Recombinant Pectobacterium carotovorum subsp. carotovorum NAD-dependent malic enzyme (maeA), partial
Description
Definition and Functional Role
The maeA enzyme belongs to the malic enzyme family, which plays critical roles in microbial metabolism, including maintaining redox balance, energy production, and carbon flux regulation . In Pectobacterium carotovorum, a plant pathogen, malic enzymes may contribute to pathogenicity by modulating metabolic pathways during host invasion . The recombinant form is a truncated or partial version, likely engineered to study specific biochemical or structural features.
Research Gaps and Future Directions
Current literature lacks detailed biochemical data on maeA, including:
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Kinetic Parameters: Optimal pH, temperature, and substrate specificity.
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Structural Insights: Domain organization and cofactor-binding motifs.
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Functional Studies: Role in Pectobacterium’s metabolic networks or pathogenicity.
For comparison, recombinant endo-polygalacturonase (endo-PGase) from Pectobacterium has been characterized in Bacillus subtilis, showing optimal activity at pH 5.0 and 40°C . Similar approaches could be applied to maeA to elucidate its catalytic properties.
Potential Applications
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Metabolic Engineering: Engineering maeA to modulate redox balance in microbial systems for biofuel production.
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Pathogen Research: Investigating its role in Pectobacterium’s metabolic adaptation during infection .
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Biocatalysis: Exploiting its enzymatic activity for malate-to-pyruvate conversion in industrial processes.
