Leucine biosynthesis in yeast : Identification of two genes (LEU4, LEU5) that affect α-Isopropylmalate synthase activity and evidence that LEU1 and LEU2 gene expression is controlled by α-Isopropylmalate and the product of a regulatory gene

V R Baichwal; T S Cunningham; P R Gatzek; G B Kohlhaw

doi:10.1007/BF00445877

Leucine biosynthesis in yeast : Identification of two genes (LEU4, LEU5) that affect α-Isopropylmalate synthase activity and evidence that LEU1 and LEU2 gene expression is controlled by α-Isopropylmalate and the product of a regulatory gene

Curr Genet. 1983 Sep;7(5):369-77. doi: 10.1007/BF00445877.

Authors

V R Baichwal¹, T S Cunningham, P R Gatzek, G B Kohlhaw

Affiliation

¹ Department of Biochemistry, Purdue University, 47907, West Lafayette, IN, USA.

PMID: 24173418
DOI: 10.1007/BF00445877

Abstract

Tetrad analysis indicates that α-isopropylmalate synthase activity of yeast is determined by two separate genes, designated LEU4 and LEU5. LEU4 is identified as a structural gene. LEU5 either encodes another α-isopropylmalate synthase activity by itself or provides some function needed for the expression of a second structural gene. The properties of mutants affecting the biosynthesis of leucine and its regulation suggest that the expression of LEU1 and LEU2 (structural genes encoding isopropylmalate isomerase and β-isopropylmalate dehydrogenase, respectively) is controlled by a complex of a-isopropylmalate and a regulatory element (the LEU3 gene product). Similarities and differences between yeast and Neurospora crassa with respect to leucine biosynthesis are discussed.