Metabolic flux analysis using stoichiometric models for Aspergillus niger: comparison under glucoamylase-producing and non-producing conditions

J Biotechnol. 2007 Dec 1;132(4):405-17. doi: 10.1016/j.jbiotec.2007.08.034. Epub 2007 Aug 26.

Abstract

Aspergillus niger AB1.13 cultures with glucoamylase production (with D-glucose as substrate) and without glucoamylase production (with D-xylose as substrate) were characterized by metabolic flux analysis. Two comprehensive metabolic models for d-glucose- as well as for D-xylose-consumption were used to quantify and compare the metabolic fluxes through the central pathways of carbon metabolism at different pH-values. The models consist of the most relevant metabolic pathways for A. niger including glycolysis, pentose-phosphate pathway, citrate cycle, energy metabolism and anaplerotic reactions comprising two intracellular compartments, the cytoplasm and mitochondrion. When D-xylose was used as the sole carbon source, the relative flux of the substrate through the oxidative pentose-phosphate pathway (PPP) via G6P-dehydrogenase was unaffected by the pH-value of the culture medium. About 30% of D-xylose consumed was routed through the oxidative PPP. In contrast, the flux of D-glucose (i.e., under glucoamylase-producing conditions) through the oxidative PPP was remarkably higher and, in addition was significantly affected by the pH-value of the culture medium (40% at pH 5.5, 56% at pH 3.7, respectively). Summarizing, the flux through the PPP under glucoamylase producing conditions was 30-90% higher than for non-producing conditions.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aspergillus niger / enzymology*
  • Glucan 1,4-alpha-Glucosidase / metabolism*
  • Glucose / metabolism*
  • Models, Biological
  • Models, Chemical*
  • Pentose Phosphate Pathway / physiology
  • Substrate Specificity
  • Xylose / metabolism*

Substances

  • Xylose
  • Glucan 1,4-alpha-Glucosidase
  • Glucose