Abstract
Neurospora crassa can use choline-O-sulfate as its sole sulfur source; the utilization of this compound involves its entry followed by intracellular hydrolysis. Neurospora possesses a transport system for the uptake of choline-O-sulfate which is specific for the sulfate ester and does not transport, nor is it inhibited by, either choline or inorganic sulfate. Mutant strains of Neurospora that are unable to transport or grow on inorganic sulfate can, nevertheless, utilize choline-O-sulfate for growth and transport the intact organic sulfate at a normal rate. Methionine, which represses a number of enzymes of sulfur anabolism, also represses the synthesis of the specific permease for choline-O-sulfate. A regulatory gene, cys-3, which controls the synthesis of choline sulfatase, aryl sulfatase, and several other related enzymes, also regulates the synthesis of the choline sulfate permease. Evidence is presented that the activity of choline sulfate permease is also regulated by a turnover process, the transport system having a functional half-life of approximately 3 hr.
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This investigation was supported by Public Health Service Grant 1 RO1 GM-18642 from the National Institute of General Medical Services.
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Marzluf, G.A. Genetic and metabolic control of sulfate metabolism in Neurospora crassa: A specific permease for choline-O-sulfate. Biochem Genet 7, 219–233 (1972). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00484820
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00484820