Biodegradation of tetrahydrofuran and 1,4-dioxane by soluble diiron monooxygenase in Pseudonocardia sp. strain ENV478

J Mol Microbiol Biotechnol. 2012;22(5):312-6. doi: 10.1159/000343817. Epub 2012 Nov 6.

Abstract

1,4-Dioxane is an important groundwater contaminant. Pseudonocardia sp. strain ENV478 degrades 1,4-dioxane via cometabolism after the growth on tetrahydrofuran (THF) and other carbon sources. Here, we have identified a THF monooxygenase (thm) in ENV478. The thm genes are transcribed constitutively and are induced to higher levels by THF. Decreased translation of the thmB gene encoding one of the monooxygenase subunits by antisense RNA resulted in the loss of its ability to degrade THF and 1,4-dioxane. This is the first study to link thm genes to THF degradation, as well as the cometabolic oxidation of 1,4-dioxane.

MeSH terms

  • Actinomycetales / enzymology*
  • Actinomycetales / genetics
  • Actinomycetales / growth & development
  • Bacterial Proteins / genetics
  • Bacterial Proteins / metabolism*
  • Biodegradation, Environmental
  • Dioxanes / metabolism*
  • Furans / metabolism*
  • Genes, Bacterial
  • Mixed Function Oxygenases / isolation & purification
  • Mixed Function Oxygenases / metabolism*
  • Multigene Family
  • Oxidation-Reduction
  • Protein Biosynthesis
  • RNA, Antisense / genetics
  • RNA, Antisense / metabolism
  • Solubility
  • Species Specificity
  • Water Pollutants / metabolism

Substances

  • Bacterial Proteins
  • Dioxanes
  • Furans
  • RNA, Antisense
  • Water Pollutants
  • tetrahydrofuran
  • Mixed Function Oxygenases
  • 1,4-dioxane