Identification of the bphA and bphB genes of Pseudomonas sp. strains KKS102 involved in degradation of biphenyl and polychlorinated biphenyls.

The nucleotide sequence of the upstream region of the bphC gene from Pseudomonas sp. strain KKS102 was determined. Four genes were found in this region. Deduced amino acid sequences of the first, second, third and fourth genes showed significant homology with a large subunit of iron-sulfur protein, a small subunit of iron-sulfur protein, ferredoxin and dihydrodiol dehydrogenase, respectively, from other bacteria which degrade biphenyl/polychlorinated biphenyls, toluene and benzene. E. coli, in which the four genes, bphC and the gene for ferredoxin reductase from benzene degrading bacterium were expressed, was able to produce meta-cleavage compounds from chlorinated biphenyls. These results show that these gene products are functional in both biphenyl and polychlorinated biphenyls degradation.