Detection of aspartate kinase in rat liver and its activation by Ca++ and calmodulin

The enzyme aspartate kinase (EC 2.7.2.4) has been detected in rat liver (animal tissue) for the first time. This enzyme, like the aspartate kinase from bacteria and plants is inhibited by lysine and threonine. Further, the activity of the enzyme is stimulated over two fold by Ca++ and calmodulin and inhibited by EGTA, a Ca++ chelator and trifluoperazine, an anti-calmodulin compound.