AtpB is integral to the ATP synthase complex, which enables M. succiniciproducens to generate ATP under anaerobic, CO2-rich conditions—a hallmark of its capnophilic metabolism . Key functional insights include:
Energy Coupling: AtpB facilitates proton translocation across the membrane, driving ATP synthesis during succinic acid fermentation .
Metabolic Efficiency: ATP synthase activity supports high succinic acid yields (up to 134.25 g/L in engineered strains) by balancing redox states and energy demands .
Succinic Acid Production: AtpB’s activity correlates with enhanced ATP availability, enabling high-flux succinic acid synthesis (productivity: 21.3 g/L/h) in engineered strains .
Cost-Effective Substrates: Optimized strains utilize whey and corn steep liquor, reducing production costs while maintaining yields >70% .
Cell growth and succinic acid production are proportional to dissolved CO2 concentrations (8.74–141 mM). At 141 mM CO2, biomass and succinic acid yields increase by 49% and 52%, respectively .
Critical Enzyme: Phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PckA) activity—linked to ATP synthesis via AtpB—is CO2-dependent, making dissolved CO2 a key process variable .
| Strain | Modification | Succinic Acid Yield | By-Products |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wild-Type | None | 0.76 mol/mol glucose | Acetate, formate, lactate |
| LPK7 | ΔldhA, ΔpflB, Δpta, ΔackA | 1.16 mol/mol glucose | Negligible |
| cgmdh-OE | Overexpression of C. glutamicum MDH | 134.25 g/L | None |
Disrupting competing pathways (e.g., lactate dehydrogenase ldhA) redirects carbon flux toward succinic acid .
Heterologous expression of Corynebacterium glutamicum malate dehydrogenase (CgMDH) reduces substrate inhibition, boosting titers .
KEGG: msu:MS2352
STRING: 221988.MS2352