In Escherichia coli, aspartokinase is present as three independently regulated isozymes (thrA, metLM and lysC), each of which is specific to one of the three downstream biochemical pathways. This allows the independent regulation of the rates of methionine, lysine, and threonine production. The forms that produce threonine and lysine are subject to feedback inhibition, and all three can be repressed at the level of gene expression by high concentrations of their end-products.[3] Absence from animals makes these enzymes key targets for new herbicides and biocides and for improvements in nutritional value of crops.[4]
^Viola RE (May 2001). "The central enzymes of the aspartate family of amino acid biosynthesis". Accounts of Chemical Research. 34 (5): 339–49. doi:10.1021/ar000057q. PMID11352712.