title: Does phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase have a role in both amino acid and carbohydrate metabolism?
abstract: Phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) catalyses the reversible decarboxylation of oxaloacetate to yield phosphoenolpyruvate and CO2. The role of the enzyme in gluconeogenesis and anaplerotic reactions in a range of organisms is discussed, along with the important function in C4 and CAM photosynthesis in higher plants. In addition, new data are presented indicating that PEPCK may play a key role in amino acid metabolism. It is proposed that PEPCK is involved in the conversion of the carbon skeleton of asparagine/aspartate (oxaloacetate) to that of glutamate/glutamine (2-oxoglutarate). This metabolism is particularly important in the transport system, seeds and fruits of higher plants.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biological Sciences, Lancaster University, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: P J
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: Lea
authors.forename: Z H
authors.initials: ZH
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.forename: R C
authors.initials: RC
authors.lastname: Leegood
authors.forename: R P
authors.initials: RP
authors.lastname: Walker
mesh_terms: D000596:Amino Acids / Q000378:metabolism*; D000818:Animals; D001419:Bacteria / Q000378:metabolism; D050260:Carbohydrate Metabolism; D019764:Phosphoenolpyruvate Carboxykinase (ATP) / Q000378:metabolism*; D010729:Phosphoenolpyruvate Carboxykinase (GTP) / Q000378:metabolism; D010788:Photosynthesis; D010944:Plants / Q000378:metabolism; D012639:Seeds / Q000378:metabolism; D015003:Yeasts / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D000596:Amino Acids; D010729:Phosphoenolpyruvate Carboxykinase (GTP); D019764:Phosphoenolpyruvate Carboxykinase (ATP)