Regulation of mitochondrial malic enzyme synthesis in mouse brain.

Abstract
In a previous study it was shown that inbred strains of mice fall into 2 classes based on the specific activity of mitochondrial malic enzyme [L-malate:NADP+ oxidoreductase (oxaloacetate-decarboxylating), EC 1.1.1.40] in brain. This report demonstrates differences between high- and low-activity strains in the development of enzyme activity levels in adult mice and shows that the rate of enzyme synthesis quantitatively accounts for the inherited level of the brain enzyme. Genetic analysis has established that the locus controlling the amount of enzyme in brain (Mdr-1) is located on chromosome 7. Its linkage to Hbb and c places it in the same region of the chromosome as Mod-2, the structural gene for mitochondrial malic enzyme. By making use of deletions and a duplication that include Mod-2, evidence for cis action of Mdr-1 was obtained.