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Deciphering the phenol degradation metabolic pathway in Scedosporium apiospermum HDO1

Summary

This research demonstrates how the fungus Scedosporium apiospermum breaks down phenol, a toxic industrial pollutant. By analyzing which genes the fungus activates when consuming phenol, scientists identified two specific chemical pathways the fungus uses to degrade this contaminant. This discovery shows promise for using this fungus to clean polluted soils and water, offering a natural biological solution to environmental contamination.

Background

Phenol is a petroleum-derived pollutant widely used in industries and commonly accumulates in soils and water bodies, posing risks to environment and human health. Scedosporium apiospermum is a filamentous fungus capable of phenol degradation with potential for bioremediation applications. Previous biochemical studies suggested two simultaneous phenol degradation pathways in this fungus, but molecular evidence was lacking.

Objective

To identify and characterize the phenol degradation pathways in Scedosporium apiospermum HDO1 through transcriptomic analysis and differential gene expression studies. The study aimed to clarify which genes encoding phenol-degrading enzymes are actually activated during phenol metabolism.

Results

Eighteen genes coding for phenol-degrading enzymes were annotated from the assembled transcriptome. Differential gene expression analysis revealed 11 genes were significantly overexpressed including those encoding phenol 2-monooxygenase, catechol 1,2-dioxygenase, 3-oxoadipate enol lactonase, and hydroxyquinol 1,2-dioxygenase. One gene encoding protocatechuate 3,4-dioxygenase was repressed. HPLC confirmed hydroquinone production as an intermediate metabolite and complete phenol removal by day 8.

Conclusion

Phenol degradation in S. apiospermum HDO1 occurs through the catechol-ortho ring cleavage pathway and hydroquinone A pathway, but not the hydroquinone B pathway. These findings improve understanding of eukaryotic fungal strategies for degrading organic pollutants and support the potential use of S. apiospermum in bioremediation applications.
  • Published in:Applied and Environmental Microbiology,
  • Study Type:Experimental Study,
  • Source: PMID: 40637408
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