Purification and Properties of an S-Adenosylmethionine: 2,4-Disubstituted Phenol O-Methyltransferase from Phanerochaete chrysosporium

A Novel O- and S-Methyltransferase from Pleurotus sapidus Is Involved in Flavor Formation

Increasing consumer aversion to non-natural flavoring substances is prompting a heightened interest in enzymatic processes for flavor production. This includes methylation reactions, which are often performed by using hazardous chemicals. By correlation of aroma profile data and transcriptomic analysis, a novel O-methyltransferase (OMT) catalyzing a respective reaction within the formation of p-anisaldehyde was identified in the mushroom Pleurotus sapidus. Heterologous expression in E. coli followed by purification allowed for further characterization of the enzyme. Besides p-hydroxybenzaldehyde, the proposed precursor of p-anisaldehyde, the enzyme catalyzed the methylation of further hydroxylated aromatic compounds at the meta- and para-position. The Km values determined for p-hydroxybenzaldehyde and S-adenosyl-l-methionine were 80 and 107 μM, respectively. Surprisingly, the studied enzyme enabled the transmethylation of thiol-nucleophiles, as indicated by the formation of 2-methyl-3-(methylthio)furan from 2-methyl-3-furanthiol. Moreover, the enzyme was crystallized at a resolution of 2.0 Å, representing the first published crystal structure of a basidiomycetous OMT.

Active microbial arsenic methylation in saline-alkaline paddy soil

Seawater rice has been cultivated to ensure food security. The salt-tolerant rice strains are resistant to saline and alkali but may be vulnerable to elevated arsenic (As) near coastal regions. Herein, the saline-alkaline paddy soil was incubated with natural irrigation river for three months to explore the mobility and transformation of As. The incubation results showed that 65 ± 1.2 % solid-bound As(V) was reduced to As(III) within two weeks with the release of As(III) to porewater. The dissolved As(III) was methylated after two weeks, resulting in dimethyl arsenate (DMA) as the dominant As species (87 %-100 %). The elevated As methylation was attributed to the most abundant arsenite methyltransferase gene (arsM) (4.1-10.4 × 10⁷/g dry soil), over three orders of magnitude higher than As redox-related genes. The analysis of arsM operational taxonomic units (OTUs) suggested the highest sequence similarity to Proteobacteria (25.7-39.5 %), Actinobacteria (24.9-30.5 %), Gemmatimonadetes (7.5-11.9 %), Basidiomycota (5.1-12.5 %), and Chloroflexi (4.1-8.7 %). Specifically, Chloroflexi and Actinobacteria are salt-tolerant bacteria, probably responsible for As methylation. The As in grain was within a safe regulatory level, and the dominance of methylated As in porewater did not enhance its accumulation in rice grains.

Biotechnological applications of S-adenosyl-methionine-dependent methyltransferases for natural products biosynthesis and diversification

In the biosynthesis of natural products, methylation is a common and essential transformation to alter molecules' bioavailability and bioactivity. The main methylation reaction is performed by S-adenosylmethionine (SAM)-dependent methyltransferases (MTs). With advancements in genomic and chemical profiling technologies, novel MTs have been discovered to accept complex substrates and synthesize industrially valuable natural products. However, to achieve a high yield of small molecules in microbial hosts, many methyltransferase activities have been reported to be insufficient. Moreover, inadequate co-factor supplies and feedback inhibition of the by-product, S-adenosylhomocysteine (SAH), further limit MTs' activities. Here, we review recent advances in SAM-dependent MTs to produce and diversify natural products. First, we surveyed recently identified novel methyltransferases in natural product biosynthesis. Second, we summarized enzyme engineering strategies to improve methyltransferase activity, with a particular focus on high-throughput assay design and application. Finally, we reviewed innovations in co-factor regeneration and diversification, both in vitro and in vivo. Noteworthily, many MTs are able to accept multiple structurally similar substrates. Such promiscuous methyltransferases are versatile and can be tailored to design de novo pathways to produce molecules whose biosynthetic pathway is unknown or non-existent in nature, thus broadening the scope of biosynthesized functional molecules.

