Nutritional regulation of synthetic lignin (DHP) degradation by the selective white-rot fungus Phlebia (Merulius) tremellosa: effects of glucose and other cosubstrates

Abstract

Phlebia tremellosa is a white-rot fungus which selectively degrades lignin, i.e., its ratio of lignin degradation to carbohydrate degradation during wood decay is higher than that of "simultaneous" white rots. Its need for a cosubstrate to support lignin degradation, and the effect of glucose supply on rate and extent of lignin metabolism, were examined in a synthetic, nitrogen-limited medium. Lignin metabolism by P. tremellosa, like simultaneous white rots, requires a cosubstrate. Glucose partially represses lignin degradation, but it is metabolized to extracellular intermediates, including ethanol. Subsequent utilization of ethanol as energy source supports rapid lignin degradation. Phlebia tremellosa grows well with cellulose, glucose, xylose, ethanol, or lactate as sole carbon (energy) source, and more slowly with glycerol or methanol. It appears unable to use kraft lignin, ferulate, vanillin, or acetate as sole carbon source. Cellulose, glycerol, and ethanol efficiently supported degradation of ring-labelled lignin to CO2, whereas glucose, xylose, and lactate were less efficient cosubstrates; methanol did not support lignin degradation. A relationship between tricarboxylic acid cycle operation and metabolism of lignin ring carbons to CO2, is suggested. Key words: lignin biodegradation, cosubstrate, glucose, ethanol, selectivity.