Genomic and transcriptomic insights into benzoate and 4-hydroxybenzoate degradation in Arthrobacter sp. PAMC25564 isolated from cryoconite

Abstract

Arthrobacter sp. has long been recognized for its metabolic versatility, particularly in the degradation of xenobiotic compounds. They have been isolated from diverse environments, including extreme environments. In this study, we conducted biotransformation, genomics and transcriptomics of Arthrobacter sp. PAMC25564 isolated from the cryoconite of Wurmkogel, Ötztaler Alps, Austria, one of the extreme environments to unveil its aromatic compound-degrading potential. The strain possesses several genes associated with aromatic compound catabolism including at least one complete pathway to utilize two peripheral intermediates, 4-hydroxybenzoate (4-HB) and benzoate, which are mostly determined as wastewater contaminants. Arthrobacter sp. PAMC25564 tolerated and degraded benzoate and 4-HB up to 25 mM. Further, RNA-seq transcriptomics was done to investigate the benzoate and 4-HB degradation pathway in PAMC25564. The results indicate global gene regulation and pathway redundancy. Furthermore, growth of the strain in these aromatic compounds upregulates multiple genes associated with amino acid metabolism and phenylacetate degradation, which are associated with stress response. These findings contribute to a better understanding of aromatic compound degradation with a special focus on wastewater contaminants, benzoate and 4-HB degradation in Arthrobacter sp. PAMC25564.