Characterization of the maleylacetate reductase macA of Rhodococcus opacus 1CP and evidence for the presence of an isofunctional enzyme

A study was conducted to describe the gene macA encoding the microbial enzyme maleylacetate reductases, in the degradation of chlorocatechols or 5-chlorohydroxyquinol through an analysis of cloned chloroaromatic compound-utilizing proteobacteria, such as the chlorophenol-degrading strain Rhodococcus opacus. Genetic encodings of maleylacetate reductases were found in specialized chlorocatechol gene clusters. Analysis showed that maleylacetate reductase macA in R opacus was not a part of the gene cluster.