The degradation of cholic acid by <i>Pseudomonas</i> sp. N.C.I.B. 10590

Abstract

The microbial degradation of cholic acid by Pseudomonas sp. N.C.I.B. 10590 was studied, and two major products were isolated and identified as 7 alpha, 12 beta-dihydroxyandrosta-1,4-diene-3,17-dione and 7 alpha, 12 alpha-dihydroxy-3-oxopregna-1,4-diene-20-carboxylic acid. Four minor products were isolated and evidence is given for the following structures: 7 alpha, 12 alpha-dihydroxyandrosta-1,4-diene-3,17-dione, 12 beta-hydroxyandrosta-1,4,6-triene-3,17-dione, 7 alpha, 12 beta, 17 beta-trihydroxyandrosta-1,4-dien-3-one and 7 alpha, 12 alpha-dihydroxy-3-oxopregn-4-ene-20-carboxylic acid. The significance of the production of the steroid products is discussed, along with the possible enzymic mechanisms responsible for their production.