Molecular-genetic and biochemical characteristics of citrate synthase from the citric-acid producing fungus Aspergillus niger

This review is devoted to achievements in the study of citrate synthase, an enzyme that plays a key role in cell metabolism and catalyzes the process of citric acid synthesis at the first step of the tricarboxylic acid cycle (TCA). The primary industrial producer of citric acid is Aspergillus niger fungus; therefore, the fundamental molecular-genetic and biochemical characteristics of the enzyme from this producer are discussed in comparison with those of other eukaryotes. The information on the mechanisms of the citric acid overproduction in A. niger and its evolutionary features is analyzed. The current review can be helpful in the development of a strategy for the design of more effective producers of organic acids.