title: Biochemistry and molecular genetics of poly-gamma-glutamate synthesis.
abstract: Current research into poly-gamma-glutamate (PGA) and its biosynthesis is reviewed. In PGA-producing Bacillus subtilis, glutamate racemase supplies abundant DL-glutamate, the substrate for PGA synthesis. The pgsBCA genes of PGA-producing B. subtilis, which encode the membrane-associated PGA synthetase complex PgsBCA, were characterized and the enzyme complex was suggested to be an atypical amide ligase based on its structure and function. A novel reaction mechanism of PGA synthesis is proposed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Bioresources Science, Kochi University, Nankoku, Kochi, 783-8502, Japan. ashiuchi@cc.kochi-u.ac.jp
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ashiuchi
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Misono
mesh_terms: D000591:Amino Acid Isomerases / Q000737:chemistry / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D001412:Bacillus subtilis / Q000201:enzymology / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D003001:Cloning, Molecular; D005970:Glutamate Synthase / Q000737:chemistry / Q000235:genetics* / Q000502:physiology; D018698:Glutamic Acid / Q000096:biosynthesis; D007527:Isoenzymes / Q000737:chemistry; D007700:Kinetics; D009097:Multienzyme Complexes / Q000737:chemistry / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D011099:Polyglutamic Acid / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000235:genetics; D013237:Stereoisomerism
chemical_list: D007527:Isoenzymes; D009097:Multienzyme Complexes; D011099:Polyglutamic Acid; D018698:Glutamic Acid; D005970:Glutamate Synthase; D000591:Amino Acid Isomerases; C062292:glutamate racemase