Vanillic acid and methoxyhydroquinone production from guaiacyl units and related aromatic compounds using Aspergillus niger cell factories

• DOI: 10.1186/s12934-021-01643-x
• Publication Date: 2021-08-13T05:36:24Z
• Authors: Ronnie J. M. Lubbers; Adiphol Dilokpimol; Paula A. Nousiainen; Răzvan C. Cioc; Jaap Visser; Pieter C. A. Brui...; Ronald P. de Vries
• Keywords: Vanillic acid; Aspergillus niger; Metabolic pathway

Abstract Background The aromatic compounds vanillin and vanillic acid are important fragrances used in the food, beverage, cosmetic pharmaceutical industries. Currently, most products chemically synthesized, while only a small percentage is extracted from natural sources. metabolism of has been studied for decades microorganisms many studies have conducted that showed both can be produced ferulic using bacteria. In contrast, degradation by fungi poorly no genes involved this metabolic pathway identified. study, we aimed to clarify Aspergillus niger identify involved. Results Using whole-genome transcriptome data, four were These include dehydrogenase ( vdhA ), hydroxylase vhyA two encoding novel enzymes, which function as methoxyhydroquinone 1,2-dioxygenase mhdA ) 4-oxo-monomethyl adipate esterase omeA ). Deletion these A. confirmed their role enzymatic activities enzymes verified. addition, demonstrated deletion mutants fungal cell factories accumulation guaiacyl lignin units related compounds. Conclusions This study provides new insights into pathways identification unlocks potential engineering compound-producing factories.