Genetic Evidence for an Interaction of the UbiG O-Methyltransferase with UbiX in Escherichia coli Coenzyme Q Biosynthesis

IS16 is a thiol-sensitive, Q-deficient mutant strain of Escherichia coli. Here, we show that IS16 harbors a mutation in the ubiG gene encoding a methyltransferase required for two O-methylation steps of Q biosynthesis. Complementation of IS16 with either ubiG or ubiX(K-12) reverses this phenotype, suggesting that UbiX may interact with UbiG

Identification and characterization of the furfural and 5-(hydroxymethyl)furfural degradation pathways of Cupriavidus basilensis HMF14

The toxic fermentation inhibitors in lignocellulosic hydrolysates pose significant problems for the production of second-generation biofuels and biochemicals. Among these inhibitors, 5-(hydroxymethyl)furfural (HMF) and furfural are specifically notorious. In this study, we describe the complete molecular identification and characterization of the pathway by which Cupriavidus basilensis HMF14 metabolizes HMF and furfural. The identification of this pathway enabled the construction of an HMF and furfural-metabolizing Pseudomonas putida. The genetic information obtained furthermore enabled us to predict the HMF and furfural degrading capabilities of sequenced bacterial species that had not previously been connected to furanic aldehyde metabolism. These results pave the way for in situ detoxification of lignocellulosic hydrolysates, which is a major step toward improved efficiency of utilization of lignocellulosic feedstock