Patent ID: 8143036

Claim:
A genetically modified microorganism, comprising a first exogenous nucleotide sequence encoding an A. terreus cis-aconitic acid decarboxylase (CAD) capable of converting cis-aconitic acid to itaconic acid, the first exogenous nucleotide sequence being operably linked to an E. coli promoter; a second exogenous nucleotide sequence encoding a phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase capable of converting phosphoenolpyruvate to oxaloacetate, the second exogenous nucleotide sequence being operably linked to an E. coli promoter; a third exogenous nucleotide sequence encoding a citrate synthase capable of converting oxaloacetate to citrate, the third exogenous nucleotide sequence being operably linked to an E. coli promoter; a fourth exogenous nucleotide sequence encoding an aconitase capable of converting citrate or isocitrate to cis-aconitic acid, the fourth exogenous nucleotide sequence being operably linked to an E. coli promoter; and a mutated endogenous icd gene disrupted by a deletion or insertion, the mutated endogenous icd gene expressing a lower level of isocitrate dehydrogenase relative to its wild-type counterpart; wherein the genetically modified microorganism is an E. coli hat over-expresses the CAD, the phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase, the citrate synthase and the aconitase as compared to its wild-type counterpart, and is capable of producing itaconic acid from glucose or citrate as a substrate.