K. Tamura et al., Cloning and characterization of a cDNA encoding serine palmitoyltransferase in Arabidopsis thaliana, BIOCH SOC T, 28, 2000, pp. 745-747
The first and committed step in de novo sphingolipid synthesis is catalysed
by serine palmitoyltransferase (EC 2.3.1.50), which condenses serine and p
almitoyl-CoA to form 3-ketosphinganine in a pyridoxal-5 ' -phosphate-depend
ent reaction. We have isolated and characterized a cDNA clone from Arabidop
sis thaliana that is homologous to yeast and mammalian LCB2. For a function
al identification, the A. thaliana homologous cDNA was expressed in Escheri
chia coli, which resulted in significant production of new sphinganine in E
. coli cells.