Degradation of anthracene by Mycobacterium sp. strain LB501T proceeds via a novel pathway, through o-phthalic acid.
Mycobacterium sp. strain LB501T utilizes anthracene as a sole carbon and energy source. We analyzed cultures of the wild-type strain and of UV-generated mutants impaired in anthracene utilization for metabolites to determine the anthracene degradation pathway. Identification of metabolites by comparison with authentic standards and transient accumulation of o-phthalic acid by the wild-type strain during growth on anthracene suggest a pathway through o-phthalic acid and protocatechuic acid. As the only productive degradation pathway known so far for anthracene proceeds through 2,3-dihydroxynaphthalene and the naphthalene degradation pathway to form salicylate, this indicates the existence of a novel anthracene catabolic pathway in Mycobacterium sp. LB501T.
van Herwijnen
René
R
Department of Environmental and Toxicological Chemistry (IBED/MTC), University of Amsterdam, 1018WV Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Springael
Dirk
D
Slot
Pieter
P
Govers
Harrie A J
HA
Parsons
John R
JR
D000873:Anthracenes / Q000378:metabolism*; D001673:Biodegradation, Environmental; D003470:Culture Media; D008401:Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry; D062385:Hydroxybenzoates / Q000378:metabolism; D009161:Mycobacterium / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D010795:Phthalic Acids / Q000378:metabolism*
D000873:Anthracenes; D003470:Culture Media; D062385:Hydroxybenzoates; D010795:Phthalic Acids; C009091:protocatechuic acid; C032279:phthalic acid; C034020:anthracene