A structure-based approach to ligand discovery for 2C-methyl-D-erythritol-2,4-cyclodiphosphate synthase: a target for antimicrobial therapy
Ramsden, N.L., Buetow, L., Dawson, A., Kemp, L.A., Ulaganathan, V., Brenk, R., Klebe, G., Hunter, W.N.(2009) J Med Chem 52: 2531-2542
- PubMed: 19320487 
- DOI: https://doi.org/10.1021/jm801475n
- Primary Citation of Related Structures:  
3ELC, 3EOR, 3ERN, 3ESJ, 3FBA - PubMed Abstract: 
The nonmevalonate route to isoprenoid biosynthesis is essential in Gram-negative bacteria and apicomplexan parasites. The enzymes of this pathway are absent from mammals, contributing to their appeal as chemotherapeutic targets. One enzyme, 2C-methyl-d-erythritol-2,4-cyclodiphosphate synthase (IspF), has been validated as a target by genetic approaches in bacteria. Virtual screening against Escherichia coli IspF (EcIspF) was performed by combining a hierarchical filtering methodology with molecular docking. Docked compounds were inspected and 10 selected for experimental validation. A surface plasmon resonance assay was developed and two weak ligands identified. Crystal structures of EcIspF complexes were determined to support rational ligand development. Cytosine analogues and Zn(2+)-binding moieties were characterized. One of the putative Zn(2+)-binding compounds gave the lowest measured K(D) to date (1.92 +/- 0.18 muM). These data provide a framework for the development of IspF inhibitors to generate lead compounds of therapeutic potential against microbial pathogens.
Organizational Affiliation: 
Division of Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery, College of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dow Street, Dundee, DD1 5EH, Scotland, United Kingdom.