Biosynthesis of Benzylic Derivatives in the Fermentation Broth of the Edible Mushroom, Ischnoderma resinosum

Employing isotope incubation studies, the biosynthetic pathway leading to a series of benzylic derivatives was elucidated in the fermentation broth of the edible mushroom Ischnoderma resinosum (P. Karst). Twenty-six hydroxy- and methoxy- benzylic derivatives were screened by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) of which 13 were detected in the culture media. Results from the isotope incubation studies showed the transformation of both benzyl alcohol and benzoic acid into benzaldehyde. Benzaldehyde was then converted into 4-methoxybenzaldehyde via hydroxylation and subsequent methylation of the 4-C position. The resulting 4-methoxybenzaldehyde was then hydroxylated in the 3-C position followed by methylation into 3,4-dimethoxybenzaldehyde. Based on these findings, a novel metabolic scheme for the biosynthesis of benzylic derivatives in I. resinosum was proposed. The knowledge of the biosynthetic pathway was utilized to produce 4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzaldehyde (vanillin) from 4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzoic acid (vanillic acid). This is the first report to elucidate the biosynthetic pathway of benzyl derivatives and production of vanillin from I. resinosum.

Dual RNA-seq analysis provides new insights into interactions between Norway spruce and necrotrophic pathogen Heterobasidion annosum s.l

BACKGROUND

Root and butt rot of conifer trees caused by fungi belonging to the Heterobasidion annosum species complex is one of the most economically important fungal diseases in commercial conifer plantations throughout the Northern hemisphere. We investigated the interactions between Heterobasidion fungi and their host by conducting dual RNA-seq and chemical analysis on Norway spruce trees naturally infected by Heterobasidion spp. We analyzed host and pathogen transcriptome and phenolic and terpenoid contents of the spruce trees.

RESULTS

Presented results emphasize the role of the phenylpropanoid and flavonoid pathways in the chemical defense of Norway spruce trees. Accumulation of lignans was observed in trees displaying symptoms of wood decay. A number of candidate genes with a predicted role in the higher level regulation of spruce defense responses were identified. Our data indicate a possible role of abscisic acid (ABA) signaling in the spruce defense against Heterobasidion infection. Fungal transcripts corresponding to genes encoding carbohydrate- and lignin-degrading enzymes, secondary metabolism genes and effector-like genes were expressed during the host colonization.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results provide additional insight into defense strategies employed by Norway spruce trees against Heterobasidion infection. The potential applications of the identified candidate genes as markers for higher resistance against root and butt rot deserve further evaluation.

Effect of copper on the translocation and transformation of polychlorinated biphenyls in rice

Contamination of organic pollutants in the environment is usually accompanied by heavy metals. However, a little information on the influences of heavy metals on the uptake, translocation and transformation of organic pollutants in plants is available. In this study, ten-day hydroponic exposure was conducted to explore the influence of copper (Cu) on the bioaccumulation and biotransformation of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in intact young rice (Oryza sativa L.). Low dose of Cu (≤100 μmol/L) increased the accumulation of CB-61 in rice plants, while excess concentrations of Cu (>100 μmol/L) inhibited uptake and translocation of CB-61. Effect of Cu on the uptake of CB-61 was attributed to the Cu-triggered damage to the roots of rice plants. The presence of a moderate dose of Cu (50 μmol/L) enhanced the formation of hydroxylated polychlorinated biphenyls (OH-PCBs) and methoxylated polychlorinated biphenyls (MeO-PCBs), whereas excess concentrations of Cu (250 μmol/L) inhibited the metabolism of CB-61. The effect of Cu on the interconversion between 4'-OH-CB-61 and 4'-MeO-CB-61 was also concentration dependent: the biotransformation was promoted by a moderate concentration of Cu but inhibited by excess concentrations of Cu. The activities of Cytochrome P450 (CYP450) and S-adenosyl-l-methionine (SAM)-dependent methyltransferase in the roots of rice plants exposed to Cu and CB-61 or its derivatives were consistent with the pattern and trend of the metabolites observed in rice roots. These results could provide valuable insights into the interactions and combined effects of PCBs and heavy metals in plants.

