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Zinc causes a shift toward citrate at equilibrium of the m-aconitase reaction of prostate mitochondria.

Prostate secretory epithelial cells have the unique function and capability of accumulating and secreting extraordinarily high levels of citrate. To achieve this, these cells possess a uniquely limiting mitochondrial (m)-aconitase activity that minimizes the oxidation of citrate via the Krebs cycle. The steady-state citrate/isocitrate ratio of mammalian tissues is generally maintained at about 10-11/l, independent of the concentration of citrate, which is the result of the chemical equilibrium reached in the presence of m-aconitase. In contrast, the citrate/isocitrate ratio of prostate tissue is about 30-40/l. Zinc, which is also accumulated in prostate cells at much higher levels than in other cells, inhibits m-aconitase activity thereby minimizing citrate oxidation. This current report is concerned with an effect of zinc on the equilibrium of the reaction catalyzed by m-aconitase. Studies were conducted with mitochondrial extract preparations from rat ventral prostate epithelial cells. With citrate as the initial substrate, the addition of zinc (7-10 microM) to the prostate mitochondrial preparation resulted in a change in the citrate/isocitrate ratio at equilibrium from an average of 10.5/l to 13.5/l. In contrast, the identical treatment of kidney mitochondrial preparations resulted in no zinc-induced change in the citrate/isocitrate ratio. When either cis-aconitate or isocitrate was employed as the initial substrate, the addition of zinc did not alter the citrate/isocitrate ratio of prostate or kidney preparations. Partial purification of the prostate preparation revealed that the prostate mitochondrial extract contained a putative protein (which we have designated as 'citrate factor protein') that is required for the zinc-induced increase in the citrate/isocitrate ratio. This novel effect of zinc provides another mechanism by which it is assured that the accumulation of citrate is maximized in citrate-producing prostate epithelial cells.

Aconitate Hydratase↗

3-fluoro-3-deoxycitrate: a probe for mechanistic study of citrate-utilizing enzymes.

The interaction of a novel fluorinated analogue of citrate, 3-fluoro-3-deoxycitrate (3-fluorocitrate), with the four known citrate-processing enzymes is described in this report. Three of the citrate-processing enzymes, citrate synthase, ATP citrate lyase, and citrate lyase, catalyze reversible aldol-type condensations. The fate of 3-fluorocitrate with each enzyme is uniquely related to their mechanisms of action. For citrate synthase, 3-fluorocitrate is a competitive inhibitor. 3-Fluorocitrate is a substrate for the carboxylate activation half-reaction catalyzed by ATP citrate lyase and induces a net ATPase action during conversion to 3-fluorocitryl-S-coenzyme A. Because of the unusual mechanism of citrate cleavage catalyzed by bacterial citrate lyase, 3-fluorocitrate is a mechanism-based inhibitor, acting at two points during turnover of the acetyl enzyme. The fourth citrate-processing enzyme, aconitase, does turn over 3-fluorocitrate catalytically. This enzyme, catalyzing a dehydration and rehydration of citrate, also catalyzes the elimination of HF from 3-fluorocitrate, yielding cis-aconitate and fluoride.

ATP Citrate (pro-S)-Lyase↗

Relationship of the oxidation state of the iron-sulfur cluster of aconitase to activity and substrate binding.

It is known that aconitase from mammalian mitochondria is only partially active as isolated but may be activated by incubation with iron, ascorbate, and a thiol, or with dithionite. It has been suggested that the added Fe in the activation mixture is essential for activation and that it is incorporated in the enzyme [Villafranca, J. J., & Mildvan, A. S. (1971) J. Biol. Chem. 246, 772-779; Gawron, O., Waheed, A., Glaid, A. J., & Jaklitsch, A. (1974) Biochem. J. 139, 709-714]. However, it is shown in this paper that, when the enzyme has a full complement of 3Fe and 3S, full activation is reached coulometrically, without iron or other chemical reducing agents. It is clear, therefore, that the role of activators is to reduce the iron--sulfur cluster of the enzyme. The appearance of catalytic activity on reduction of the cluster shows a pronounced lag, as does the decay of activity after reoxidizing the cluster. This suggests that catalytic activity requires a conformational change in the protein which is initiated by reduction of the cluster and that, following reoxidation, activity disappears only after the inactive conformation is assumed. Citrate and the competitive inhibitor trans-aconitate are bound to a comparable extent to the active and inactive forms, but only the active form can bind 1-hydroxy-2-nitro-1,3-propanedicarboxylic acid, a transition-state analogue. This is interpreted to show that in the inactive state aconitase cannot enter the conformation it assumes in the transition state during catalysis.

