Identification and Characterization of a Novel pic Gene Cluster Responsible for Picolinic Acid Degradation in Alcaligenes faecalis JQ135

Abstract

Picolinic acid is a common metabolite of l -tryptophan and some aromatic compounds and is an important intermediate in organic chemical synthesis. Although the microbial degradation/detoxification of picolinic acid has been studied for over 50 years, the underlying molecular mechanisms are still unknown. Here, we show that the pic gene cluster is responsible for the complete degradation of picolinic acid. The pic gene cluster was found to be widespread in other Alpha -, Beta -, and Gammaproteobacteria . These findings provide a new perspective for understanding the catabolic mechanisms of picolinic acid in bacteria.