Dioxygenase-catalysed formation of dihydrodiol metabolites of N-methyl-2-pyridone

IPTG-induced cells of a recombinant strain of Escherichia coli JM109(DE3)pDTG141 expressing naphthalene dioxygenase from Pseudomonas sp. NCIB 9816-4 oxidized specifically N-methyl-2-pyridone to give the corresponding cis-5,6-dihydro-5,6-dihydroxy derivative as a major product. A small amount of the cis-3,4-dihydro-3,4-dihydroxy isomer was simultaneously formed.