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. 1995 Apr;61(4):1620–1622. doi: 10.1128/aem.61.4.1620-1622.1995

Homogentisic acid is the primary precursor of melanin synthesis in Vibrio cholerae, a Hyphomonas strain, and Shewanella colwelliana.

S I Kotob 1, S L Coon 1, E J Quintero 1, R M Weiner 1
PMCID: PMC167418  PMID: 7747976

Abstract

The enzyme p-hydroxyphenylpyruvate hydroxylase (HPPH) is involved in pigmentation (pyomelanin) via homogentisic acid (HGA). Pyomelanin formation is correlated with HGA production and expression of HPPH in three disparate marine species: Vibrio cholerae, a Hyphomonas strain, and Shewanella colwelliana. Induction of pigmentation in V. cholerae 569B by nutrient limitation also correlated with production of HGA.

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Selected References

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