Rhodococcus, a metabolically versatile actinobacterium which is frequently found in the environment, has gained increasing interest due to its potential biotechnological applications. This Microbiology Monographs volume provides a thorough review of the various aspects of the biochemistry, physiology and genetics of the Genus Rhodococcus.

Following an overview of its taxonomy, chapters cover the structural aspects of rhodococcal cellular envelope, genomes and plasmids, metabolic and catabolic pathways, such as those of aromatic compounds, steroids and nitriles, and desulfurization pathways, as well as adaption to organic solvents. Further reviews discuss applications of Rhodococcus in the bioremediation of contaminated environments, in triacylglycerols accumulation, and in phytopathogenic strategies, as well as the potential of biosurfactants. In addition, properties of these bacteria to thrive and survive in oligotrophic environments are also discussed. A final chapter describes the sole pathogenic Rhodococcus member, R. equi.

This book is intended for undergraduate, graduate and postdoc researchers and students interested in a wide range of areas of knowledge related to the bacteria of the genus Rhodococcus. In addition, this work will be useful for professionals who work in companies related to biotechnology and commercial use of microorganisms.

Klappentext

Rhodococcus, a metabolically versatile actinobacterium which is frequently found in the environment, has gained increasing interest due to its potential biotechnological applications. This Microbiology Monographs volume provides a thorough review of the various aspects of the biochemistry, physiology and genetics of the Genus Rhodococcus.

Following an overview of its taxonomy, chapters cover the structural aspects of rhodococcal cellular envelope, genomes and plasmids, metabolic and catabolic pathways, such as those of aromatic compounds, steroids and nitriles, and desulfurization pathways, as well as adaption to organic solvents. Further reviews discuss applications of Rhodococcus in the bioremediation of contaminated environments, in triacylglycerols accumulation, and in phytopathogenic strategies, as well as the potential of biosurfactants. In addition, properties of these bacteria to thrive and survive in oligotrophic environments are also discussed. A final chapter describes the sole pathogenic Rhodococcus member, R. equi.

This book is intended for undergraduate, graduate and postdoc researchers and students interested in a wide range of areas of knowledge related to the bacteria of the genus Rhodococcus. In addition, this work will be useful for professionals who work in companies related to biotechnology and commercial use of microorganisms.

Zusammenfassung
Rhodococcus, a metabolically versatile actinobacteria which is frequently found in the environment, has gained increasing interest due to its potential biotechnological applications. This Microbiology Monographs volume provides a thorough review of the various aspects of the biochemistry, physiology and genetics of the Genus Rhodococcus.Following an overview of its taxonomy, chapters cover the structural aspects of rhodococcal cellular envelope, genomes and plasmids, metabolic and catabolic pathways, such as those of aromatic compounds, steroids and nitriles, and desulfurization pathways, as well as the adaption to organic solvents. Further reviews discuss applications of Rhodococcus in the bioremediation of contaminated environments, in triacylglycerol accumulation, and in phytopathogenic strategies, as well as the potential of biosurfactants. A final chapter describes the sole pathogenic Rhodococcus member, R. equi.

Inhalt

**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)