Structure, substrate recognition and reactivity of Leishmania major mevalonate kinase.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Isoprenoid precursor synthesis via the mevalonate route in humans and pathogenic trypanosomatids is an important metabolic pathway. There is however, only limited information available on the structure and reactivity of the component enzymes in trypanosomatids. Since isoprenoid biosynthesis is essential for trypanosomatid viability and may provide new targets for therapeutic intervention it is important to characterize the pathway components.

Results

Putative mevalonate kinase encoding genes from Leishmania major (LmMK) and Trypanosoma brucei (TbMK) have been cloned, over-expressed in and proteins isolated from procyclic-form T. brucei. A highly sensitive radioactive assay was developed and shows ATP-dependent phosphorylation of mevalonate. Apo and (R)-mevalonate

SUBMITTER: Sgraja T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC1851959 | biostudies-literature | 2007 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature