Detoxification of Indole by an Indole-Induced Flavoprotein Oxygenase from Acinetobacter baumannii

Quantum chemical modeling of enantioselective sulfoxidation and epoxidation reactions by indole monooxygenase VpIndA1

Indole monooxygenases (IMOs) are enzymes from the family of Group E monooxygenases, requiring flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) for their activities. IMOs play important roles in both sulfoxidation and epoxidation reactions. The broad substrate range and high selectivity of IMOs make them promising biocatalytic tools for synthesizing chiral compounds. In the present study, quantum chemical calculations using the cluster approach were performed to investigate the reaction mechanism and the enantioselectivity of the IMO from Variovorax paradoxus EPS (VpIndA1). The sulfoxidation of methyl phenyl sulfide (MPS) and the epoxidation of indene were chosen as the representative reactions. The calculations confirmed that the FADOOH intermediate is the catalytic species in the VpIndA1 reactions. The oxidation of MPS adopts a one-step mechanism involving the direct oxygen-transfer from FADOOH to the substrate and the proton transfer from the -OH group back to FAD, while the oxidation of indene follows a stepwise mechanism involving a carbocation intermediate. It was computationally predicted that VpIndA1 prefers the formation of (S)-product for the MPS sulfoxidation and (1S,2R)-product for the indene epoxidation, consistent with the experimental observations. Importantly, the factors controlling the stereo-preference of the two reactions are identified. The findings in the present study provide valuable insights into the VpIndA1-catalyzed reactions, which are essential for the rational design of this enzyme and other IMOs for industrial applications. It is also worth emphasizing that the quantum chemical cluster approach is again demonstrated to be powerful in studying the enantioselectivity of enzymatic reactions.

Tryptophan-Based Hyperproduction of Bioindigo by Combinatorial Overexpression of Two Different Tryptophan Transporters

Indigo is a valuable, natural blue dye that has been used for centuries in the textile industry. The large-scale commercial production of indigo relies on its extraction from plants and chemical synthesis. Studies are being conducted to develop methods for environment-friendly and sustainable production of indigo using genetically engineered microbes. Here, to enhance the yield of bioindigo from an E. coli whole-cell system containing tryptophanase (TnaA) and flavin-containing monooxygenase (FMO), we evaluated tryptophan transporters to improve the transport of aromatic compounds, such as indole and tryptophan, which are not easily soluble and passable through cell walls. Among the three transporters, Mtr, AroP, and TnaB, AroP enhanced indigo production the most. The combination of each transporter with AroP was also evaluated, and the combination of AroP and TnaB showed the best performance compared to the single transporters and two transporters. Bioindigo production was then optimized by examining the culture medium, temperature, isopropyl β-D-1-thiogalactopyranoside concentration, shaking speed (rpm), and pH. The novel strain containing aroP and tnaB plasmid with tnaA and FMO produced 8.77 mM (2.3 g/l) of bioindigo after 66 h of culture. The produced bioindigo was further recovered using a simple method and used as a watercolor dye, showing good mixing with other colors and color retention for a relatively long time. This study presents an effective strategy for enhancing indigo production using a combination of transporters.

Functional genomic analysis of an efficient indole degrading bacteria strain Alcaligenes faecalis IITR89 and its biodegradation characteristics

Indole is a nitrogenous heterocyclic aromatic pollutant often detected in various environments. An efficient indole degrading bacterium strain IITR89 was isolated from River Cauvery, India, and identified as Alcaligenes faecalis subsp. phenolicus. The bacterium was found to degrade ~ 95% of 2.5 mM (293.75 mg/L) of indole within 18 h utilizing it as a sole carbon and energy source. Based on metabolite identification, the metabolic route of indole degradation is indole → (indoxyl) → isatin → (anthranilate) → salicylic acid → (catechol) → (Acetyl-CoA) → and further entering into TCA cycle. Genome sequencing of IITR89 revealed the presence of gene cluster dmpKLMNOP, encoding multicomponent phenol hydroxylase; andAbcd gene cluster, encoding anthranilate 1,2-dioxygenase ferredoxin subunit (andAb), anthranilate 1,2-dioxygenase large subunit (andAc), and anthranilate 1,2-dioxygenase small subunit (andAd); nahG, salicylate hydroxylase; catA, catechol 1,2-dioxygenase; catB, cis, cis-muconate cycloisomerase; and catC, muconolactone D-isomerase which play an active role in indole degradation. The findings strongly support the degradation potential of strain IITR89 and its possible application for indole biodegradation.

