4-hydroxybenzoate decarboxylase

The enzyme 4-hydroxybenzoate decarboxylase (EC 4.1.1.61) catalyzes the chemical reaction

4-hydroxybenzoate ${\displaystyle \rightleftharpoons }$ phenol + CO₂

This enzyme belongs to the family of lyases, specifically the carboxy-lyases, which cleave carbon-carbon bonds. The systematic name of this enzyme class is 4-hydroxybenzoate carboxy-lyase (phenol-forming). Other names in common use include p-hydroxybenzoate decarboxylase, and 4-hydroxybenzoate carboxy-lyase. This enzyme participates in benzoate degradation via CoA ligation.

• Grant DJ, Patel JC (1969). "The non-oxidative decarboxylation of p-hydroxybenzoic acid, gentisic acid, protocatechuic acid and gallic acid by Klebsiella aerogenes (Aerobacter aerogenes)". Antonie van Leeuwenhoek. 35 (3): 325–43. doi:10.1007/BF02219153. PMID 5309907.
• Tschech A, Fuchs G (1989). "Anaerobic degradation of phenol via carboxylation to 4-hydroxybenzoate - in vitro study of isotope exchange between (CO2)-C-14 and 4-hydroxybenzoate". Arch. Microbiol. 152 (6): 594–599. doi:10.1007/BF00425493.