Thiophene metabolism by E. coli: Technical progress report, September 15--December 15, 1988

Technical Report · Sun Jan 01 00:00:00 EST 1989

OSTI ID:6507841

Clark, D P

The objective of this project is to investigate the mechanism of thiophene and furan degradation by mutants of Escherichia coli K-12 which have gained the ability to use such heterocyclic compounds. We hope to characterize the genes involved in these novel breakdown pathways and, if possible to assay the activities of the corresponding activities. Previous work resulted in the isolation of a series of mutants of E. coli with increasing ability to oxidize furan and thiophene derivatives. Mutations in three novel genes were involved, thdA, thdC and thdD together with mutations in fadR (''thdB'') and atoC. Of these thdA gave the biggest observable effect and we have therefore focused on this gene in our more recent work. Although the nature of the thdA system is still unknown, it is clearly rather non-specific (as is P450) and can be mutated to various mutant forms with different specificities. Lastly, we isolated novel furan degrading mutant starting from a different genetic background. These mutants contrast with those made from DC625 in that they could use furans and benzoic acid as sole carbon and energy source implying complete degradation. The new mutants showed moderate activity against some thiophene derivatives but not others. These mutants are very interesting and will be further analysed both genetically and for their biochemical properties.

• Research Organization: Southern Illinois Univ., Carbondale (USA). Dept. of Microbiology
• DOE Contract Number: FG22-87PC79912
• OSTI ID: 6507841
• Report Number(s): DOE/PC/79912-5; ON: DE89006468
• Resource Relation: Other Information: Portions of this document are illegible in microfiche products
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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