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Functions and properties of citrate lyase beta-subunit-like proteins

Subject Area Metabolism, Biochemistry and Genetics of Microorganisms
Term from 2011 to 2019
Project identifier Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 208327442
 
Final Report Year 2019

Final Report Abstract

The function of many proteins encoded in the genomes is unknown even for best studied model organisms like Eschreichia coli or Salmonella enterica. In this project, we studied the functions of homologs of citrate lyase β-subunit-like (CitE-like) proteins present in genomes of bacteria and archaea. Here we show that these proteins play a key role in various metabolic processes. In haloarchaea, they participate in acetate assimilation and in a modified leucine degradation pathway. In pathogens, they are involved in the degradation of itaconate. This compound has a dual role in metabolism of Salmonella Typhimurium. From one side, itaconate inhibits enzymes of the citric acid cycle and the glyoxylate bypass, succinate dehydrogenase and isocitrate lyase, and down-regulates the synthesis of anaplerotic enzymes, thus disrupting the growth. On the other hand, itaconate appears to be an important carbon source for S. Typhimurium during systemic infection, providing carbon and energy source to the pathogen. Our work not only revealed new enzymes and metabolic pathways functioning in various microorganisms (including important human pathogens), but also showed unexpected connection between microbial central metabolism and pathogenicity.

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