Biology of Rhodococcus (2^nd Ed., 2nd ed. 2019) Microbiology Monographs Series, Vol. 16

Rhodococcus are metabolically versatile actinobacteria frequently found in the environment with potential applications in bioremediation, biotransformations and biocatalysis, among other biotechnological processes. These microorganisms are currently the subject of research in many countries of the world. The number of publications and patents on rhodococci has intensified significantly within the last years. In this context, the knowledge acquired during the last decade about basic aspects of Rhodococcus biology is significant and promising about their future prospects. Several genomic projects of Rhodococcus members are now available and in progress through public and private efforts due to the increasing interest in their use for biotechnology. The large Rhodococcus genomes containing a multiplicity of catabolic genes, a high genetic redundancy of biosynthetic pathways and a sophisticated regulatory network reflect the complexity of Rhodococcus biology. The combination of functional genomics studies with biochemical and physiological knowledge is providing new insights, which will enable the biotechnological use of rhodococci.  

This Microbiology Monographs volume provides a thorough review of many aspects of biochemistry, physiology and genetics of Rhodococcus, in the context of new genomic information. Expert international scientists contributed with reviews on the extraordinary capability of Rhodococcusgenus for biodegradation of diverse compounds and bioremediation, biosynthesis of lipids and biosurfactants, adaptation and tolerance to solvents, interaction with metals and biotechnological applications. Chapters dealing with taxonomy, genomes and plasmids, and oligotrophic and central metabolism are also included in this volume. Moreover, the book includes basic aspects of the phytopathogenic R. fascians.     

1- Taxonomy of the genus Rhodococcus, Authors: To be defined, Northumbria University (UK), 2- Cellular envelope in Rhodococcus, Author: Iain C. Sutcliffe, Northumbria University (UK), 3- Genomes and plasmids from Rhodococcus, Author: Mike J Larkin, The Queen's University of Belfast, 4- Central metabolism of species of the genus Rhodococcus, Author: Héctor M. Alvarez, INBIOP-University of Patagonia San Juan Bosco, CONICET, 5- Adaptation of Rhodococcus to organic solvents, Author: Carla C. de Carvalho, IBB-Institute for Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Portugal, 6- Catabolism of aromatic and steroid compounds by Rhodococcus, Author: Lindsay D. Eltis, University of British Columbia,Canada, 7- Biodegradation of nitriles by Rhodococcus, Author: YU Huimin, Tsinghua University, China, 8- Biodesulfurization pathways in Rhodococcus, Author: Ting Ma, Nankai University, China, 9- Application of Rhodococcus for bioremediation of contaminated environments, Author: Maria Kuyukina, Ural Division of Russian Academy of Sciences, Perm, 10- Physiology, biochemistry and molecular biology of triacylglycerol accumulation by Rhodococcus, Author: Héctor M. Alvarez, Alexander Steinbüchel, INBIOP-University of Patagonia San Juan Bosco, CONICET (Argentina), Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster (Germany), 11- Production of Biosurfactants by Rhodococcus, Author: Maria Kuyukina, Ural Division of Russian Academy of Sciences, Perm, 12- Oligotrophic growth of Rhodococcus, Author: Nobuyuki Yoshida, Nara Institute of Science and Technology (Japan), 13- Phytopathogenic Strategies of Rhodococccus fascians, Author: Danny Verekee, Ghent University (Belgium), 14- Genetics of the virulence of Rhodococcus equi, Author: Jose A. Vázquez-Boland, University of Edinburgh (UK)

First and only book about the genus Rhodococcus where knowledge is integrated from different perspectives as basic aspects of its physiology, its ability to degrade diverse pollutants, to produce compounds of biotechnological interest, its pathogenic power (in plants and animals) and its relationship with the environment

Book chapters are prepared by reference researchers in each topic

Second edition of a very well received book by the scientific community