Fujita et al. demonstrate that a TonB-dependent receptor (TBDR) is involved in the outer membrane transport of lignin-derived biphenyl in a Gram-negative bacterial strain capable of degrading lignin-derived aromatic compounds. They also show that overexpression of corresponding TBDR gene enhances uptake of the compound, providing basis for establishing engineered strains optimized for use in lignin valorization.
- Masaya Fujita
- Kosuke Mori
- Eiji Masai