Aconitate Hydratase↗

Chemical interactions of Brachiaria plantaginea with Commelina bengalensis and Acanthospermum hispidum in soybean cropping systems.

Previous results obtained in soybean-wheat rotations under no-tillage conditions showed reductions in the seedbank of the weed species Commelina benghalensis, but no alteration in the seedbank of Acanthospermum hispidum in areas infested with Brachiaria plantaginea. Analyses of the soluble fraction of B. plantaginea indicated the predominance of aconitic acid (AA) among the aliphatic acids and ferulic acid (FA) among the phenolic acids. Laboratory bioassays using C. benghalensis and A. hispidum were carried out to evaluate phytotoxic effects of pure organic acid solutions and dilute extracts of B. plantaginea on seed germination, root development, and fungal germination. Solutions of AA and FA were prepared at 0.25, 0.50, and 1.0 mM. Extracts of B. plantaginea were diluted to obtain concentrations of AA similar to those in the prepared solutions. Seeds were sown on 0.5% agar (containing AA, FA, or diluted extract) in plastic-covered receptacles and maintained in a germination chamber for 10 days. AA and FA solutions and the B. plantaginea extract reduced germination and root length, mainly of C. benghalensis. AA also stimulated the development of endophytic fungi (Fusarium solani), which had complementary adverse effects on C. benghalensis germination. FA and AA may play important roles in reducing the seedbank of some weed species, acting directly on germination and development and, indirectly, by stimulating endophytic fungi that alter germination.

Aconitic Acid↗

Lipogenesis in rat and guinea-pig isolated epididymal fat-cells.

Fat-cells were prepared from rat and guinea-pig epididymal adipose tissue and compared on the basis of the intracellular distributions and activities of enzymes and with respect to their utilization of various U-(14)C-labelled substrates for lipogenesis. 1. Compared with the rat, guinea-pig extramitochondrial enzyme activities differed in that aconitate hydratase, alanine aminotransferase, ATP-citrate lyase, lactate dehydrogenase, NAD-malate dehydrogenase, NADP-malate dehydrogenase and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase activities were appreciably lower, whereas aspartate aminotransferase, glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase, NADP-isocitrate dehydrogenase and 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase activities were appreciably higher. Mitochondrial activities of citrate synthase, NADP-isocitrate dehydrogenase and pyruvate carboxylase were appreciably lower, whereas mitochondrial activities of aspartate aminotransferase, glutamate dehydrogenase, NAD-malate dehydrogenase and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase were higher in the guinea pig compared with the rat. 2. In general guinea-pig fat-cells incorporated acetate and lactate into fatty acids more readily than rat fat-cells, whereas rat fat-cells incorporated glucose and pyruvate more readily than guinea-pig fat-cells. 3. Acetate stimulated the incorporation of glucose into fatty acids in rat fat-cells, but had no appreciable effect upon this process in guinea-pig fat-cells. Acetate greatly decreased the incorporation of lactate into fatty acids in cells from both species. 4. Lactate/pyruvate ratios produced by incubation of guinea-pig cells with glucose+insulin were very low compared with those found with rat cells under the same conditions. 5. With glucose (+insulin) or with glucose+acetate (+insulin) as substrates guinea-pig cells produced enough NADPH by the hexose monophosphate pathway to satisfy the NADPH requirements of lipogenesis. In rat fat-cells under the same conditions, hexose monophosphate-pathway NADPH provision was not sufficient to meet the requirements of lipogenesis. 6. These results are discussed, particularly in relationship to the disposition of cytosolic reducing equivalents in the cells.

ATP Citrate (pro-S)-Lyase↗

Oxidation of propionate to pyruvate in Escherichia coli. Involvement of methylcitrate dehydratase and aconitase.

