Work

Inhibiting Bacterial Fatty Acid Synthesis

Year: 2006

Type: review

Abstract: The type II fatty acid synthase consists of a series of individual enzymes, each encoded by a separate gene, that catalyze discrete steps in chain elongation. The formation of fatty acids is vital to bacteria, and each of the essential enzymes and their acyl group carriers represent a potential target for the development of novel antibacterial therapeutics. High resolution x-ray and/or NMR structures of representative members of every enzyme in the type II pathway are now available, and these structures are a valuable resource to guide antibacterial drug discovery. The role of each enzyme in regulating pathway activity and the diversity in the components of the pathway in the major human pathogens are important considerations in deciding the most suitable targets for future drug development.

Source: Journal of Biological Chemistry

DOI: 10.1074/jbc.r600004200

Authors: Yong-Mei Zhang, Stephen W. White, Charles O. Rock

Institution: St. Jude Children's Research Hospital

Language: English

Topic: Cancer, Lipids, and Metabolism

Subfield: Cancer Research

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,430