Recombinant microorganisms with deregulated succinyl-CoA synthetase activity, as well as the uses for producing lysine, β-lysine, cadaverine or N-acetylcadaverine thereby are provided. Recombinant polypeptides comprising an amino acid sequence being at least 80% identical to SEQ ID NO: 51 or 53 are also provided. The method of producing fine chemicals using said recombinant microorganisms, in particular the method of producing lysine, or derivatives thereof, such as β-lysine, cadaverine or N-acetylcadaverine is further provided.