A redundant isoprenoid biosynthetic pathway supports <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i> metabolic versatility.

ABSTRACT: Isoprenoids are ubiquitous molecules that serve as fundamental building blocks for life. In bacteria, isoprenoids are precursors for carotenoid pigments, respiratory cofactors, and essential sugar carrier lipids, such as lipid II. Isoprenoid synthesis initiates via condensation of the five-carbon (C₅) precursors, isopentenyl diphosphate (IPP) and dimethylallyl diphosphate (DMAPP). This initial reaction condenses one DMAPP and two IPPs, resulting in C₁₅ farnesyl diphosphate (FPP), an intermediate that is sequentially elongated with IPP. FPP is thought to be synthesized exclusively by the prenyl diphosphate synthase (PDS), IspA. In Staphylococcus aureus, ispA mutants lack the golden carotenoid pigment, staphyloxanthin. The fact that ispA can be inac

SUBMITTER: Burtchett TA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12345219 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature