Information on EC 2.3.1.182 - (R)-citramalate synthase

One of the enzymes involved in a novel pyruvate pathway for isoleucine biosynthesis that is found in some, mainly archaeal, bacteria [1,2]. The enzyme can be inhibited by isoleucine, the end-product of the pathway, but not by leucine . The enzyme is highly specific for pyruvate as substrate, as the 2-oxo acids 3-methyl-2-oxobutanoate, 2-oxobutanoate, 4-methyl-2-oxopentanoate, 2-oxohexanoate and 2-oxoglutarate cannot act as substrate [1,2].