Identification of an indole biodegradation gene cluster from Providencia rettgeri and its contribution in selectively biosynthesizing Tyrian purple

Tyrian purple, mainly composed of 6, 6'-dibromoindigo, is a precious dye extracted from sea snails. In this study, we found Tyrian purple can be selectively produced by a bacterial strain GS-2 when fed with 6-bromotryptophan in the presence of tryptophan. This GS-2 strain was then identified as Providencia rettgeri based on bacterial genome sequencing analysis. An indole degradation gene cluster for indole metabolism was identified from this GS-2 strain. The heterologous expression of the indole degradation gene cluster in Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3) and in vitro enzymatic reaction demonstrated that the indole biodegradation gene cluster may contribute to selectively biosynthesizing Tyrian purple. To further explore the underlying mechanism of the selectivity, we explored the intermediates in this indole biodegradation pathway using liquid chromatography electrospray ionization quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS), which indicated that the indole biodegradation pathway in Providencia rettgeri is the catechol pathway. Interestingly, the monooxygenase GS-C co-expressed with its corresponding reductase GS-D in the cluster has better activity for the biosynthesis of Tyrian purple compared with the previously reported monooxygenase from Methylophaga aminisulfidivorans (MaFMO) or Streptomyces cattleya cytochrome P450 enzyme (CYP102G4). This is the first study to show the existence of an indole biodegradation pathway in Providencia rettgeri, and the indole biodegradation gene cluster can contribute to the selective production of Tyrian purple.

Genome mining of Burkholderia ambifaria strain T16, a rhizobacterium able to produce antimicrobial compounds and degrade the mycotoxin fusaric acid

Burkholderia ambifaria T16 is a bacterium isolated from the rhizosphere of barley plants that showed a remarkable antifungal activity. This strain was also able to degrade fusaric acid (5-Butylpyridine-2-carboxylic acid) and detoxify this mycotoxin in inoculated barley seedlings. Genes and enzymes responsible for fusaric acid degradation have an important biotechnological potential in the control of fungal diseases caused by fusaric acid producers, or in the biodegradation/bio catalysis processes of pyridine derivatives. In this study, the complete genome of B. ambifaria T16 was sequenced and analyzed to identify genes involved in survival and competition in the rhizosphere, plant growth promotion, fungal growth inhibition, and degradation of aromatic compounds. The genomic analysis revealed the presence of several operons for the biosynthesis of antimicrobial compounds, such as pyrrolnitrin, ornibactin, occidiofungin and the membrane-associated AFC-BC11. These compounds were also detected in bacterial culture supernatants by mass spectrometry analysis. In addition, this strain has multiple genes contributing to its plant growth-promoting profile, including those for acetoin, 2,3-butanediol and indole-3-acetic acid production, siderophores biosynthesis, and solubilisation of organic and inorganic phosphate. A pan-genomic analysis demonstrated that the genome of strain T16 possesses large gene clusters that are absent in the genomes of B. ambifaria reference strains. According to predictions, most of these clusters would be involved in aromatic compounds degradation. One genomic region, encoding flavin-dependent monooxygenases of unknown function, is proposed as a candidate responsible for fusaric acid degradation.

Recent advances biodegradation and biosorption of organic compounds from wastewater: Microalgae-bacteria consortium - A review

The litter of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) into the water streams and soil bodies via industrial effluents led to several adverse effects on the environment, health, and ecosystem. For the past decades, scientists have been paying efforts in the innovation and development of POPs removal from wastewater treatment. However, the conventional methods used for the removal of POPs from wastewater are costly and could lead to secondary pollution including soil and water bodies pollution. In recent, the utilization of green mechanisms such as biosorption, bioaccumulation and biodegradation has drawn attention and prelude the potential of green technology globally. Microalgae-bacteria consortia have emerged to be one of the latent wastewater treatment systems. The synergistic interactions between microalgae and bacteria could proficiently enhance the existing biological wastewater treatment system. This paper will critically review the comparison of conventional and recent advanced wastewater treatment systems and the mechanisms of the microalgae-bacteria symbiosis system.

Dietary Components, Microbial Metabolites and Human Health: Reading between the Lines

Trillions of bacteria reside in the human gut and they metabolize dietary substances to obtain nutrients and energy while producing metabolites. Therefore, different dietary components could affect human health in various ways through microbial metabolism. Many such metabolites have been shown to affect human physiological activities, including short-chain fatty acids metabolized from carbohydrates; indole, kynurenic acid and para-cresol, metabolized from amino acids; conjugated linoleic acid and linoleic acid, metabolized from lipids. Here, we review the features of these metabolites and summarize the possible molecular mechanisms of their metabolisms by gut microbiota. We discuss the potential roles of these metabolites in health and diseases, and the interactions between host metabolism and the gut microbiota. We also show some of the major dietary patterns around the world and hope this review can provide insights into our eating habits and improve consumers' health conditions.

Indole signaling decreases biofilm formation and related virulence of Listeria monocytogenes

Bacterial communication system known as quorum sensing (QS) is a pivotal system for bacterial survival, adaptation and pathogenesis. Members in the multicellular community may synthesize or acquire a signaling molecule in order to elicit downstream cellular processes. Roles of indole and derivatives, a new class of quorum-sensing signal molecules, in various bacterial physiologies and virulence have been reported recently. Indole is normally found in mammal gastrointestinal tract as a metabolite of tryptophan metabolism by microbiota. Therefore, interspecies connection via indole signaling among commensal bacteria and enteric pathogens could be anticipated. Effects of indole exposure on the virulence of Listeria monocytogenes were investigated by phenotypic and molecular approaches. Results demonstrated that synthetic indole and indole-rich conditioned medium significantly diminished biofilm formation and related virulence of L. monocytogenes including motility, cell aggregation and exopolysaccharide production. Transcript levels of virulence-associated (pssE, dltA, flaA, fliI, motB, agrA and hly) and regulatory genes (codY, sigB, prfA and gmaR) were substantially downregulated in indole-treated cells. Only mogR gene encoding for a repressor of motility genes was upregulated after indole exposure. Our findings raise the possibility that L. monocytogenes may acquire indole signaling from gut microbiota for resource-effective adaptation upon transition to new environment.

Enantioselective Epoxidation by Flavoprotein Monooxygenases Supported by Organic Solvents

Styrene and indole monooxygenases (SMO and IMO) are two-component flavoprotein monooxygenases composed of a nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH)-dependent flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD)-reductase (StyB or IndB) and a monooxygenase (StyA or IndA). The latter uses reduced FAD to activate oxygen and to oxygenate the substrate while releasing water. We circumvented the need for the reductase by direct FAD reduction in solution using the NAD(P)H-mimic 1-benzyl-1,4-dihydronicotinamide (BNAH) to fuel monooxygenases without NADH requirement. Herein, we report on the hitherto unknown solvent tolerance for the indole monooxygenase from Gemmobacter nectariphilus DSM15620 (GnIndA) and the styrene monooxygenase from Gordonia rubripertincta CWB2 (GrStyA). These enzymes were shown to convert bulky and rather hydrophobic styrene derivatives in the presence of organic cosolvents. Subsequently, BNAH-driven biotransformation was furthermore optimized with regard to the applied cosolvent and its concentration as well as FAD and BNAH concentration. We herein demonstrate that GnIndA and GrStyA enable selective epoxidations of allylic double bonds (up to 217 mU mg−1) in the presence of organic solvents such as tetrahydrofuran, acetonitrile, or several alcohols. Notably, GnIndA was found to resist methanol concentrations up to 25 vol.%. Furthermore, a diverse substrate preference was determined for both enzymes, making their distinct use very interesting. In general, our results seem representative for many IMOs as was corroborated by in silico mutagenetic studies.

Indigoid dyes by group E monooxygenases: mechanism and biocatalysis

Since ancient times, people have been attracted by dyes and they were a symbol of power. Some of the oldest dyes are indigo and its derivative Tyrian purple, which were extracted from plants and snails, respectively. These 'indigoid dyes' were and still are used for coloration of textiles and as a food additive. Traditional Chinese medicine also knows indigoid dyes as pharmacologically active compounds and several studies support their effects. Further, they are interesting for future technologies like organic electronics. In these cases, especially the indigo derivatives are of interest but unfortunately hardly accessible by chemical synthesis. In recent decades, more and more enzymes have been discovered that are able to produce these indigoid dyes and therefore have gained attention from the scientific community. In this study, group E monooxygenases (styrene monooxygenase and indole monooxygenase) were used for the selective oxygenation of indole (derivatives). It was possible for the first time to show that the product of the enzymatic reaction is an epoxide. Further, we synthesized and extracted indigoid dyes and could show that there is only minor by-product formation (e.g. indirubin or isoindigo). Thus, group E monooxygenase can be an alternative biocatalyst for the biosynthesis of indigoid dyes.

