Cloning, expression, and characterization of a self-sufficient cytochrome P450 monooxygenase from Rhodococcus ruber DSM 44319

Abstract

A new member of class IV of cytochrome P450 monooxygenases was identified in Rhodococcus ruber strain DSM 44319. As the genome of Rhodococcus ruber has not been sequenced, a P450-like gene fragment was amplified using degenerated primers. The flanking regions of the P450-like DNA fragment were identified by directional genome walking using PCR. The primary protein structure suggests a natural self-sufficient fusion protein consisting of a ferredoxin, flavin-containing reductase and P450 monooxygenase. The only flavin found within the enzyme was FMN. The enzyme was successfully expressed in Escherichia coli and purified and characterized. In the presence of NADPH, the P450 monooxygenase showed hydroxylation activity towards polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons naphthalene, indene, acenaphthene, toluene, fluorene, m-xylene and ethyl benzene. The conversion of naphthalene, acenaphthene and fluorene resulted in respective ring monohydroxylated metabolites. Alkyl aromatics like toluene, m-xylene and ethyl benzene were hydroxylated exclusively at the side chains. The new enzyme’s ability to oxidize such compounds makes it a potential candidate for biodegradation of pollutants and an attractive biocatalyst for synthesis.