IspH -- a protein free to choose its partners
Tuesday, October 9, 2012 - 14:32
in Biology & Nature
The iron-sulfur protein IspH plays a central role in the terpene metabolism of several pathogens. The mechanism of the reaction provides an approach for developing new antibiotics, particularly against malaria and tuberculosis. While researching this enzyme, biochemists discovered a previously unknown reaction: IspH accepts two completely different classes of molecules as partners. This surprising insight opens up new perspectives in combating infectious diseases.