A specialized aspartokinase enhances the biosynthesis of the osmoprotectants ectoine and hydroxyectoine in Pseudomonas stutzeri A1501.

ABSTRACT: The compatible solutes ectoine and hydroxyectoine are widely produced by bacteria as protectants against osmotic and temperature stress. l-Aspartate-beta-semialdehyde is used as the precursor molecule for ectoine/hydroxyectoine biosynthesis that is catalyzed by the EctABCD enzymes. l-Aspartate-beta-semialdehyde is a central intermediate in different biosynthetic pathways and is produced from l-aspartate by aspartokinase (Ask) and aspartate-semialdehyde-dehydrogenase (Asd). Ask activity is typically stringently regulated by allosteric control to avoid gratuitous synthesis of aspartylphosphate. Many organisms have evolved multiple forms of aspartokinase, and feedback regulation of these specialized Ask enzymes is often adapted to the cognate biochemical pathways. The ectoine/hydroxyectoine b

SUBMITTER: Stoveken N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3165526 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature