Subcellular localization of the GABA-shunt enzymes in Euglena gracilis strain Z

Abstract

Glutamate decarboxylase, gamma-aminobutyrate-alpha-ketoglutarate aminotransferase and NAD-linked and NADP-linked succinic semialdehyde dehydrogenase, all constituting the GABA (gamma-aminobutyrate)-shunt pathway of glutamate metabolism are localized in the mitochondrial matrix in a streptomycin-bleached mutant of Euglena gracilis strain Z. Glutamate dehydrogenase, requiring NADP as the cofactor, was distributed in the cytoplasm. An improved version of the controlled digestion method for preparing Euglena mitochondria, which involves use of trypsin and a trypsin inhibitor and removal of broken cells before mechanical disruption of cells, is also described.