Dihydropteroate synthase

Dihydropteroate synthase (DHPS) is an enzyme that is involved in the biosynthesis of folate in bacteria. It is the target of the sulfonamide class of antibiotics, which inhibit the enzyme and thus prevent the bacteria from synthesizing folate, an essential nutrient.

Function

Dihydropteroate synthase catalyzes the condensation of para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) with 6-hydroxymethyl-7,8-dihydropterin pyrophosphate (DHPPP) to form 7,8-dihydropteroate, a key intermediate in the biosynthesis of folate.

Inhibition by Sulfonamides

Sulfonamides are structural analogs of PABA and compete with it for binding to dihydropteroate synthase, thus inhibiting the enzyme's activity. This prevents the bacteria from synthesizing folate, leading to a deficiency of this essential nutrient and ultimately to cell death.

Resistance

Resistance to sulfonamides can occur through mutations in the gene encoding dihydropteroate synthase, which can alter the enzyme's binding site and reduce its affinity for the antibiotic. This allows the bacteria to continue synthesizing folate even in the presence of the drug.

See Also

• Folate
• Sulfonamides
• Antibiotics
• Enzymes
• Bacteria

Dihydropteroate synthase Resources
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