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Genetics and function of isocitrate lyase in Coprinus.
Molecular & General Genetics : MGG
|December 9, 1977
Summary
Mutants in Coprinus revealed two key genes for acetate metabolism. One gene (acu-1) affects enzyme induction, while the other (acu-7) is the structural gene for isocitrate lyase (ICL), crucial for acetate breakdown.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Mycology
Background:
- Acetate metabolism plays a role in fungal growth and development.
- Isocitrate lyase (ICL) is a key enzyme in the glyoxylate cycle, involved in acetate utilization.
- Understanding gene regulation of ICL is important for fungal physiology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and characterize genes involved in acetate metabolism in Coprinus.
- To determine the role of isocitrate lyase (ICL) in fungal development.
- To elucidate the genetic basis of ICL induction and structure.
Main Methods:
- Genetic analysis of Coprinus mutants affecting acetate metabolism.
- Biochemical assays to measure isocitrate lyase (ICL) activity.
- Selection and characterization of temperature-sensitive revertants.
Main Results:
- Thirteen chromosomal loci affecting acetate metabolism were identified.
- Mutations at acu-1 and acu-7 loci resulted in deficiency of ICL activity.
- The acu-1 mutation impairs ICL induction due to lack of acetyl-CoA synthetase.
- The acu-7 locus was identified as the structural gene for ICL.
- No evidence supported a role for ICL in asexual morphogenesis in Coprinus.
Conclusions:
- The acu-7 gene encodes isocitrate lyase (ICL) in Coprinus.
- Acetate metabolism and ICL are not essential for asexual sporulation in this fungus.
- Genetic regulation of ICL involves acetyl-CoA synthetase for induction.