A novel and evolutionarily distinct flavoprotein monooxygenase drives skatole degradation in Rhodococcus.
Meng N, Li G, Zhang J, Zhu J, Kang X
Soil Health
Skatole accumulates in manure-treated soils and can stunt plant roots and harm soil microbes — understanding how nature already breaks it down could lead to better composting practices, healthier garden soils, and reduced chemical runoff into the places we grow our food.
Skatole is a smelly, harmful chemical that builds up in soils from animal waste and can poison plants and the tiny organisms that keep soil healthy. Researchers found a brand-new kind of protein in a microorganism that can latch onto skatole and break it apart — something no known protein quite like it can do. This discovery opens the door to using or engineering microbes that clean contaminated soils naturally.
Key Findings
A flavoprotein monooxygenase enzyme was identified that degrades skatole (3-methylindole) and is evolutionarily distinct from all previously characterized enzymes in its family.
Skatole is described as persistent and toxic, highlighting a gap in known biodegradation pathways that this enzyme helps explain.
The enzyme's evolutionary distinctiveness suggests an independent origin, meaning nature has developed at least one novel biochemical solution specifically for breaking down this compound.
chevron_right Technical Summary
Scientists discovered a new type of enzyme — never seen before in nature — that breaks down skatole, a toxic, foul-smelling compound found in manure and degrading organic matter. This enzyme works differently from all known relatives, suggesting life evolved a unique chemical toolkit for cleaning up this persistent pollutant.
Abstract Preview
Skatole (3-methylindole), a persistent and toxic
open_in_new Read full abstractAbstract copyright held by the original publisher.
Was this useful?
Want to tell us more? (optional)
Thanks for the note!
Something went wrong — please try again.
Too many submissions. Try again in an hour.
Chloroplast Genome Editing Eliminates Gluten Immunogenicity in Triticum aestivum
It could mean that people with celiac disease — roughly 1 in 100 worldwide — may one day safely eat bread made from real wheat, without sacrificing the taste...
Phytoremediation uses living plants to clean up soil, air, and water contaminated with hazardous substances. This approach is significant for plant science because it demonstrates plants' remarkable ability to absorb and metabolize pollutants, revealing key mechanisms of plant physiology and
arrow_forward Explore topic