Elucidating the biosynthetic pathways of volatile organic compounds in Mycobacterium tuberculosis through a computational approach

A first report on the biosynthetic origin ofMycobacterium tuberculosisspecific small volatile molecules.

Discovery and characterization of new O-methyltransferase from the genome of the lignin-degrading fungus Phanerochaete chrysosporium for enhanced lignin degradation

Using bioinformatic homology search tools, this study utilized sequence phylogeny, gene organization and conserved motifs to identify members of the family of O-methyltransferases from lignin-degrading fungus Phanerochaete chrysosporium. The heterologous expression and characterization of O-methyltransferases from P. chrysosporium were studied. The expressed protein utilized S-(5'-adenosyl)-L-methionine p-toluenesulfonate salt (SAM) and methylated various free-hydroxyl phenolic compounds at both meta and para site. In the same motif, O-methyltransferases were also identified in other white-rot fungi including Bjerkandera adusta, Ceriporiopsis (Gelatoporia) subvermispora B, and Trametes versicolor. As free-hydroxyl phenolic compounds have been known as inhibitors for lignin peroxidase, the presence of O-methyltransferases in white-rot fungi suggested their biological functions in accelerating lignin degradation in white-rot basidiomycetes by converting those inhibitory groups into non-toxic methylated phenolic ones.

Cloning and characterization of a novel O-methyltransferase from Flammulina velutipes that catalyzes methylation of pyrocatechol and pyrogallol structures in polyphenols

A novel O-methyltransferase gene was isolated from Flammulina velutipes. The isolated full-length cDNA was composed of a 690-nucleotide open reading frame encoding 230 amino acids. A database search revealed that the deduced amino acid sequence was similar to those of other O-methyltransferases; the highest identity was only 61.8% with Laccaria bicolor. The recombinant enzyme was expressed by Escherichia coli. BL21 (DE3) was assessed for its ability to methylate (−)-epigallocatechin-3-O-gallate (EGCG). LC–TOF–MS and NMR revealed that the enzyme produced five kinds of O-methylated EGCGs: (−)-epigallocatechin-3-O-(3-O-methyl)gallate, (−)-epigallocatechin-3-O-(4-O-methyl)gallate, (−)-epigallocatechin-3-O-(3,4-O-dimethyl)gallate, (−)-epigallocatechin-3-O-(3,5-O-dimethyl)gallate, and (−)-4′-O-methylepigallocatechin-3-O-(3,5-O-dimethyl)gallate. The substrate specificity of the enzyme for 20 kinds of polyphenols was assessed using the crude recombinant enzyme of O-methyltransferase. This enzyme introduced methyl group(s) into polyphenols with pyrocatechol and pyrogallol structures.

Aromatic metabolism of filamentous fungi in relation to the presence of aromatic compounds in plant biomass

The biological conversion of plant lignocellulose plays an essential role not only in carbon cycling in terrestrial ecosystems but also is an important part of the production of second generation biofuels and biochemicals. The presence of the recalcitrant aromatic polymer lignin is one of the major obstacles in the biofuel/biochemical production process and therefore microbial degradation of lignin is receiving a great deal of attention. Fungi are the main degraders of plant biomass, and in particular the basidiomycete white rot fungi are of major importance in converting plant aromatics due to their ability to degrade lignin. However, the aromatic monomers that are released from lignin and other aromatic compounds of plant biomass are toxic for most fungi already at low levels, and therefore conversion of these compounds to less toxic metabolites is essential for fungi. Although the release of aromatic compounds from plant biomass by fungi has been studied extensively, relatively little attention has been given to the metabolic pathways that convert the resulting aromatic monomers. In this review we provide an overview of the aromatic components of plant biomass, and their release and conversion by fungi. Finally, we will summarize the applications of fungal systems related to plant aromatics.