The pathway of the oxidation of propionate to pyruvate in Escherichia coli involves five enzymes, only two of which, methylcitrate synthase and 2-methylisocitrate lyase, have been thoroughly characterized. Here we report that the isomerization of (2S,3S)-methylcitrate to (2R,3S)-2-methylisocitrate requires a novel enzyme, methylcitrate dehydratase (PrpD), and the well-known enzyme, aconitase (AcnB), of the tricarboxylic acid cycle. AcnB was purified as 2-methylaconitate hydratase from E. coli cells grown on propionate and identified by its N-terminus. The enzyme has an apparent Km of 210 micro m for (2R,3S)-2-methylisocitrate but shows no activity with (2S,3S)-methylcitrate. On the other hand, PrpD is specific for (2S,3S)-methylcitrate (Km = 440 micro m) and catalyses in addition only the hydration of cis-aconitate at a rate that is five times lower. The product of the dehydration of enzymatically synthesized (2S,3S)-methylcitrate was designated cis-2-methylaconitate because of its ability to form a cyclic anhydride at low pH. Hence, PrpD catalyses an unusual syn elimination, whereas the addition of water to cis-2-methylaconitate occurs in the usual anti manner. The different stereochemistries of the elimination and addition of water may be the reason for the requirement for the novel methylcitrate dehydratase (PrpD), the sequence of which seems not to be related to any other enzyme of known function. Northern-blot experiments showed expression of acnB under all conditions tested, whereas the RNA of enzymes of the prp operon (PrpE, a propionyl-CoA synthetase, and PrpD) was exclusively present during growth on propionate. 2D gel electrophoresis showed the production of all proteins encoded by the prp operon during growth on propionate as sole carbon and energy source, except PrpE, which seems to be replaced by acetyl-CoA synthetase. This is in good agreement with investigations on Salmonella enterica LT2, in which disruption of the prpE gene showed no visible phenotype.

Aconitate Hydratase↗

Massive targeting of liposomes, surface-modified with anionized albumins, to hepatic endothelial cells.

Human serum albumin (HSA) derivatized with cis-aconitic anhydride was covalently coupled to liposomes with a size of approximately 100 nm [polyaconitylated HSA (Aco-HSA) liposomes]. Within 30 min after injection into a rat, Aco-HSA liposomes were completely cleared from the blood and almost exclusively taken up by the liver, whereas in control liposomes 80% was still present in the blood at that time. Endothelial cells were shown to account for almost two-thirds of the hepatic uptake of the Aco-HSA liposomes, the remainder being recovered mainly in the liver macrophages (Kupffer cells). With fluorescently labeled liposomes it was shown that the Aco-HSA liposomes target a vast majority (>85%) of the cells in the endothelial cell population. Control liposomes were not taken up to a significant extent by the endothelial cells. Uptake of Aco-HSA liposomes by both endothelial and Kupffer cells was inhibited by preinjection with polyinosinic acid, indicating the involvement of scavenger receptors in the uptake process. The uptake of Aco-HSA liposomes by liver endothelial cells was dependent on liposome size; with increasing liposome diameter endothelial cell uptake decreased in favor of Kupffer cell uptake. We have demonstrated that massive in vivo targeting of liposomes to a defined cell population other than macrophages is possible. Aco-HSA liposomes thus may represent an attractive drug carrier system for treatment of various liver or liver endothelium-associated disorders.

Aconitic Acid↗

Modulation of iron regulatory protein functions. Further insights into the role of nitrogen- and oxygen-derived reactive species.