Indole and Derivatives Modulate Biofilm Formation and Antibiotic Tolerance of Klebsiella pneumoniae

Intercellular communication is a crucial process for the multicellular community in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Indole has been recognized as a new member of the signal molecules which enables the regulated control of various bacterial phenotypes. To elucidate the inter-species relationship among enteric microorganisms via indole signaling, Klebsiella pneumoniae (KP) culture was treated with indole solution and examined for the pathogenicity by using various phenotypic tests. Both synthetic and naturally-produced indole preparations had no deteriorating effect on growth and autoaggregative capacity of KP. The results showed that biofilm formation of carbapenem-susceptible K. pneumoniae (KP-S) was clearly induced by indole exposure (≈ 2-10 folds), whereas no significant difference was observed in the resistant counterpart. In addition, the tolerance to β-lactam antibiotics of KP was altered upon exposure to indole and/or derivatives assessed by Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion test. Taken together, our finding indicates the functional role of indole in changing or modulating pathogenic behaviors of other bacteria.

Indole Degradation in a Model System and in Poultry Manure by Acinetobacter spp

Indole degradation in a model system and in poultry manure was studied using an enrichment culture of two Acinetobacter species; Acinetobacter toweneri NTA1-2A and Acinetobacter guillouiae TAT1-6A. Degradation of indole was quantified using reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The two strains were capable of degrading initial concentrations of indole ranging from 58.58–300 mg/L. The degradation efficiency was 66.36% (NTA1-2A), 94.87% (TAT1-6A), and 96.00% (mix) in 6 days when the initial concentration <300 mg/L. The strains were tested for enzymatic activity using 120 mg/L indole. The enzyme extracts of NTA1-2A and TAT1-6A from culture medium degraded indole completely, and no appreciable change of indole concentration was witnessed in the control group. The NTA1-2A, TAT1-6A, and the mix of strains were also used for in vivo poultry manure fermentation and removed 78.67%, 83.28%, and 83.70% of indole, respectively in 8 d. The strains showed a statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) in indole removal efficiency compared with the control, but no significant difference between the two strains and the mix in indole removal capacity. We concluded that A. toweneri NTA1-2A and A. guillouiae TAT1-6A are promising strains to remove indole and its derivatives to control the notorious odor in poultry and other livestock industries.

Biodegradation and Biotransformation of Indole: Advances and Perspectives

Indole is long regarded as a typical N-heterocyclic aromatic pollutant in industrial and agricultural wastewater, and recently it has been identified as a versatile signaling molecule with wide environmental distributions. An exponentially growing number of researches have been reported on indole due to its significant roles in bacterial physiology, pathogenesis, animal behavior and human diseases. From the viewpoint of both environmental bioremediation and biological studies, the researches on metabolism and fates of indole are important to realize environmental treatment and illuminate its biological function. Indole can be produced from tryptophan by tryptophanase in many bacterial species. Meanwhile, various bacterial strains have obtained the ability to transform and degrade indole. The characteristics and pathways for indole degradation have been investigated for a century, and the functional genes for indole aerobic degradation have also been uncovered recently. Interestingly, many oxygenases have proven to be able to oxidize indole to indigo, and this historic and motivating case for biological applications has attracted intensive attention for decades. Herein, the bacteria, enzymes and pathways for indole production, biodegradation and biotransformation are systematically summarized, and the future researches on indole-microbe interactions are also prospected.

Two-Component FAD-Dependent Monooxygenases: Current Knowledge and Biotechnological Opportunities

Flavoprotein monooxygenases create valuable compounds that are of high interest for the chemical, pharmaceutical, and agrochemical industries, among others. Monooxygenases that use flavin as cofactor are either single- or two-component systems. Here we summarize the current knowledge about two-component flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD)-dependent monooxygenases and describe their biotechnological relevance. Two-component FAD-dependent monooxygenases catalyze hydroxylation, epoxidation, and halogenation reactions and are physiologically involved in amino acid metabolism, mineralization of aromatic compounds, and biosynthesis of secondary metabolites. The monooxygenase component of these enzymes is strictly dependent on reduced FAD, which is supplied by the reductase component. More and more representatives of two-component FAD-dependent monooxygenases have been discovered and characterized in recent years, which has resulted in the identification of novel physiological roles, functional properties, and a variety of biocatalytic opportunities.

