Conditional synthesis and utilization of 1,5-anhydroglucitol in Escherichia coli.

A cyclic polyol, 1,5-anhydro-D-glucitol (AG), is widely detected in most organisms, although little is known about its metabolism and physiological roles. The present study demonstrates the synthesis of AG in Escherichia coli C600. The major portion of the synthesized AG was indicated to be derived from glucose retaining all the six carbon atoms, and only 5% was attributed to AG synthesized from C3 compounds. AG synthesis is apparent in an early stage of the stationary phase, and accumulation is transient both in cells and in medium. Evidence is also presented for AG uptake and metabolism and for effects of cyclic AMP.