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Integrated multi-omics analyses reveal the biochemical mechanisms and phylogenetic relevance of anaerobic androgen biodegradation in the environment

Integrated multi-omics analyses reveal the biochemical mechanisms and phylogenetic relevance of anaerobic androgen biodegradation in the environment

Authors :
Yang, Fu-Chun
Chen, Yi-Lung
Tang, Sen-Lin
Yu, Chang-Ping
Wang, Po-Hsiang
Ismail, Wael
Wang, Chia-Hsiang
Ding, Jiun-Yan
Yang, Cheng-Yu
Yang, Chia-Ying
Chiang, Yin-Ru
Source :
The ISME Journal; August 2016, Vol. 10 Issue: 8 p1967-1983, 17p
Publication Year :
2016

Abstract

Steroid hormones, such as androgens, are common surface-water contaminants. However, literature on the ecophysiological relevance of steroid-degrading organisms in the environment, particularly in anoxic ecosystems, is extremely limited. We previously reported that Steroidobacter denitrificans anaerobically degrades androgens through the 2,3-seco pathway. In this study, the genome of Sdo. denitrificans was completely sequenced. Transcriptomic data revealed gene clusters that were distinctly expressed during anaerobic growth on testosterone. We isolated and characterized the bifunctional 1-testosterone hydratase/dehydrogenase, which is essential for anaerobic degradation of steroid A-ring. Because of apparent substrate preference of this molybdoenzyme, corresponding genes, along with the signature metabolites of the 2,3-seco pathway, were used as biomarkers to investigate androgen biodegradation in the largest sewage treatment plant in Taipei, Taiwan. Androgen metabolite analysis indicated that denitrifying bacteria in anoxic sewage use the 2,3-seco pathway to degrade androgens. Metagenomic analysis and PCR-based functional assays showed androgen degradation in anoxic sewage by Thauera spp. through the action of 1-testosterone hydratase/dehydrogenase. Our integrative ‘omics’ approach can be used for culture-independent investigations of the microbial degradation of structurally complex compounds where isotope-labeled substrates are not easily available.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
17517362 and 17517370
Volume :
10
Issue :
8
Database :
Supplemental Index
Journal :
The ISME Journal
Publication Type :
Periodical
Accession number :
ejs39667649
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1038/ismej.2015.255