VpStyA1/VpStyA2B of Variovorax paradoxus EPS: An Aryl Alkyl Sulfoxidase Rather than a Styrene Epoxidizing Monooxygenase

Herein we describe the first representative of an E2-type two-component styrene monooxygenase of proteobacteria. It comprises a single epoxidase protein (VpStyA1) and a two domain protein (VpStyA2B) harboring an epoxidase (A2) and a FAD-reductase (B) domain. It was annotated as VpStyA1/VpStyA2B of Variovorax paradoxus EPS. VpStyA2B serves mainly as NADH:FAD-oxidoreductase. A Km of 33.6 ± 4.0 µM for FAD and a kcat of 22.3 ± 1.1 s-1 were determined and resulted in a catalytic efficiency (kcatKm-1) of 0.64 s-1 μM-1. To investigate its NADH:FAD-oxidoreductase function the linker between A2- and B-domain (AREAV) was mutated. One mutant (AAAAA) showed 18.7-fold higher affinity for FAD (kcatKm-1 of 5.21 s-1 μM-1) while keeping wildtype NADH-affinity and -oxidation activity. Both components, VpStyA2B and VpStyA1, showed monooxygenase activity on styrene of 0.14 U mg-1 and 0.46 U mg-1, as well as on benzyl methyl sulfide of 1.62 U mg-1 and 3.11 U mg-1, respectively. The high sulfoxidase activity was the reason to test several thioanisole-like substrates in biotransformations. VpStyA1 showed high substrate conversions (up to 95% in 2 h) and produced dominantly (S)-enantiomeric sulfoxides of all tested substrates. The AAAAA-mutant showed a 1.6-fold increased monooxygenase activity. In comparison, the GQWCSQY-mutant did neither show monooxygenase nor efficient FAD-reductase activity. Hence, the linker between the two domains of VpStyA2B has effects on the reductase as well as on the monooxygenase performance. Overall, this monooxygenase represents a promising candidate for biocatalyst development and studying natural fusion proteins.

A Review: The Styrene Metabolizing Cascade of Side-Chain Oxygenation as Biotechnological Basis to Gain Various Valuable Compounds

Styrene is one of the most produced and processed chemicals worldwide and is released into the environment during widespread processing. But, it is also produced from plants and microorganisms. The natural occurrence of styrene led to several microbiological strategies to form and also to degrade styrene. One pathway designated as side-chain oxygenation has been reported as a specific route for the styrene degradation among microorganisms. It comprises the following enzymes: styrene monooxygenase (SMO; NADH-consuming and FAD-dependent, two-component system), styrene oxide isomerase (SOI; cofactor independent, membrane-bound protein) and phenylacetaldehyde dehydrogenase (PAD; NAD+-consuming) and allows an intrinsic cofactor regeneration. This specific way harbors a high potential for biotechnological use. Based on the enzymatic steps involved in this degradation route, important reactions can be realized from a large number of substrates which gain access to different interesting precursors for further applications. Furthermore, stereochemical transformations are possible, offering chiral products at high enantiomeric excess. This review provides an actual view on the microbiological styrene degradation followed by a detailed discussion on the enzymes of the side-chain oxygenation. Furthermore, the potential of the single enzyme reactions as well as the respective multi-step syntheses using the complete enzyme cascade are discussed in order to gain styrene oxides, phenylacetaldehydes, or phenylacetic acids (e.g., ibuprofen). Altered routes combining these putative biocatalysts with other enzymes are additionally described. Thus, the substrates spectrum can be enhanced and additional products as phenylethanols or phenylethylamines are reachable. Finally, additional enzymes with similar activities toward styrene and its metabolic intermediates are shown in order to modify the cascade described above or to use these enzyme independently for biotechnological application.

Unveiling the biotransformation mechanism of indole in a Cupriavidus sp. strain

Indole, an important signaling molecule as well as a typical N-heterocyclic aromatic pollutant, is widespread in nature. However, the biotransformation mechanisms of indole are still poorly studied. Here, we sought to unlock the genetic determinants of indole biotransformation in strain Cupriavidus sp. SHE based on genomics, proteomics and functional studies. A total of 177 proteins were notably altered (118 up- and 59 downregulated) in cells grown in indole mineral salt medium when compared with that in sodium citrate medium. RT-qPCR and gene knockout assays demonstrated that an indole oxygenase gene cluster was responsible for the indole upstream metabolism. A functional indole oxygenase, termed IndA, was identified in the cluster, and its catalytic efficiency was higher than those of previously reported indole oxidation enzymes. Furthermore, the indole downstream metabolism was found to proceed via the atypical CoA-thioester pathway rather than conventional gentisate and salicylate pathways. This unusual pathway was catalyzed by a conserved 2-aminobenzoyl-CoA gene cluster, among which the 2-aminobenzoyl-CoA ligase initiated anthranilate transformation. This study unveils the genetic determinants of indole biotransformation and will provide new insights into our understanding of indole biodegradation in natural environments and its functional studies.

