A fungal metabolite mediates degradation of non-phenolic lignin structures and synthetic lignin by laccase

FEBS Lett. 1996 Aug 5;391(1-2):144-8. doi: 10.1016/0014-5793(96)00719-3.

Abstract

Lignin peroxidase is generally considered to be a primary catalyst for oxidative depolymerization of lignin by white-rot fungi. However, some white-rot fungi lack lignin peroxidase. Instead, many produce laccase, even though the redox potentials of known laccases are too low to directly oxidize the non-phenolic components of lignin. Pycnoporus cinnabarinus is one example of a laccase-producing fungus that degrades lignin very efficiently. To overcome the redox potential barrier, P. cinnabarinus produces a metabolite, 3-hydroxyanthranilate that can mediate the oxidation of how non-phenolic substrates by laccase. This is the first description of how laccase might function in a biological system for the complete depolymerization of lignin.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Benzyl Alcohols / metabolism
  • Chromatography, Gel
  • Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid
  • Kinetics
  • Laccase
  • Lignin / metabolism*
  • Molecular Structure
  • Oxidation-Reduction
  • Oxidoreductases / metabolism*
  • Phenols
  • Polyporaceae / metabolism*

Substances

  • Benzyl Alcohols
  • Phenols
  • Lignin
  • Oxidoreductases
  • Laccase
  • veratryl alcohol