Metabolism of bisphenol A by hyper lignin-degrading fungus Phanerochaete sordida YK-624 under non-ligninolytic condition

Recently, we reported the conversion of bisphenol A (BPA) to 4-(2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)propan-2-yl)benzene-1,2-diol (hydroxy-BPA) by hyper lignin-degrading fungus Phanerochaete sordida YK-624 under non-ligninolytic condition. In the present study, the metabolism of hydroxy-BPA by P. sordida YK-624 was demonstrated under non-ligninolytic condition. Under these conditions, approximately 66% of hydroxy-BPA was degraded after 7 d of incubation. High-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectra and nuclear magnetic resonance analyses of the metabolites isolated from the culture broth indicated that hydroxy-BPA was metabolized to 4-(2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)propan-2-yl)-2-methoxyphenol (methoxy-BPA) and to 4-(2-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)propan-2-yl)phenol (dimethoxy-BPA) by sequential methylation events. These metabolites showed reduced estrogenic activity compared to BPA. These results suggested that the hydroxy BPA is methylated to two low toxic-methylation metabolites.

Purification and characterization of a novel O-methyltransferase from Flammulina velutipes

An enzyme catalyzing the methylation of phenolic hydroxyl groups in polyphenols was identified from mycelial cultures of edible mushrooms to synthesize O-methylated polyphenols. Enzyme activity was measured to assess whether methyl groups were introduced into (−)-epigallocatechin-3-O-gallate (EGCG) using SAM as a methyl donor, and (−)-epigallocatechin-3-O-(3-O-methyl)-gallate (EGCG3″Me), (−)-epigallocatechin-3-O-(4-O-methyl)-gallate (EGCG4″Me), and (−)-epigallocatechin-3-O-(3,5-O-dimethyl)-gallate (EGCG3″,5″diMe) peaks were detected using crude enzyme preparations from mycelial cultures of Flammulina velutipes. The enzyme was purified using chromatographic and two-dimensional electrophoresis. The purified enzyme was subsequently analyzed on the basis of the partial amino acid sequence using LC–MS/MS. Partial amino acid sequencing identified the 17 and 12 amino acid sequences, VLEVGTLGGYSTTWLAR and TGGIIIVDNVVR. In database searches, these sequences showed high identity with O-methyltransferases from other mushroom species and completely matched 11 of 17 and 9 of 12 amino acids from five other mushroom O-methyltransferases.

Biosynthetic Pathway for Veratryl Alcohol in the Ligninolytic Fungus Phanerochaete chrysosporium

Veratryl alcohol (VA) is a secondary metabolite of white-rot fungi that produce the ligninolytic enzyme lignin peroxidase. VA stabilizes lignin peroxidase, promotes the ability of this enzyme to oxidize a variety of physiological substrates, and is accordingly thought to play a significant role in fungal ligninolysis. Pulse-labeling and isotope-trapping experiments have now clarified the pathway for VA biosynthesis in the white-rot basidiomycete Phanerochaete chrysosporium. The pulse-labeling data, obtained with C-labeled phenylalanine, cinnamic acid, benzoic acid, and benzaldehyde, showed that radiocarbon labeling followed a reproducible sequence: it peaked first in cinnamate, then in benzoate and benzaldehyde, and finally in VA. Phenylalanine, cinnamate, benzoate, and benzaldehyde were all efficient precursors of VA in vivo. The isotope-trapping experiments showed that exogenous, unlabeled benzoate and benzaldehyde were effective traps of phenylalanine-derived C. These results support a pathway in which VA biosynthesis proceeds as follows: phenylalanine --> cinnamate --> benzoate and/or benzaldehyde --> VA.

