Identification of a multienzyme complex of the tricarboxylic acid cycle enzymes containing citrate synthase isoenzymes from Pseudomonas aeruginosa

A multienzyme complex of tricarboxylic acid cycle enzymes, catalysing the consecutive reactions from fumarate to 2-oxoglutarate, has been identified in extracts of Pseudomonas aeruginosa prepared by gentle osmotic lysis of the cells. The individual enzyme activities of fumarase, malate dehydrogenase, citrate synthase, aconitase and isocitrate dehydrogenase can be used to reconstitute the complex. The citrate synthase isoenzymes, CSI and CSII, from this organism can be used either together or as the individual activities to reconstitute the complex. No complex can be reformed in the absence of CSI or CSII. Which CS isoenzyme predominates in the complex depends on the phase of growth at which the cells were harvested and the extract prepared. More CSI was found in the complex during exponential growth, whereas CSII predominated during the stationary phase. The results support the idea of a 'metabolon' in this organism, with the composition of the CS component varying during the growth cycle.