Function
Methylcitrate synthase (MCS) participates in propanoate metabolism. It catalyzes the conversion of acyl to alkyl group in the reaction which converts propanoyl-CoA and oxaloacetate to 2-hydroxybutane-1,2,3-tricarboxylate and CoA[1]. The metabolism of propionyl-CoA in microorganism is performed by the methylcitrate cycle. The methylcitrate cycle contains MCS, methylcitrate dehydrogenase and methylisocitrate lyase[2]. The methylcitrate cycle can serve as a carbon and energy source of growth. In the presence of glucose, the cycle serves to remove the toxic propionate.
Relevance
The high levels of propionate used to preserve foodstuffs lead to fungal growth inhibition via the accumulation of intermediates of the methylcitrate cycle[3].
See also Citrate Synthase.