Methoxylation pathway in biodesulfurization of model organosulfur compounds with Mycobacterium sp

A metabolic pathway for the biodesulfurization of model organosulfur compounds e.g., dibenzothiophene (DBT), is proposed. This pathway, defined as extended 4S pathway, incorporates the traditional 4S pathway with the methoxylation pathway from 2-hydroxybiphenyl (HBP) to 2-methoxybiphenyl (2-MBP). The formation of 2-MBP was confirmed by the gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis. A similar pathway was also obtained in the desulfurization of 4,6-dimethyldibenzothiophene (4,6-DMDBT), confirming the methoxylation reaction in the desulfurization process by the Mycobacterium sp. strain. Compared with 2-HBP, 2-MBP has much slighter inhibition effect on the cell growth and desulfurization activity. Thus, the methoxylation pathway from 2-HBP to 2-MBP would make less inhibitory effect on the microbe. The new pathway with 2-MBP as the end product may be an alternative for the further desulfuration of the fossil fuels.

Characterization of an inducible chlorophenol O-methyltransferase from Trichoderma longibrachiatum involved in the formation of chloroanisoles and determination of its role in cork taint of wines

A novel S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAM)-dependent methyltransferase catalyzing the O methylation of several chlorophenols and other halogenated phenols was purified 220-fold to apparent homogeneity from mycelia of Trichoderma longibrachiatum CECT 20431. The enzyme could be identified in partially purified protein preparations by direct photolabeling with [methyl-(3)H]SAM, and this reaction was prevented by previous incubation with S-adenosylhomocysteine. Gel filtration indicated that the M(r) was 112,000, and sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis showed that the enzyme was composed of two subunits with molecular weights of approximately 52,500. The enzyme had a pH optimum between 8.2 and 8.5 and an optimum temperature of 28 degrees C, with a pI of 4.9. The K(m) values for 2,4,6-trichlorophenol and SAM were 135.9 +/- 12.8 and 284.1 +/- 35.1 micro M, respectively. S-Adenosylhomocysteine acted as a competitive inhibitor, with a K(i) of 378.9 +/- 45.4 micro M. The methyltransferase was also strongly inhibited by low concentrations of several metal ions, such as Cu(2+), Hg(2+), Zn(2+), and Ag(+), and to a lesser extent by p-chloromercuribenzoic acid, but it was not significantly affected by several thiols or other thiol reagents. The methyltransferase was specifically induced by several chlorophenols, especially if they contained three or more chlorine atoms in their structures. Substrate specificity studies showed that the activity was also specific for halogenated phenols containing fluoro, chloro, or bromo substituents, whereas other hydroxylated compounds, such as hydroxylated benzoic acids, hydroxybenzaldehydes, phenol, 2-metoxyphenol, and dihydroxybenzene, were not methylated.

Purification and Characterization of S-Adenosyl-L-Methionine: Desoxyhemigossypol-6-O-Methyltransferase from Cotton Plants. An Enzyme Capable of Methylating the Defense Terpenoids of Cotton

Cotton contains a unique group of terpenoids including desoxyhemigossypol, hemigossypol, gossypol, hemigossypolone, and the heliocides that are part of the plant's defense system against pathogenic fungi and insects. Desoxyhemigossypol is a key intermediate in the biosynthesis of these compounds. We have isolated, purified, and characterized from cotton stele tissue infected with Verticillium dahliae a methyltransferase (S-adenosyl-L-Met: desoxyhemigossypol-6-O-methyltransferase) that specifically methylates the 6-position of desoxyhemigossypol to form desoxyhemigossypol-6-methyl ether with a K(m) value of 4.5 µM for desoxyhemigossypol and a K(cat)/K(m) of 5.08 x 10(4) s(-1) (mol/L)(-1). The molecular mass of the native enzyme is 81.4 kD and is dissociated into two subunits of 41.2 kD on sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis gels. The enzymatic reaction does not require Mg(+2) and is inhibited 98% with 10 mM p-chloromercuribenzoate. Desoxyhemigossypol-6-methyl ether leads to the biosynthesis of methylated hemigossypol, gossypol, hemigossypolone, and the heliocides, which lowers their effectiveness as phytoalexins and insecticides.

