Beta-aminoglutaric acid is a major soluble component of Methanococcus thermolithotrophicus.
13C- and 15N-NMR spectroscopy have been used to identify beta-aminoglutaric acid (beta-glutamic) as a major soluble component of the thermophilic, autotrophic marine methanogen Methanococcus thermolithotrophicus. This rare, non-protein amino acid has been recognized as a major dissolved free amino acid in marine sediments, but the microorganism responsible for its production has not previously been identified. The concentration of beta-aminoglutarate (beta-glutamate) is about one half that of free alpha-glutamate and increases (relative to the alpha-isomer) as cells enter the stationary phase. Analysis of the 13C label distribution in a 13CO2-pulse/12CO2-chase experiment shows that label enters the beta-aminoglutarate pool after it has decayed from other small soluble molecules. This implies that beta-aminoglutarate is a catabolic product of the cells. Preliminary biosynthesis studies with labeled precursors indicate that only a single acetate moiety is incorporated in this unusual compound. This information is used to suggest possible biosynthetic pathways.
Department of Chemistry, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA 02167.
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D000693:Anaerobiosis; D002247:Carbon Isotopes; D019605:Euryarchaeota / Q000032:analysis / Q000254:growth & development*; D005971:Glutamates / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000302:isolation & purification / Q000378:metabolism; D007773:Lactates / Q000378:metabolism; D009682:Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy; D009584:Nitrogen
D002247:Carbon Isotopes; D005971:Glutamates; D007773:Lactates; C035260:3-aminoglutaric acid; D009584:Nitrogen