Microbial desulfurization of dibenzothiophene: a sulfur-specific pathway.
Rhodococcus rhodochrous strain IGTS8 metabolizes dibenzothiophene, a model compound for organic sulfur in fossil fuels, in a sulfur-specific manner. Two routes of desulfurization have been identified. Under growth conditions, the intermediates are dibenzothiophene sulfoxide, dibenzothiophene sulfone, 2'-hydroxybiphenyl-2-sulfonate, and 2,2'-dihydroxybiphenyl. Stationary phase cells produce 2-hydroxybiphenyl as the desulfurized product and use the 2'-hydroxybiphenyl-2-sulfinate, rather than the sulfonate, as the key intermediate.
Gallagher
J R
JR
Energy and Environmental Research Center, University Station University of North Dakota, Grand Forks 58202.
Olson
E S
ES
Stanley
D C
DC
D010084:Oxidation-Reduction; D012240:Rhodococcus / Q000254:growth & development / Q000378:metabolism*; D013455:Sulfur / Q000378:metabolism; D013876:Thiophenes / Q000378:metabolism*
D013876:Thiophenes; D013455:Sulfur; C016366:dibenzothiophene