Comparison of Type 1 D-3-phosphoglycerate dehydrogenases reveals unique regulation in pathogenic Mycobacteria

D-3-phosphoglycerate dehydrogenases (PGDH) from all organisms catalyze the conversion of D-3-phosphoglycerate to phosphohydroxypyruvate as the first step in the biosynthesis of l-serine. This investigation compares the properties of Type 1 PGDHs from seven different species and demonstrates that conserved residues in the ACT and ASB domains of some allow l-serine to act as a feedback inhibitor at low micromolar concentrations. In addition, the serine sensitivity is dependent on the presence of phosphate ions. These residues are most highly conserved among PGDHs from the actinomycetales family, but only certain pathogenic mycobacteria appear to have the full complement of residues required for high sensitivity to serine. These basic residues are also responsible for the presence of dual pH optima in the acidic region that is also phosphate dependent. Analytical ultracentrifugation analysis demonstrates that the dual pH optima do not require changes in oligomeric state. This study also demonstrates that substrate inhibition is a common feature of Type 1 PGDHs and that it is suppressed by phosphate, indicating that phosphate likely interacts at both the catalytic and regulatory sites. The unique features resulting from the complement of basic residues conserved in pathogenic mycobacteria may impart important metabolic advantages to these organisms.