Metabolomic profiling of biphenyl-induced stress response of Brucella anthropi MAPB-9

The exposure of bacteria to toxic compounds such as polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) and biphenyl induces an adaptive response at different levels of cell morphology, biochemistry, and physiology. PCB and biphenyl are highly toxic compounds commercially used in the industry. In our previous study, Brucella anthropi MAPB-9 efficiently degraded PCB-77 and biphenyl at a high concentration. In this study, we used metabolomic analyses to understand the metabolic processes occurring in MAPB-9 during exposure to biphenyl. A combination of analytical techniques such as GC-MS/MS and HR-MS study confirmed the complete biphenyl degradation pathway. The intermediate metabolic products identified were cis-2, 3-dihydro-2, 3-dihydroxy biphenyl, 2,3-dihydroxy biphenyl, and 4-dihydroxy-2-oxo-valerate. Further, benzoic acid and 2,3-dihydroxy benzoic acid metabolites identified in the extract revealed the interconnection of biphenyl and benzoic degradation pathways. In addition, the variations in the functioning of the major biochemical pathways in the cells were revealed through changes in the profile of metabolites belonging to glyoxylate, tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, and fatty acid pathways. The exposure to biphenyl inhibited metabolic activity leading to changes in the morphology and metabolism. Despite many adverse changes, the MAPB-9 was able to adapt and grow in the toxic environment undergoing upper and lower biphenyl degradation pathways.