NITROREDUCTASE

[PAUL ANDREWS]

NITROREDUCTASE IN FUNGI
Our group is presently studying the metabolism of a series of
nitro-imidazoles in a strain of fungi (Cunninghemalla
echinulata, a soil fungi).  This strain was chosen because it
CONTAINS A CYT P-450 WHICH CAN MIMIC MAMMALIAN METABOLIC
processes.  We have detected and characterized a number of
metabolites resulting from oxidative metabolism, but we are
also very interested in those metabolites resulting from
nitro-reduction.  An extensive literature search did not
reveal anyone who has investigated the presence of nitro-
reductases in  these (or other fungi),  I realize that yeasts
and bacteria (especially GUT bacteria) have relatively large
amounts of nitro-reductases, but I was hoping to perhaps use
my fungal system for nitro-reduction.  Has anyone out there
been able to manipulate fungi into forcing metabolism to
nitro-reduction?.. It may involve using a different strain of
Fungi?.. use of a crude extract from the fungi?... or maybe
manipulation of the growth media?... Any ideas?.. or
comments?..........

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*                                                                       *
*  PAUL ANDREWS                             DID1290 at NRC.VM.CA           *
*  Health and Welfare Canada                                            *
*  Health Protection Branch                                             *
*  Sir Frederick Banting Building                                       *
*  Tunney's Pasture, Ottawa, Ontario, CANADA                            *
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