50 by: Agnes Kitololo
Student – Agnes Kitololo
Enzyme – Nicotine dehydrogenase (NDHase)
E.C number– 1.17.2.1
Where is the enzyme found? Nicotine dehydrogenase is a cytochrome found in bacteria like Arthrobacter nicotinovorans and Pseudomonas species. Common habitats for these bacteria are those high in nicotine, such as tobacco-contaminated soil or waste products from tobacco production.
What does the enzyme do? This enzyme is essential for the metabolism of nitrogen-containing heterolytic compounds. Nicotine dehydrogenase is a flavin-containing enzyme that catalyzes the oxidation of nicotine into nicotine-1(6)-iminium ion, which is subsequently transformed into cotinine. It initiates the process of nicotine degradation through redox reactions, where nicotine undergoes oxidation and the enzyme transfers electrons to its cofactor, typically Flavin Adenine Dinucleotide (FAD). The electron transfer is key to the catalytic process, with FAD facilitating the oxidation of nicotine. This is a vital step in the detoxification process of nicotine. Bacteria may utilize nicotine as a source of carbon and nitrogen thanks to NDHase. This capability is beneficial for environmental detoxification, particularly in tobacco waste management.
Interesting Fact/ Important information about enzyme – Because of the enzyme’s complex structure and membrane-bound protein, little has been reported on the crystal structure of NDHase. It has a widespread occurrence and has been found in bacteria found in insect guts (Bacillus)
References
Ganas, P., Brandsch, R. (2005). “Degradation of nicotine by Arthrobacter nicotinovorans and cloning of the nicotine dehydrogenase genes.” Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology.
Zhang, K., Yin, M., Lei, S. et al. Bacillus sp. YC7 from intestines of Lasioderma serricorne degrades nicotine due to nicotine dehydrogenase. AMB Expr 13, 87 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13568-023-01593-0
Zhang, Z., Mei, X., He, Z. et al. Nicotine metabolism pathway in bacteria: mechanism, modification, and application. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 106, 889–904 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00253-022-11763-y
Brandsch, R. Microbiology and biochemistry of nicotine degradation. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 69, 493–498 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00253-005-0226-0
