Uptake and export of citric acid by Aspergillus niger is reciprocally regulated by manganese ions

The uptake as well as the export of citric acid by Aspergillus niger occur by active, Delta pH-driven, H+-symport dependent systems. They are inhibited by nonmetabolizable tricarboxylic acid analogues and phthalic acid, and by several other mono-, di- and tribasic organic acids. However, citrate export could only be demonstrated in a mycelium cultivated under manganese-deficient growth conditions, whereas the uptake of citrate from the medium was only detectable upon precultivation of A. niger in a medium supplemented with Mn2+ ions. In addition, the uptake of citrate was dependent on the presence of Mn2+ ions in the assay, and inhibited by EDTA. This requirement for Mn2+ could also be partially fulfilled by Mg2+, Fe2+ or Zn2+, whereas Cu2+ ions inhibited citrate transport. The observed divergent effects of manganese ions on citrate uptake and citrate export may be a major reason for the well documented requirement for manganese deficiency of citric acid accumulation.