Rhodococcus as a Versatile Biocatalyst in Organic Synthesis

Abstract

The application of purified enzymes as well as whole-cell biocatalysts in synthetic organic chemistry is becoming more and more popular, and both academia and industry are keen on finding and developing novel enzymes capable of performing otherwise impossible or challenging reactions. The diverse genus Rhodococcus offers a multitude of promising enzymes, which therefore makes it one of the key bacterial hosts in many areas of research. This review focused on the broad utilization potential of the genus Rhodococcus in organic chemistry, thereby particularly highlighting the specific enzyme classes exploited and the reactions they catalyze. Additionally, close attention was paid to the substrate scope that each enzyme class covers. Overall, a comprehensive overview of the applicability of the genus Rhodococcus is provided, which puts this versatile microorganism in the spotlight of further research.

Responses to Ecopollutants and Pathogenization Risks of Saprotrophic Rhodococcus Species

“…Considerable material is available on the degradation of priority pollutants by rhodococci to aid the understanding of their metabolic pathways. The number of publications is growing on new chemical agents degradable by rhodococci ( Figure 1 ); and Rhodococcus genome projects have been launched [ 4 , 5 , 6 ]. The ability of rhodococci to decompose recalcitrant xenobiotics and resist their toxic effects, in addition to Rhodococcus survival strategies under the combined actions of ecotoxicants and other exogenous harmful factors, are well documented [ 5 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 ].…”

Exploring the abundance of oleate hydratases in the genus Rhodococcus—discovery of novel enzymes with complementary substrate scope

“…Genome analysis showed sequence diversity among Ohys that can be exploited for the discovery of novel features and will broaden future applications. Rhodococcus cells host a large number of interesting catabolic enzymes and are known for their extraordinary potential for bioremediation (Kim et al 2018;Busch et al 2020;Busch et al 2019). The genus Rhodococcus was investigated in detail for the presence of oleate hydratases using an Orthologous Matrix algorithm.…”

“…Rhodococcus is a genus of aerobic, gram-positive bacteria and is known for its diverse biocatalytic activity towards a plethora of substrates (van der Geize and Dijkhuizen 2004; Jones and Goodfellow 2012; Kim et al 2018;Busch et al 2019). Aliphatic, aromatic or heterocyclic compounds as well as alicyclic hydrocarbons, cholesterol, nitriles and lignin have been shown to be converted by members of the versatile Rhodococcus family (van der Geize and Dijkhuizen 2004; Kim et al 2018).…”

Systems biology and metabolic engineering of Rhodococcus for bioconversion and biosynthesis processes

“…strains are capable of performing biotransformation and biodegradation of many organic and xenobiotic compounds, such as hydrocarbons and chlorinated hydrocarbons, naphthenic acids, nitroaromatics, and pharmaceuticals (e.g., diclofenac and sulfamethoxazole) (Auffret et al 2009;Cappelletti et al 2010Cappelletti et al , 2015Cappelletti et al , 2016Cappelletti et al , 2018Orro et al 2015;Presentato et al 2018a, b, c;Weidhass et al 2009;Ivshina et al 2019;Tyumina et al 2019;Larcher and Yargeau 2011). Due to these wide metabolic capabilities and stress resistance/tolerance, Rhodococcus strains are considered ideal candidates for biotechnological applications in environmental remediation and pharmaceutical and chemical industries (Bell et al 1998;Busch et al 2019;Ceniceros et al 2017;Kis et al 2015;Larkin et al 2005;van der Geize andDijkhuizen 2004, Patek et al 2021). In particular, extensive research focused on the production and accumulation of neutral lipids, mostly triacylglycerols (TAGs), in Rhodococcus through the bioconversion of industrial wastes and lignin biomass feedstocks.…”