Malic acid to lactic acid metabolic pathway

Malic acid to lactic acid metabolic pathway describes the cellular process in certain bacteria and fungi where L-malic acid is converted into L-lactic acid and CO₂. This transformation is catalyzed mainly by the malolactic enzyme (MLE), and sometimes by malic enzyme (ME) via pyruvate. In lactic acid bacteria such as Lactobacillus casei, malolactic fermentation is important for reducing the acidity of products like wine and for microbial stability. Regulation of these pathways involves specific gene clusters and transporters required for malate uptake (MleT, MaeP) and is coupled with transcriptional regulation (MleR, MaeR). The process is energetically favorable for deacidification but less suited for cell growth on malic acid as a sole carbon source. In winemaking, controlling this pathway is crucial for final product properties and stability[1][2][3].

Other names

Malolactic fermentation pathwayMalic acid degradation pathwayL-malic acid to L-lactic acid conversionMLF pathway (informal, in winemaking)

Enzyme inhibition for malolactic enzyme (competitive and non-competitive inhibitors as described above[2])