The role of promoter methylation of the genes encoding the enzymes metabolizing di- and tricarboxylic acids in the regulation of plant respiration by light.

We discuss the role of epigenetic changes at the level of promoter methylation of the key enzymes of carbon metabolism in the regulation of respiration by light. While the direct regulation of enzymes via modulation of their activity and post-translational modifications is fast and readily reversible, the role of cytosine methylation is important for providing a prolonged response to environmental changes. In addition, adenine methylation can play a role in the regulation of transcription of genes. The mitochondrial and extramitochondrial forms of several enzymes participating in the tricarboxylic acid cycle and associated reactions are regulated via promoter methylation in opposite ways. The mitochondrial forms of citrate synthase, aconitase, fumarase, NAD-malate dehydrogenase are inhibited while the cytosolic forms of aconitase, fumarase, NAD-malate dehydrogenase, and the peroxisomal form of citrate synthase are activated. It is concluded that promoter methylation represents a universal mechanism of the regulation of activity of respiratory enzymes in plant cells by light. The role of the regulation of the mitochondrial and cytosolic forms of respiratory enzymes in the operation of malate and citrate valves and in controlling the redox state and balancing the energy level of photosynthesizing plant cells is discussed.

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