Accumulation of Itaconic, 2-Hydroxyparaconic, Itatartaric, and Malic Acids by Strains of the Genus Ustilago

Abstract

Many strains of the genus Ustilago were found to be good producers of organic acids, that is, itaconic, l-tatartaric, l-2-hydroxyparaconic, and L-malic acids. Itatartaric and 2-hydroxyparaconic acids were invariably produced together with itaconic acid. From these findings and the results of the experiments with permeabilized cells of Ustilago cynodontis, the following metabolic sequence was assumed: i taconate→2-hydr ox y par aconate→itatartar ate, as a by-path from the tricarboxylic acid cycle.