A small molecule that locks an essential enzyme in an inactive form could one day form the basis of a new class of unbeatable, species-specific drugs, including antibiotics.
PBGS, an enzyme used by nearly all cellular life, is a morpheein -- a molecule that spontaneously "shape-shifts," -- turning from an active octamer (eight part) protein to a hexamer (six part).
Morphlock stabilizes the hexamer, thereby turning off the enzyme.
cellular lifeCould New Discovery About A Shape-shifting Protein Lead To A Mig...ScienceDaily Tue, 06/24/2008 - 13:00
Could new discovery about a shape-shifting protein lead to a mig...EurekAlert! - Chemistry, Physics and Materials Sciences Thu, 06/19/2008 - 23:00
(Fox Chase Cancer Center) A small molecule that locks an essential enzyme in an inactive form could one day form the basis of a new class of unbeatable, species-specific drugs, including antibiotics. |
