Analysis of genes for succinoyl trehalose lipid production and increasing production in Rhodococcus sp. strain SD-74

Appl Environ Microbiol. 2013 Nov;79(22):7082-90. doi: 10.1128/AEM.01664-13. Epub 2013 Sep 13.

Abstract

Succinoyl trehalose lipids (STLs) are promising glycolipid biosurfactants produced from n-alkanes that are secreted by Rhodococcus species bacteria. These compounds not only exhibit unique interfacial properties but also demonstrate versatile biochemical actions. In this study, three novel types of genes involved in the biosynthesis of STLs, including a putative acyl coenzyme A (acyl-CoA) transferase (tlsA), fructose-bisphosphate aldolase (fda), and alkane monooxygenase (alkB), were identified. The predicted functions of these genes indicate that alkane metabolism, sugar synthesis, and the addition of acyl groups are important for the biosynthesis of STLs. Based on these results, we propose a biosynthesis pathway for STLs from alkanes in Rhodococcus sp. strain SD-74. By overexpressing tlsA, we achieved a 2-fold increase in the production of STLs. This study advances our understanding of bacterial glycolipid production in Rhodococcus species.

MeSH terms

  • Alkanes / metabolism
  • Coenzyme A-Transferases / genetics
  • Coenzyme A-Transferases / metabolism
  • Cytochrome P-450 CYP4A / genetics
  • Cytochrome P-450 CYP4A / metabolism
  • DNA Transposable Elements
  • DNA, Bacterial / genetics
  • Fructose-Bisphosphate Aldolase / genetics
  • Fructose-Bisphosphate Aldolase / metabolism
  • Genes, Bacterial
  • Glycolipids / biosynthesis*
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Plasmids / genetics
  • Rhodococcus / enzymology
  • Rhodococcus / genetics*
  • Sequence Analysis, DNA
  • Trehalose / biosynthesis*

Substances

  • Alkanes
  • DNA Transposable Elements
  • DNA, Bacterial
  • Glycolipids
  • Trehalose
  • Cytochrome P-450 CYP4A
  • Coenzyme A-Transferases
  • Fructose-Bisphosphate Aldolase

Associated data

  • GENBANK/AB847084
  • GENBANK/AB847085
  • GENBANK/AB847086