title: New branches in the degradation pathway of monochlorocatechols by Aspergillus nidulans: a metabolomics analysis.
abstract: A collective view of the degradation of monochlorocatechols in fungi is yet to be attained, though these compounds are recognised as key degradation intermediates of numerous chlorinated aromatic hydrocarbons, including monochlorophenols. In the present contribution we have analysed the degradation pathways of monochlorophenols in Aspergillus nidulans using essentially metabolomics. Degradation intermediates herein identified included those commonly reported (e.g. 3-chloro-cis,cis-muconate) but also compounds never reported before in fungi revealing for 4-chlorocatechol and for 3-chlorocatechol unknown degradation paths yielding 3-chlorodienelactone and catechol, respectively. A different 3-chlorocatechol degradation path led to accumulation of 2-chloromuconates (a potential dead-end), notwithstanding preliminary evidence of chloromuconolactones and protoanemonin simultaneous formation. In addition, some transformation intermediates, of which sulfate conjugates of mono-chlorophenols/chlorocatechols were the most common, were also identified. This study provides critical information for understanding the role of fungi in the degradation of chlorinated aromatic hydrocarbons; furthering their utility in the development of innovative bioremediation strategies.
authors: Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Av. da República, 2780-157 Oeiras, Portugal.
authors: Tiago M
authors: TM
authors: Martins
authors: Department of Analytical Chemistry, University of Barcelona, Diagonal 645, E-08028 Barcelona, Spain.
authors: Oscar
authors: O
authors: Núñez
authors: Department of Analytical Chemistry, University of Barcelona, Diagonal 645, E-08028 Barcelona, Spain.
authors: Hector
authors: H
authors: Gallart-Ayala
authors: Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Av. da República, 2780-157 Oeiras, Portugal.
authors: Maria Cristina
authors: MC
authors: Leitão
authors: Department of Analytical Chemistry, University of Barcelona, Diagonal 645, E-08028 Barcelona, Spain.
authors: Maria Teresa
authors: MT
authors: Galceran
authors: Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Av. da República, 2780-157 Oeiras, Portugal. Electronic address: spereira@itqb.unl.pt.
authors: Cristina
authors: C
authors: Silva Pereira
mesh_terms: D001233:Aspergillus nidulans / Q000254:growth & development / Q000378:metabolism*; D001673:Biodegradation, Environmental; D001711:Biotransformation; D002396:Catechols / Q000737:chemistry / Q000302:isolation & purification* / Q000378:metabolism; D004785:Environmental Pollutants / Q000737:chemistry / Q000302:isolation & purification* / Q000378:metabolism; D006843:Hydrocarbons, Chlorinated / Q000737:chemistry / Q000302:isolation & purification* / Q000378:metabolism; D053858:Metabolic Networks and Pathways; D055432:Metabolomics; D015394:Molecular Structure; D025282:Mycelium / Q000254:growth & development / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D002396:Catechols; D004785:Environmental Pollutants; D006843:Hydrocarbons, Chlorinated
keywords: Aspergillus nidulans; Biodegradation; Chlorinated aromatic hydrocarbons; Metabolic pathway; Monochlorocatechols; Monochlorophenols