Molecular Classification
Enzyme, Kinase, Pyrophosphokinase
Other Names
2-amino-4-hydroxy-6-hydroxymethyldihydropteridine pyrophosphokinase, folK
Disease Roles
Infection

6-hydroxymethyl-7,8-dihydropterin pyrophosphokinase Overview

6-Hydroxymethyl-7,8-dihydropterin pyrophosphokinase (HPPK) is an essential enzyme in the folate biosynthesis pathway of bacteria and lower eukaryotes. It catalyzes the transfer of a pyrophosphate group from ATP to 6-hydroxymethyl-7,8-dihydropterin (HMDP), producing 6-hydroxymethyl-7,8-dihydropterin-pyrophosphate (DHPPP). This reaction represents the first committed step in de novo folate synthesis. HPPK is an attractive target for antimicrobial drug development because mammals do not synthesize folates de novo.

Mechanism of Action

Inhibition of folate biosynthesis

Biological Functions

Folate biosynthesis
Metabolic pathway

Disease Associations

Infection

Safety Considerations

  • Off-target effects in beneficial bacteria