Catalyzes the retro-aldol cleavage of 4-hydroxy-2-oxopentanoate to pyruvate and acetaldehyde. Is involved in the meta-cleavage pathway for the degradation of aromatic compounds such as phenols, cresols and catechols. (S)-4-hydroxy-2-oxopentanoate = acetaldehyde + pyruvate Six- to eight-fold activated by Mn(2+). Retains residual activity after EDTA treatment in vitro. Also activated by NADH and, to a lesser extent, by NAD(+). Strongly inhibited by Zn(2+). Mg(2+) and Ca(2+) have no effect on enzymatic activity. Optimum pH is 8.5-9.0. Aromatic compound metabolism; benzoate degradation via hydroxylation. Aromatic compound metabolism; phenol degradation. Heterotetramer composed of two DmpG (aldolase) and two DmpF (dehydrogenase) subunits, which allows a direct channeling of acetaldehyde between the two active sites. Belongs to the 4-hydroxy-2-oxovalerate aldolase family.