Identification of a phenolic 3-O-methyltransferase in the lignin-degrading fungus Phanerochaete chrysosporium

A methyltransferase enzyme catalysing the 3-O-methylation of isovanillic acid (3-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzoic acid) by S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) was identified in Phanerochaete chrysosporium and purified. Gel filtration indicated an M(r) of 71,000 and SDS-PAGE showed that the enzyme was composed of two subunits of M(r) approximately 36,000. Substrate utilization studies demonstrated that the enzyme was highly specific, displaying an exclusive preference for the methylation of the 3-hydroxyl group of several substituted benzoic acids. 3-Hydroxybenzoic acids with a methoxyl or hydroxyl substituent in the 2 or 4 position were the best substrates with isovanillic and 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acids showing the highest rates of methylation. The 3-O-methyltransferase enzyme was induced later in the growth cycle than the 4-O-methyltransferase previously isolated from this fungus, which is believed to have a role in the 4-O-methylation of lignin degradation products. However the function of this meta-specific enzyme, the first phenolic 3-O-methyltransferase isolated from a fungus, remains unclear. The combined activities of the 3- and 4-O-methyltransferase enzymes satisfactorily account for the pattern of SAM-dependent methylating activity shown by whole mycelia to phenolic substrates.

Comparison of the Efficacies of Chloromethane, Methionine, and S-Adenosylmethionine as Methyl Precursors in the Biosynthesis of Veratryl Alcohol and Related Compounds in Phanerochaete chrysosporium

The effect on veratryl alcohol production of supplementing cultures of the lignin-degrading fungus Phanerochaete chrysosporium with different methyl-(sup2)H(inf3)-labelled methyl precursors has been investigated. Both chloromethane (CH(inf3)Cl) and l-methionine caused earlier initiation of veratryl alcohol biosynthesis, but S-adenosyl-l-methionine (SAM) retarded the formation of the compound. A high level of C(sup2)H(inf3) incorporation into both the 3- and 4-O-methyl groups of veratryl alcohol occurred when either l-[methyl-(sup2)H(inf3)]methionine or C(sup2)H(inf3)Cl was present, but no significant labelling was detected when S-adenosyl-l-[methyl-(sup2)H(inf3)]methionine was added. Incorporation of C(sup2)H(inf3) from C(sup2)H(inf3)Cl was strongly antagonized by the presence of unlabelled l-methionine; conversely, incorporation of C(sup2)H(inf3) from l-[methyl-(sup2)H(inf3)]methionine was reduced by CH(inf3)Cl. These results suggest that l-methionine is converted either directly or via an intermediate to CH(inf3)Cl, which is utilized as a methyl donor in veratryl alcohol biosynthesis. SAM is not an intermediate in the conversion of l-methionine to CH(inf3)Cl. In an attempt to identify the substrates for O methylation in the metabolic transformation of benzoic acid to veratryl alcohol, the relative activities of the SAM- and CH(inf3)Cl-dependent methylating systems on several possible intermediates were compared in whole mycelia by using isotopic techniques. 4-Hydroxybenzoic acid was a much better substrate for the CH(inf3)Cl-dependent methylation system than for the SAM-dependent system. The CH(inf3)Cl-dependent system also had significantly increased activities toward both isovanillic acid and vanillyl alcohol compared with the SAM-dependent system. On the basis of these results, it is proposed that the conversion of benzoic acid to veratryl alcohol involves para hydroxylation, methylation of 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, meta hydroxylation of 4-methoxybenzoic acid to form isovanillic acid, and methylation of isovanillic acid to yield veratric acid.

