Catalytic Mechanism of 6-Hydroxynicotinic Acid 3-Monooxygenase (NicC)* postprint

Abstract: 6-Hydroxynicotinic acid (6HNA) 3-monooxygenase (NicC) is the key enzyme for nicotinic degradation in Pseudomonas putida KT2440. NicC can catalyze the hydroxylation of pyridine ring to promote the ring cleavage reaction of pyridine ring. The expression level of NicC was enhanced by replace the rare codon in the N-terminal of NicC, and then the His-tagged NicC was purified to homogeneity. The optimal temperature reaction range of NicC is from 30℃ to 40℃, and the optimal reaction pH is 8.0. The Cd 2+ ion could significantly inhibit the activity of NicC. The apparent Km and Vmax values of the purified NicC for 6HNA were 51.8 μM and 14.1U/mg, respectively, and those for NADH were 15.0 μM and 10.79 U/mg, respectively. According to the HPLC and LC-MS analysis, NicC could catalyzes 6HNA to form 2,5-DHP and formic acid, and it could also transform 4-hydroxybenzoic acid to form hydroquinone. Isotope labeling experiments proved that the oxygen atom incorporated into 2,5-DHP is from dioxygen. The study will provide useful information for the microbial degradation of pyridinic compounds.