Iron regulatory protein (IRP) is a cytosolic bifunctional [Fe-S] protein which exhibits aconitase activity or binds iron responsive elements (IREs) in untranslated regions of specific mRNA. The modulators of these activities are the intracellular concentration of iron and, as recently described, NO synthase activity. In this study, we attempted to establish in in vitro experiments whether peroxynitrite (ONOO-, the product of the reaction between NO and O2-.), as well as oxygen-derived radicals (O2-. and H2O2) and various NO donors, allow IRP to bind IREs using cytosol extract of macrophagelike RAW 264.7 cells. Neither the addition of a bolus of ONOO- or H2O2 nor O2-. generation significantly affected IRE binding even though they inhibited its aconitase activity. Moreover, we show that 3-morpholinosydnonimine (SIN-1), a chemical which releases both NO and O2-. enhanced IRE binding activity of IRP only in the presence of superoxide dismutase (SOD). S-Nitrosothiols and the NONOate sper/NO plus gluthathione (GSH) activated IRE binding by IRP whereas oxyhemoglobin prevented enhancement of this binding by SIN-1/SOD and sper/NO plus GSH. cis-Aconitate, substrate, also abolished the effect of SIN-1/SOD on IRE binding by IRP. These results imply that neither O2-. nor ONOO- can convert [4Fe-4S] IRP into IRE-binding protein but rather suggest that an active redox form of NO converts IRP into its IRE binding form by targeting the [Fe-S] cluster.

Aconitate Hydratase↗

Nitric oxide sensitivity of the aconitases.

Aconitases are important cellular targets of nitric oxide (NO.) toxicity, and NO.-derived species, rather than NO. per se, have been proposed to mediate their inactivation. NO.-mediated inactivation of the Escherichia coli aconitase and the porcine mitochondrial aconitase was investigated. In E. coli, aconitase activity decreased by approximately 70% during a 2-h exposure to an atmosphere containing 120 ppm NO. in N2. The NO.-inactivated aconitase reactivated poorly in E. coli under anaerobic or aerobic conditions. Elevated superoxide dismutase activity did not affect the aerobic inactivation of aconitase by NO., thus indicating a limited role of the NO.- and superoxide-derived species peroxynitrite. Glutathione-deficient and glutathione-containing E. coli were comparably sensitive to NO.-mediated aconitase inactivation, thus excluding the participation of S-nitrosoglutathione or more oxidizing NO.-derived species. NO. progressively decreased aconitase activity in extracts in the presence of substrates, and inactivation was greatest at an acidic pH with cis-aconitate. The porcine mitochondrial aconitase was sensitive to NO. when exposed at pH 6.5, but not at pH 7.5, and irreversible inactivation occurred during catalysis. The requirement of an acidic pH or substrates for sensitivity may explain the reported resistance of aconitases to NO. in vitro (Castro, L., Rodriguez, M., and Radi, R. (1994) J. Biol. Chem. 269, 29409-29415; Hausladen, A., and Fridovich, I. (1994) J. Biol. Chem. 269, 29405-29408). An S-nitrosation of the aconitase [4Fe-4S] center catalyzed by the solvent-exposed electron withdrawing iron atom (Fea) is proposed.

Aconitate Hydratase↗

Zinc inhibition of mitochondrial aconitase and its importance in citrate metabolism of prostate epithelial cells.

Prostate epithelial cells possess a uniquely limiting mitochondrial (m-) aconitase activity that minimizes their ability to oxidize citrate. These cells also possess uniquely high cellular and mitochondrial zinc levels. Correlations among zinc, citrate, and m-aconitase in prostate indicated that zinc might be an inhibitor of prostate m-aconitase activity and citrate oxidation. The present studies reveal that zinc at near physiological levels inhibited m-aconitase activity of mitochondrial sonicate preparations obtained from rat ventral prostate epithelial cells. Corresponding studies conducted with mitochondrial sonicates of rat kidney cells revealed that zinc also inhibited the kidney m-aconitase activity. However the inhibitory effect of zinc was more sensitive with the prostate m-aconitase activity. Zinc inhibition fit the competitive inhibitor model. The inhibitory effect of zinc occurred only with citrate as substrate and was specific for the citrate --> cis-aconitate reaction. Other cations (Ca2+, Mn2+, Cd2+) did not result in the inhibitory effects obtained with zinc. The presence of endogenous zinc inhibited the m-aconitase activity of the prostate mitochondrial preparations. Kidney preparations that contain lower endogenous zinc levels exhibited no endogenous inhibition of m-aconitase activity. Studies with pig prostate and seminal vesicle mitochondrial preparations also revealed that zinc was a competitive inhibitor against citrate of m-aconitase activity. The effects of zinc on purified beef heart m-aconitase verified the competitive inhibitor action of zinc. In contrast, zinc had no inhibitory effect on purified cytosolic aconitase. These studies reveal for the first time that zinc is a specific inhibitor of m-aconitase of mammalian cells. In prostate epithelial cells, in situ mitochondrial zinc levels inhibit m-aconitase activity, which provides a mechanism by which citrate oxidation is limited.

Aconitate Hydratase↗

Human cytoplasmic aconitase (Iron regulatory protein 1) is converted into its [3Fe-4S] form by hydrogen peroxide in vitro but is not activated for iron-responsive element binding.

Iron regulatory protein 1 (IRP1) regulates the synthesis of proteins involved in iron homeostasis by binding to iron-responsive elements (IREs) of messenger RNA. IRP1 is a cytoplasmic aconitase when it contains a [4Fe-4S] cluster and an RNA-binding protein after complete removal of the metal center by an unknown mechanism. Human IRP1, obtained as the pure recombinant [4Fe-4S] form, is an enzyme as efficient toward cis-aconitate as the homologous mitochondrial aconitase. The aconitase activity of IRP1 is rapidly lost by reaction with hydrogen peroxide as the [4Fe-4S] cluster is quantitatively converted into the [3Fe-4S] form with release of a single ferrous ion per molecule. The IRE binding capacity of IRP1 is not elicited with H(2)O(2). Ferrous sulfate (but not other more tightly coordinated ferrous ions, such as the complex with ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid) counteracts the inhibitory action of hydrogen peroxide on cytoplasmic aconitase, probably by replenishing iron at the active site. These results cast doubt on the ability of reactive oxygen species to directly increase IRP1 binding to IRE and support a signaling role for hydrogen peroxide in the posttranscriptional control of proteins involved in iron homeostasis in vivo.

Aconitate Hydratase↗

Detection, quantitation, purification, and identification of cardiac proteins S-thiolated during ischemia and reperfusion.

We have developed methods that allow detection, quantitation, purification, and identification of cardiac proteins S-thiolated during ischemia and reperfusion. Cysteine was biotinylated and loaded into isolated rat hearts. During oxidative stress, biotin-cysteine forms a disulfide bond with reactive protein cysteines, and these can be detected by probing Western blots with streptavidin-horseradish peroxidase. S-Thiolated proteins were purified using streptavidin-agarose. Thus, we demonstrated that reperfusion and diamide treatment increased S-thiolation of a number of cardiac proteins by 3- and 10-fold, respectively. Dithiothreitol treatment of homogenates fully abolished the signals detected. Fractionation studies indicated that the modified proteins are located within the cytosol, membrane, and myofilament/cytoskeletal compartments of the cardiac cells. This shows that biotin-cysteine gains rapid and efficient intracellular access and acts as a probe for reactive protein cysteines in all cellular locations. Using Western blotting of affinity-purified proteins we identified actin, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, HSP27, protein-tyrosine phosphatase 1B, protein kinase Calpha, and the small G-protein ras as substrates for S-thiolation during reperfusion of the ischemic rat heart. MALDI-TOF mass fingerprint analysis of tryptic peptides independently confirmed actin and glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase S-thiolation during reperfusion. This approach has also shown that triosephosphate isomerase, aconitate hydratase, M-protein, nucleoside diphosphate kinase B, and myoglobin are S-thiolated during post-ischemic reperfusion.

Aconitate Hydratase↗

Endogenous nitration of iron regulatory protein-1 (IRP-1) in nitric oxide-producing murine macrophages: further insight into the mechanism of nitration in vivo and its impact on IRP-1 functions.

