Transcriptional regulator of the bhc gene cluster involved in glycolate and glyoxylate assimilation via the beta-hydroxyaspartate cycle (BHAC). Glyoxylate negatively affects the interaction of BhcR with the promoter region of the bhc gene cluster. The beta-hydroxyaspartate cycle (BHAC) consists of BhcA, BhcB, BhcC, and BhcD enzyme activities. Overall, it converts two molecules of glyoxylate (C2) into oxaloacetate (C4) without the loss of carbon as CO2, under consumption of just one reducing equivalent and regeneration of the catalytic amino donor, which makes it one of the most efficient glyoxylate assimilation pathways. This cycle is of ecological importance in the assimilation of phytoplankton-derived dissolved organic carbon in marine environments by marine Proteobacteria, and suggests a trophic interaction between autotrophic phytoplankton and heterotrophic bacterioplankton. Oxaloacetate formed in the BHAC can directly enter the tricarboxylic acid cycle or serve as substrate for anabolic reactions.