3-Hydroxypyridine Dehydrogenase HpdA Is Encoded by a Novel Four-Component Gene Cluster and Catalyzes the First Step of 3-Hydroxypyridine Catabolism in Ensifer adhaerens HP1

Abstract

3-Hydroxypyridine is an important building block for the synthesis of drugs, herbicides, and antibiotics. Although the microbial degradation of 3-hydroxypyridine has been studied for many years, the molecular mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we show that 3hpd is responsible for the catabolism of 3-hydroxypyridine. The 3hpd gene cluster was found to be widespread in Actinobacteria , Rubrobacteria , Thermoleophilia , and Alpha -, Beta -, and Gammaproteobacteria , and the genetic organization of the 3hpd gene clusters in these bacteria shows high diversity. Our findings provide new insight into the catabolism of 3-hydroxypyridine in bacteria.