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Substrate activation in flavin-dependent thymidylate synthase.

Tatiana V Mishanina1, John M Corcoran, Amnon Kohen

  • 1Department of Chemistry, University of Iowa , Iowa City, Iowa 52242-1727, United States.

Journal of the American Chemical Society
|July 16, 2014
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Flavin-dependent thymidylate synthase (FDTS) is crucial for DNA synthesis in pathogens but absent in humans. This study reveals a revised mechanism, identifying novel intermediates for potential antimicrobial drug design.

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Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Enzymology
  • Antimicrobial research

Background:

  • Thymidylate is essential for DNA synthesis and must be produced de novo by all organisms.
  • Flavin-dependent thymidylate synthase (FDTS) catalyzes the final step in de novo thymidylate production in many human pathogens.
  • FDTS is absent in humans, presenting a potential target for antimicrobial drug development due to its distinct reaction pathway.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To elucidate the chemical mechanism of Flavin-dependent thymidylate synthase (FDTS).
  • To differentiate between proposed reaction mechanisms involving distinct intermediate types (cationic vs. neutral).
  • To provide a foundation for designing mechanism-based inhibitors targeting FDTS.

Main Methods:

  • Chemical trapping of reaction intermediates.
  • Stopped-flow kinetics.
  • Substrate hydrogen isotope exchange experiments.

Main Results:

  • Evidence suggests an initial activation of the pyrimidine substrate by reduced flavin is necessary for catalysis.
  • A revised catalytic mechanism for FDTS has been proposed based on experimental data.
  • The study identifies a new class of potential reaction intermediates.

Conclusions:

  • The proposed mechanism clarifies the role of flavin activation in FDTS catalysis.
  • The identified intermediates offer new possibilities for mechanism-based inhibitor design.
  • Understanding FDTS mechanism is key to developing novel antimicrobial strategies against pathogens.