminomethyl) -2 (1H) -pyridinone byArthrobacter ureafaciens

Microbial production of a 6-hydroxy-3-pyridylmethyl compound from 3-pyridylmethyl compound was investigated. The hydroxylation of 3-(methylaminomethyl)pyridine to 5-(methylaminomethyl)-2(1H)-pyridinone, tautomer of 2-hydroxy-5(methylaminomethyl)pyridine, by resting cells ofArthrobacter ureafaciens JCM3873 was found to proceed regio- and chemo-selectively with an almost quantitative yield. The addition of molybdate ion and nicotine as an inducer to the culture medium was required for the preparation of cells containing high hydroxylation activity. The optimal temperature and pH for the hydroxylation by using resting cells were 35°C and around 7, respectively. This hydroxylation enzyme does undergo inhibition by the substrate. The inhibitory effect could be eliminated by stepwise feeding of the substrate. Under adequate conditions, 23 mg/ml of 5-(methylaminomethyl)-2(1H)-pyridinone was produced with a molar yield of nearly 100% from 3-(methylaminomethyl)pyridine.