Elucidating the metabolic pathway and initial degradation gene for <i>p</i> -chloro- <i>m</i> -xylenol biodegradation in <i>Rhodococcus pyridinivorans</i> DMU114

The widespread use of the antimicrobial agent <i>p</i>-chloro-<i>m</i>-xylenol (PCMX) in consumer products has raised environmental concerns due to its aquatic toxicity. However, the microbial mechanisms driving its natural breakdown remain poorly understood. This study reveals how a newly isolated bacterium, <i>Rhodococcus pyridinivorans</i> DMU114, mineralizes PCMX, a process critical for mitigating its ecological risks. This study, for the first time, elucidates the PCMX's complete degradation pathway and identifies the functional genes for its initial conversion step. The degradation gene identified is widespread in environmentally relevant bacteria, suggesting that natural ecosystems may already harbor the potential to neutralize PCMX contamination. These findings advance our ability to predict PCMX's environmental fate and provide a foundation for engineering microbial solutions to combat antimicrobial pollution.