Indole Biodegradation in Acinetobacter sp. Strain O153: Genetic and Biochemical Characterization

Indole is a molecule of considerable biochemical significance, acting as both an interspecies signal molecule and a building block of biological elements. Bacterial indole degradation has been demonstrated for a number of cases; however, very little is known about genes and proteins involved in this process. This study reports the cloning and initial functional characterization of genes (iif and ant cluster) responsible for indole biodegradation in Acinetobacter sp. strain O153. The catabolic cascade was reconstituted in vitro with recombinant proteins, and each protein was assigned an enzymatic function. Degradation starts with oxidation, mediated by the IifC and IifD flavin-dependent two-component oxygenase system. Formation of indigo is prevented by IifB, and the final product, anthranilic acid, is formed by IifA, an enzyme which is both structurally and functionally comparable to cofactor-independent oxygenases. Moreover, the iif cluster was identified in the genomes of a wide range of bacteria, suggesting the potential of widespread Iif-mediated indole degradation. This work provides novel insights into the genetic background of microbial indole biodegradation.IMPORTANCE The key finding of this research is identification of the genes responsible for microbial biodegradation of indole, a toxic N-heterocyclic compound. A large amount of indole is present in urban wastewater and sewage sludge, creating a demand for an efficient and eco-friendly means to eliminate this pollutant. A common strategy of oxidizing indole to indigo has the major drawback of producing insoluble material. Genes and proteins of Acinetobacter sp. strain O153 (DSM 103907) reported here pave the way for effective and indigo-free indole removal. In addition, this work suggests possible novel means of indole-mediated bacterial interactions and provides the basis for future research on indole metabolism.

Cryptic indole hydroxylation by a non-canonical terpenoid cyclase parallels bacterial xenobiotic detoxification

Terpenoid natural products comprise a wide range of molecular architectures that typically result from C–C bond formations catalysed by classical type I/II terpene cyclases. However, the molecular diversity of biologically active terpenoids is substantially increased by fully unrelated, non-canonical terpenoid cyclases. Their evolutionary origin has remained enigmatic. Here we report the in vitro reconstitution of an unusual flavin-dependent bacterial indoloterpenoid cyclase, XiaF, together with a designated flavoenzyme-reductase (XiaP) that mediates a key step in xiamycin biosynthesis. The crystal structure of XiaF with bound FADH₂ (at 2.4 Å resolution) and phylogenetic analyses reveal that XiaF is, surprisingly, most closely related to xenobiotic-degrading enzymes. Biotransformation assays show that XiaF is a designated indole hydroxylase that can be used for the production of indigo and indirubin. We unveil a cryptic hydroxylation step that sets the basis for terpenoid cyclization and suggest that the cyclase has evolved from xenobiotics detoxification enzymes.

The biosynthesis of xiamycin, an antimicrobial bacterial indolosesquiterpenoid, involves an unusual cyclization cascade. Here, the authors characterise the XiaF enzyme, which resembles xenobiont-degrading enzymes and is responsible for a hidden indole hydroxylation step that triggers the cyclization reaction.

Characterization of surface antigen protein 1 (SurA1) from Acinetobacter baumannii and its role in virulence and fitness

Acinetobacter baumannii is a Gram-negative bacillus that causes nosocomial infections, such as bacteremia, pneumonia, and meningitis and urinary tract and wound infections. In the present study, the surface antigen protein 1 (SurA1) gene of A. baumannii strain CCGGD201101 was identified, cloned and expressed, and then its roles in fitness and virulence were investigated. Virulence was observed in the human lung cancer cell lines A549 and HEp-2 at one week after treatment with recombinant SurA1. One isogenic SurA1 knock-out strain, GR0015, which was derived from the A. baumannii strain CCGGD201101 isolated from diseased chicks in a previous study, highlighted the effect of SurA1 on fitness and growth. Its growth rate in LB broth and killing activity in human sera were significantly decreased compared with strain CCGGD201101. In the Galleria mellonella insect model, the isogenic SurA1 knock-out strain exhibited a lower survival rate and decreased dissemination. These results suggest that SurA1 plays an important role in the fitness and virulence of A. baumannii.