Pollutant degradation by white rot fungi

The white rot fungi technology is very different from other more well-established methods of bioremediation (e.g., bacterial systems). The differences are primarily due to the mechanisms discussed previously. The unusual mechanisms used by the fungi provide them with several advantages for pollutant degradation, but the complexity of these mechanisms has also made the technology slow to emerge as a viable method of bioremediation. One distinct advantage that white rot fungi have over bacterial systems is that they do not require preconditioning to a particular pollutant. Bacteria must be preexposed to a pollutant to allow the enzymes that degrade the pollutant to be induced. The pollutant must also be present in a significant concentration, otherwise induction of enzyme synthesis will not occur. Therefore, there is a finite level to which pollutants can be degraded by bacteria. In contrast, the degradative enzymes of white rot fungi are induced by nutrient limitation. Thus, cultivate the fungus on a nutrient that is limited in something, and the degradative process will be initiated. Also, because the induction of the lignin-degrading system is not dependent on the chemical, pollutants are degraded to near-nondetectable levels by white rot fungi. Another unique feature of pollutant degradation by white rot fungi involves kinetics. The process of chemical conversion by these fungi occurs via a free-radical process, and thus the degradation of chemicals often follows pseudo-first-order kinetics. In fact, in several studies, it has been found that the rate of mineralization or disappearance of a pollutant is proportional to the concentration of the pollutant. This makes the time required to achieve decontamination more important than the rate of degradation. Because the metabolism of chemicals by bacteria involves mostly enzymatic conversions, pollutant degradation often follows Michaelis-Menton-type kinetics. Therefore, Km values of various degradative enzymes with respect to the pollutant must be considered when using bacteria for bioremediation. Considering this, the solubility of a pollutant or a mixture of pollutants might also present a problem for bacterial degradation. In contrast, using a nonspecific free-radical-based mechanism, the fungi are able to degrade insoluble complex mixtures of pollutants, such as creosote (Aust and Bumpus 1989) and Arochlor (Bumpus and Aust 1987b). Inexpensive nutrient sources, such as sawdust, wood chips, surplus grains, and agricultural wastes, can be used to effectively cultivate white rot fungi.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Evidence for the existence of independent chloromethane- and S-adenosylmethionine-utilizing systems for methylation in Phanerochaete chrysosporium

O methylation of acetovanillone at 4 position by C2H3Cl and S-adenosyl[methyl-2H3]methionine was monitored in whole mycelia of Phanerochaete chrysosporium in the presence and absence of S-adenosylhomocysteine. Both the amount of the methylation product, 3,4-dimethoxyacetophenone, and the percent C2H3 incorporation into the 4-methoxyl group of the compound were determined. The results strongly suggest the presence of biochemically distinct systems for O methylation of acetovanillone utilizing S-adenosylmethionine and chloromethane, respectively, as the methyl donor. The S-adenosylmethionine-dependent enzyme is induced early in the growth cycle, with activity attaining an initial maximum after 55 h of incubation. Methylation by this enzyme is totally suppressed by 1 mM S-adenosylhomocysteine over almost the entire growth cycle. S-Adenosylmethionine-dependent O-methyltransferase activity is detectable in cell extracts, and the purification and characterization of the enzyme are described elsewhere (C. Coulter, J. T. Kennedy, W. C. McRoberts, and D. B. Harper, Appl. Environ. Microbiol. 59:706-711, 1993). The chloromethane-utilizing methylation system is absent in early growth but attains peak activity in the mid-growth phase after 72 h of incubation. The system is not significantly inhibited by S-adenosylhomocysteine at any stage of growth. No chloromethane-dependent O-methyltransferase activity is detectable in cell extract, suggesting that the enzyme is membrane bound and/or part of a multienzyme complex. Although the biochemical role of the chloromethane-dependent methylation system in metabolism is not known, one possible function could be the regeneration of veratryl alcohol degraded by the attack of lignin peroxidase.