Common origin of methylenedioxy ring degradation and demethylation in bacteria.

ABSTRACT: Plants produce many specific secondary metabolites as a response to environmental stress, especially biological stress. These compounds show strong biological activities and high stability against degradation by microbes and animals. Berberine, a benzylisoquinoline alkaloid, is found in many plant species and has strong antimicrobial activity, and is often included in traditional herbal medicines. We previously investigated how berberine is degraded in nature and we isolated two berberine-utilizing bacteria. In this study, we characterized the gene encoding the enzyme that degrades the 2,3-methylenedioxy ring of berberine; this ring is important for its activity and stability. Further characterization of several other berberine-utilizing bacteria and the genes encoding key demethylenation

SUBMITTER: Takeda H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5547118 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature