[Development and analysis of a kinetic model for Escherichia coli threonine biosynthesis]

Kinetic model analysis is a useful tool for understanding the regulation and control of cellular metabolism and thus offering a guideline for rational design of high efficiency cell factory. Based on previously published models and experimental measurement of enzyme kinetics data, we developed a kinetic model for the threonine biosynthesis pathway in Escherichia coli. This model integrates the central pathways that produce precursors, ATP and reducing power with the threonine biosynthesis pathway from aspartate. In contrast to the previous models, we considered the energy and reducing power balance rather than artificially set their concentrations. Metabolic control analysis of the model showed that enzymes PTS, G6PDH, HDH etc. have great flux control coefficients on the threonine biosynthesis flux. This indicates higher threonine synthesis flux could be achieved by overexpressing these enzymes.