title: Homogentisic acid is the primary precursor of melanin synthesis in Vibrio cholerae, a Hyphomonas strain, and Shewanella colwelliana.
abstract: The enzyme p-hydroxyphenylpyruvate hydroxylase (HPPH) is involved in pigmentation (pyomelanin) via homogentisic acid (HGA). Pyomelanin formation is correlated with HGA production and expression of HPPH in three disparate marine species: Vibrio cholerae, a Hyphomonas strain, and Shewanella colwelliana. Induction of pigmentation in V. cholerae 569B by nutrient limitation also correlated with production of HGA.
authors.affiliation: Department of Microbiology, University of Maryland, College Park 20742, USA.
authors.forename: S I
authors.initials: SI
authors.lastname: Kotob
authors.forename: S L
authors.initials: SL
authors.lastname: Coon
authors.forename: E J
authors.initials: EJ
authors.lastname: Quintero
authors.forename: R M
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Weiner
mesh_terms: D015111:4-Hydroxyphenylpyruvate Dioxygenase / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D001419:Bacteria / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D006092:Gram-Negative Facultatively Anaerobic Rods / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D006713:Homogentisic Acid / Q000378:metabolism*; D008386:Marine Biology; D008543:Melanins / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D009154:Mutation; D010858:Pigmentation; D014734:Vibrio cholerae / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D014871:Water Microbiology
chemical_list: D008543:Melanins; D015111:4-Hydroxyphenylpyruvate Dioxygenase; D006713:Homogentisic Acid