Conversion of sterols and triterpenes by mycobacteria. I Formation of progesterone and 1-dehydroprogesterone from Mycobacterium aurum, strain A+.

Side-chain degradation of sterols by bacteria is known to proceed via oxidation of a terminal methyl group followed by a succession of beta-oxidative steps. By this pathway, the pregnane backbone is not produced. However, examination of cholesterol degradation products using a strain of Mycobacterium aurum shows that progesterone and 1-dehydroprogesterone are present at low levels. These pregnane derivatives were identified by gas-liquid chromatography combined with mass spectrometry. This indicates that an alternative pathway for sterol side-chain degradation occurs in bacteria, which could be of great interest for the biological production of corticosteroid precursors.