Iron regulatory protein-1 (IRP-1) is a bifunctional [4Fe-4S] protein that functions as a cytosolic aconitase or as a trans-regulatory factor controlling iron homeostasis at a post-transcriptional level. Because IRP-1 is a sensitive target protein for nitric oxide (NO), we investigated whether this protein is nitrated in inflammatory macrophages and whether this post-transcriptional modification changes its activities. RAW 264.7 macrophages were first stimulated with interferon-gamma and lipopolysaccharide (IFN-gamma/LPS) and then triggered by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) in order to promote co-generation of NO* and O*2-.. IRP-1 was isolated by immunoprecipitation and analyzed for protein-bound nitrotyrosine by Western blotting. We show that nitration of endogenous IRP-1 in NO-producing macrophages boosted to produce O*2- was accompanied by aconitase inhibition and impairment of its capacity to bind the iron-responsive element (IRE) of ferritin mRNA. Lost IRE-binding activity was not recovered by exposure of IRP-1 to 2% 2-mercaptoethanol and was not due to protein degradation. Inclusion of cis-aconitate with cell extract to stabilize the [4Fe-4S] cluster of holo-IRP-1 rendered protein insensitive to nitration by peroxynitrite, suggesting that loss of [Fe-S] cluster and subsequent change of conformation are prerequisites for tyrosine nitration. IRP-1 nitration was strongly reduced when IFN-gamma/LPS/PMA-stimulated cells were incubated with myeloperoxidase inhibitors, which points to the contribution of the nitrite/H2O2/peroxidase pathway to IRP-1 nitration in vivo. Interestingly, under these conditions, IRP-1 recovered full IRE binding as assessed by treatment with 2% 2-mercaptoethanol. Peroxidase-mediated nitration of critical tyrosine residues, by holding IRP-1 in an inactive state, may constitute, in activated macrophages, a self-protecting mechanism against iron-induced toxicity.

Aconitate Hydratase↗

Antiviral effects of milk proteins: acylation results in polyanionic compounds with potent activity against human immunodeficiency virus types 1 and 2 in vitro.

A number of native and modified milk proteins from bovine or human sources were analyzed for their inhibitory effects on human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) and HIV-2 in vitro in an MT4 cell test system. The proteins investigated were lactoferrin, alpha-lactalbumin, beta-lactoglobulin A, and beta-lactoglobulin B. By acylation of the amino function of the lysine residues in the proteins, using anhydrides of succinic acid or cis-aconitic acid, protein derivatives were obtained that all showed a strong antiviral activity against human immunodeficiency virus type 1 and/or 2. The in vitro IC50 values of the aconitylated proteins were in the concentration range of 0.3 to 3 nM. Succinylation or aconitylation of alpha-lactalbumin and beta-lactoglobulin A/B also produced strong anti-HIV-2 activity with IC50 values on the order 500 to 3000 nM. All compounds showed virtually no cytotoxicity at the concentration used. Peptide-scanning studies indicated that the native lactoferrin as well as the charged modified proteins strongly bind to the V3 loop of the gp120 envelope protein, with Kd values in the same concentration range as the above-mentioned IC50. Therefore, shielding of this domain, resulting in inhibition of virus-cell fusion and entry of the virus into MT4 cells, may be the likely underlying mechanism of antiviral action.

Aconitic Acid↗

Iron regulatory factor expressed from recombinant baculovirus: conversion between the RNA-binding apoprotein and Fe-S cluster containing aconitase.

Iron regulatory factor (IRF) is a cytoplasmic mRNA-binding protein that coordinates post-transcriptionally the expression of several important proteins in iron metabolism. Binding of IRF to iron-responsive elements (IRE) in the 5' untranslated region (UTR) of ferritin and erythroid 5-aminolevulinic acid-synthase mRNAs inhibits their translation, whereas binding to IREs in the 3' UTR of transferrin receptor (TfR) mRNA prevents the degradation of this mRNA. IRF binds RNA strongly after iron deprivation, but is inactive, yet present, under conditions of high cellular iron supply. Recently, IRF was also shown to have aconitase activity indicating the existence of an Fe-S cluster in the protein. In the current study we expressed human IRF in insect cells from recombinant baculovirus and analysed IRE-binding and aconitase activities under various culture conditions. Newly made apoprotein, synthesized in the absence of iron, was fully active in IRE-binding, but showed no aconitase activity. In contrast, IRF made by cells grown in high iron medium bound RNA poorly, but exhibited high aconitase activity with a Km of 9.2 microM for cis-aconitate. Apo-IRF was converted in vitro to active aconitase by Fe-S cluster-generating conditions, and under the same conditions lost its RNA-binding capacity. These results indicate that the two activities are mutually exclusive and controlled through formation of the Fe-S cluster.

