Characterization of a two-component kinase that initiates the bacterial catabolism of hydroxyphenylethanones.

ABSTRACT: The prodigious ability of bacteria to catabolize aromatic compounds has sparked considerable efforts to engineer bacteria to valorize lignin, an underutilized component of biomass. Despite decades of study, key catabolic pathways and enzymes remain poorly characterized. We recently identified the hydroxyphenylethanone (Hpe) pathway, which enables Rhodococcus rhodochrous GD02 and other bacteria to catabolize 4-hydroxyacetophenone (HAP) and acetovanillone (AV), which are generated in the catalytic fractionation of lignin. Catabolism is initiated by a two-component, ATP-dependent dikinase, HpeHI, homologs of which are involved in the catabolism of other aromatic compounds. In biochemical studies, the kinase activity of HpeHI was highest at low ionic strength and low concentrations of Mn²

SUBMITTER: Dexter GN 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12167813 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature