The 21-acetylation of corticosteroids by Clostridium sporogenes

Steroids. 1986 Nov-Dec;48(5-6):381-94. doi: 10.1016/0039-128x(86)90024-3.

Abstract

A strain of Clostridium sporogenes, an anaerobic bacterium, isolated from sewage in New York City synthesizes two constitutive enzymes with action on steroid molecules: (i) an enzyme capable of selectively acetylating the 21-hydroxyl function of certain steroids and (ii) the corresponding esterase. Under our experimental conditions the enzymes have a strict structural requirement for 3-keto-4-ene and C-20-keto or 20 alpha-hydroxyl group and convert their respective substrates to a mixture of free and acetylated products.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Acetylation
  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones / metabolism*
  • Aldehyde-Lyases / metabolism
  • Anaerobiosis
  • Chromatography, Thin Layer
  • Clostridium / metabolism*
  • Cytochrome P-450 Enzyme System / metabolism
  • Hydrolysis
  • Kinetics
  • Nitroblue Tetrazolium / metabolism
  • Spectrophotometry, Ultraviolet
  • Steroid 17-alpha-Hydroxylase
  • Substrate Specificity

Substances

  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones
  • Nitroblue Tetrazolium
  • Cytochrome P-450 Enzyme System
  • Steroid 17-alpha-Hydroxylase
  • Aldehyde-Lyases