Regioselective and enzymatic production of γ-resorcylic acid from resorcinol using recombinant Escherichia coli cells expressing a novel decarboxylase gene

A recombinant Escherichia coli, expressing the rdc gene, which encodes a gamma-resorcylic acid decarboxylase (Rdc) reversibly catalyzing regioselective carboxylation of resorcinol derived from Rhizobium radiobacter WU-0108, converted 20 mM resorcinol to gamma-resorcylic acid with a 44% (mol/mol) yield at 30 degrees C for 7 h. The recombinant E. coli cells were recyclable at least five times for use as biocatalysts.