Production of 10-Hydroxy-2-decenoic Acid from Decanoic Acid via Whole-Cell Catalysis in Engineered Escherichia coli

10-Hydroxy-2-decenoic acid (10-HDA) is a terminal hydroxylated medium-chain alpha,beta-unsaturated carboxylic acid that performs various unique physiological activities and has a wide market value. Therefore, development of an environmentally friendly, safe, and high-efficiency route to synthesize 10-HDA is required. Here, the beta-oxidation pathway of Escherichia coli was modified and a P450 terminal hydroxylase (CYP153A33-CPRBM3) was rationally designed to synthesize 10-HDA using decanoic acid as a substrate via two-step whole-cell catalysis. Different homologues of FadDs, FadEs, and YdiIs were analyzed in the first step of the conversion of decanoic acid to trans- -2- decenoic acid. In the second step, CYP153A33 (M228L)-CPRBM3 efficiently catalyzed the conversion of trans- -2- decenoic acid to 10-HDA. Finally, 217 mg L-1 10-HDA was obtained with 500 mg L-1 decanoic acid. This study provides a strategy for biosynthesis of 10-HDA and other alpha, beta-unsaturated carboxylic acid derivatives from specific fatty acids.

Automated summary

The study modified the beta-oxidation pathway of Escherichia coli and designed a P450 terminal hydroxylase (CYP153A33-CPRBM3) for the synthesis of 10-HDA, achieving a yield of 217 mg L-1 from decanoic acid.