Aconitate Hydratase↗

Effect of nitrate reduction on the enzyme levels in carbon metabolism in Escherichia coli.

The activities of twelve enzymes were measured in crude extracts from cells of Escherichia coli K-10 grown aerobically or anaerobically in a defined medium in the presence or absence of nitrate. The activities of isocitrate dehydrogenase, aconitate hydratase, 2-oxoglutarate dehydrogenase, malate dehydrogenase, malic enzyme, and D-lactate dehydrogenase (NAD+-independent) were found to be higher in cells grown in nitrate respiration than in those in fermentation, but lower than in those in respiration. This finding may explain the incomplete oxidation in nitrate respiration and, on the other hand, suggests the operation of the tricarboxylic acid even under these conditions. The activities of succinate dehydrogenase and alcohol dehydrogenase in relation to the formation of fermentation product were as high in cells grown in fermentation as in those in respiration and were low in those in nitrate respiration. However, that ratio of the activities in the latter case to the activities in respiration was the same as the ratio for most enzymes in the tricarboxylic acid cycle. The level of lactate dehydrogenase (NAD+-dependent) was not affected by nitrate respiration but its activity in the extract was inhibited by nitrate and nitrite. The absence of lactate in the anaerobic culture with nitrate may be due to this inhibition as well as NADH oxidation by nitrate. Levels of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase and glutamate dehydrogenase were not altered by the growth conditions and that of pyruvate dehydrogenase was low only in cells grown in fermentation.

Aconitate Hydratase↗

AcnC of Escherichia coli is a 2-methylcitrate dehydratase (PrpD) that can use citrate and isocitrate as substrates.

Escherichia coli possesses two well-characterized aconitases (AcnA and AcnB) and a minor activity (designated AcnC) that is retained by acnAB double mutants and represents no more than 5% of total wild-type aconitase activity. Here it is shown that a 2-methylcitrate dehydratase (PrpD) encoded by the prpD gene of the propionate catabolic operon (prpRBCDE) is identical to AcnC. Inactivation of prpD abolished the residual aconitase activity of an AcnAB-null strain, whereas inactivation of ybhJ, an unidentified acnA paralogue, had no significant effect on AcnC activity. Purified PrpD catalysed the dehydration of citrate and isocitrate but was most active with 2-methylcitrate. PrpD also catalysed the dehydration of several other hydroxy acids but failed to hydrate cis-aconitate and related substrates containing double bonds, indicating that PrpD is not a typical aconitase but a dehydratase. Purified PrpD was shown to be a monomeric iron-sulphur protein (M(r) 54000) having one unstable [2Fe-2S] cluster per monomer, which is needed for maximum catalytic activity and can be reconstituted by treatment with Fe(2+) under reducing conditions.

Aconitate Hydratase↗

Reduced expression of aconitase results in an enhanced rate of photosynthesis and marked shifts in carbon partitioning in illuminated leaves of wild species tomato.

Wild species tomato (Lycopersicon pennellii) plants bearing a genetic lesion in the gene encoding aconitase (Aco-1; aconitate hydratase EC 4.2.1.3) were characterized at molecular and biochemical levels. The genetic basis of this lesion was revealed by cloning the wild-type and mutant alleles. The mutation resulted in lowered expression of the Aco-1 transcript and lowered levels of both cytosolic and mitochondrial aconitase protein and activity. After in silico analysis, we concluded that in the absence of a recognizable target sequence, the best explanation for the dual location of this protein is inefficient targeting. Biochemical analysis of leaves of the Aco-1 accession suggested that they exhibited a restricted flux through the Krebs cycle and reduced levels of Krebs cycle intermediates but were characterized by elevated adenylate levels and an enhanced rate of CO2 assimilation. Furthermore, the analysis of both steady-state metabolite levels and metabolic fluxes revealed that this accession also exhibited elevated rates of photosynthetic Suc synthesis and a corresponding increase in fruit yield. Therefore, we conclude that the Krebs cycle normally competes with the Suc synthetic pathway for carbon but is not essential for the supply of energy to fuel the operation of this pathway.

Aconitate Hydratase↗