Trans-cinnamate, also known as trans-cinnamic acid, is an organic compound derived from cinnamic acid. Trans-cinnamate can enter the environment through industrial processes such as the manufacture of fragrances, flavorings, and pharmaceuticals. It is also a byproduct of the degradation of certain herbicides and pesticides. Bacteria such as Klebsiella electrica are capable of degrading this compound, thus detoxifying trans-cinnamate while also gaining essential carbon and energy sources for growth and metabolism. Trans-cinnamate degradation involves a sequence of enzymatic reactions converting trans-cinnamate to acetyl-CoA, a central metabolic intermediate. The compound enters the bacterial cell via facilitated diffusion upon which its degradation begins with hydroxylation by trans-cinnamate dioxygenase, followed by dehydrogenation and ring cleavage by specific dehydrogenases and dioxygenases. The intermediates are further processed to fumaric acid, pyruvic acid, and finally acetyl-CoA which enter glycolysis and citrate cycle, respectively.

Trans-cinnamate degradation References