Back to Search
Start Over
An unusual mechanism of thymidylate biosynthesis in organisms containing the thyX gene
- Source :
- Nature. April 16, 2009, Vol. 458 Issue 7240, p919, 6 p.
- Publication Year :
- 2009
-
Abstract
- Biosynthesis of the DNA base thymine depends on activity of the enzyme thymidylate synthase to catalyse the methylation of the uracil moiety of 2'-deoxyuridine-5'-monophosphate. All known thymidylate synthases rely on an active site residue of the enzyme to activate 2'-deoxyuridine-5'-monophosphate (1,2). This functionality has been demonstrated for classical thymidylate synthases, including human thymidylate synthase, and is instrumental in mechanism-based inhibition of these enzymes. Here we report an example of thymidylate biosynthesis that occurs without an enzymatic nucleophile. This unusual biosynthetic pathway occurs in organisms containing the thyX gene, which codes for a flavin-dependent thymidylate synthase (FDTS), and is present in several human pathogens (3-5). Our findings indicate that the putative active site nucleophile is not required for FDTS catalysis, and no alternative nucleophilic residues capable of serving this function can be identified. Instead, our findings suggest that a hydride equivalent (that is, a proton and two electrons) is transferred from the reduced flavin cofactor directly to the uracil ring, followed by an isomerization of the intermediate to form the product, 2'-deoxythymidine-5'-monophosphate. These observations indicate a very different chemical cascade than that of classical thymidylate synthases or any other known biologicalmethylation. The findings and chemical mechanism proposed here, together with available structural data, suggest that selective inhibition of FDTSs, with little effect on human thymine biosynthesis, should be feasible. Because several human pathogens depend on FDTS for DNA biosynthesis, its unique mechanism makes it an attractive target for antibiotic drugs.<br />Classical thymidylate synthases, encoded by the thyA and TYMS genes, are present in most eukaryotes, including humans, and are frequently targeted by chemotherapeutic and antibiotic drugs. A recently discovered class [...]
- Subjects :
- Genes -- Physiological aspects -- Research -- Genetic aspects
Biosynthesis -- Research -- Genetic aspects -- Physiological aspects
Ligases -- Genetic aspects -- Physiological aspects -- Research
Environmental issues
Science and technology
Zoology and wildlife conservation
Physiological aspects
Research
Genetic aspects
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 00280836
- Volume :
- 458
- Issue :
- 7240
- Database :
- Gale General OneFile
- Journal :
- Nature
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- edsgcl.198548664