Attenuated Citrate Synthase for Higher L-Amino Acid Productivity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing Corynebacterium strains with deleted gltA gene for citrate synthase exhibit inhibited growth and reduced sugar consumption rates, leading to low L-amino acid production per unit time.

Innovation Solution

A modified polypeptide with attenuated citrate synthase activity is introduced by substituting the 312th amino acid in the citrate synthase sequence, increasing L-amino acid production without affecting sugar consumption rates.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If the gltA gene encoding citrate synthase is deleted to increase L-amino acid production, then L-amino acid yield is improved, but growth rate and sugar consumption rate are significantly reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveL-amino acid yieldVSAvoidproduction per unit time
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention applies parameter changes by substituting specific amino acids at positions 312, 316, or 321 in the citrate synthase polypeptide sequence. These amino acid substitutions modify the enzyme's catalytic activity parameters, creating an attenuated citrate synthase that allows sufficient carbon flow to the TCA cycle for growth while redirecting enough carbon to oxaloacetate for L-amino acid biosynthesis, thereby resolving the contradiction between yield and productivity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Quantity of substance

If citrate synthase activity is completely inhibited to redirect carbon flow, then L-amino acid biosynthesis is improved, but cell growth is inhibited

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveL-amino acid biosynthesisVSAvoidcell growth
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention applies partial action by partially inhibiting citrate synthase activity rather than completely blocking it. The amino acid substitutions reduce enzyme activity to a level that is sufficient to redirect carbon flux toward oxaloacetate and L-amino acid biosynthesis, while maintaining enough activity to support essential TCA cycle function and cell growth, thus resolving the contradiction between biosynthesis improvement and growth maintenance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The modified polypeptide balances carbon flow, enhancing L-amino acid yield while maintaining sugar consumption rates, thus improving L-amino acid production efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

Citrate synthase (CS) is an enzyme that produces citrate by catalyzing the condensation of acetyl-CoA and oxaloacetate

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEnzyme catalysis: Enzyme

Data Source

PatentUS12522808B2Modified polypeptide with attenuated activity of citrate synthase and method for producing L-amino acid using the same
Publication Date: 2026.01.13 CJ CHEILJEDANG CORP

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a modified polypeptide with attenuated activity of citrate synthase, a microorganism producing leucine comprising the modified polypeptide, and a method for producing an L-amino acid using the microorganism.