Bacterial metabolism of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaric acid.

An organism belonging to Pseudomonadaceae and capable of utilizing 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutarate as sole carbon source has been isolated from soil. Whole-cell preparations catalyze the oxidation of acetoacetate, acetate, glyoxylate, and citric acid cycle intermediates. Cell-free extracts of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutarate-grown cells show an adenosine triphosphate, coenzyme A (CoA), and Mg(2+)-dependent conversion of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutarate to 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA. Succinyl-CoA-generating system has no effect on the activation and catabolism of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutarate.