Regulation of biosynthesis of secondary metabolites

Partially purified citrate synthase (EC 4.1.3.7) was isolated from submerged mycelium ofStreptomyces aureofaciens RIA 57, a strain producing chlortetracycline. Enzymatic activity was determined spectrophotometrically by means of 5,5′-dithio-bis-(2-nitrobenzoic acid). Citrate synthase was inhibited by ATP, inhibition being competitive with respect to acetyl coenzyme A. In 5mm concentration, ATP caused 55% inhibition of the enzyme. ADP, in the same concentration, caused 30% inhibition, while AMP caused none. Other natural nucleoside di- and triphosphates, in 1–5mm concentration, did not significantly affect citrate synthase inStreptomyces aureofaciens. Mg²⁺ inhibited the activity of the enzyme, but also reduced the negative effect of ATP. The role of ATP in regulation of the metabolic paths of acetyl CoA is discussed.