Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation

Wayne S Kontur

Timothy James Donohue

Daniel Noguera

Hoon Y Kim

John Ralph

Brian Fox

Craig A Bingman

Daniel Leo Gall

Jose Perez

German Eduardo Umana Chapeton

Recombinant microorganisms configured for enhanced production of compounds such as 2-pyrone-4,6-dicarboxylic acid (PDC) and methods of using the recombinant microorganisms for the production of these compounds. The recombinant microorganisms include one or more modifications that reduce 2-pyrone-4,6-dicarboxylic acid (PDC) hydrolase activity, 4-carboxy-2-hydroxy-6-methoxy-6-oxohexa-2,4-dienoate (CHMOD) cis-trans isomerase activity, 4-carboxy-2-hydroxy-6-methoxy-6-oxohexa-2,4-dienoate (CHMOD) methyl esterase activity, and/or vanillate/3-O-methylgallate O-demethylase activity. The recombinant microorganisms can be used to generate PDC from media comprising plant-derived phenolics, such as syringyl phenolics, guaiacyl phenolics, and p-hydroxyphenyl phenolics. The plant-derived phenolics can be derived from pretreated lignin, including depolymerized lignin or other chemically altered lignin.

Microorganisms and methods for producing 2-pyrone-4,6-dicarboxylic acid and other compounds

Enzymes for depolymerizing lignin. The enzymes include dehydrogenases, &#x3b2;-etherases, and glutathione lyases. The dehydrogenases can comprise one or more or LigD, LigO, LigN, and LigL. The &#x3b2;-etherases can comprise one or more of LigE, LigF, LigP, and BaeA. The glutathione lyases can comprise any one or more of LigG and a number of non-stereospecific, optionally recombinant glutathione lyases derived fromsp. SYK-6,, and other microorganisms. The enzymes can be combined in compositions and/or used in methods of processing lignin or other aromatic compounds in vitro.

In vitro methods of chemical conversion using non-stereospecific glutathione lyases

In vitro methods for processing lignin and other aromatic compounds

Growing community of inventors

Madison, WI, United States of America

Wayne S Kontur