Bacterial dehydrogenase

Bacterial dehydrogenase refers to a broad class of enzymes, such as glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) and alanine dehydrogenase, that catalyze the removal of hydrogen atoms from substrates during bacterial metabolism. These enzymes are essential for energy production through pathways like glycolysis and the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, making them vital for bacterial survival and replication. In a therapeutic context, specific bacterial dehydrogenases are targeted by antimicrobial agents to disrupt metabolic homeostasis and induce cell death. For example, GAPDH from pathogens like Atopobium vaginae is explored as a druggable target due to its role in both metabolism and immunoevasion. Additionally, certain prodrugs like pretomanid require activation by bacterial deazaflavin-dependent enzymes with dehydrogenase-like activity to exert their bactericidal effects against Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Other names

Bacterial oxidoreductaseBacterial glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenaseBacterial alanine dehydrogenaseBacterial alcohol dehydrogenaseBacterial lactate dehydrogenase

Inhibition of enzymatic activity leads to disruption of bacterial metabolism, depletion of ATP, and accumulation of toxic intermediates or reactive oxygen species, ultimately causing bacterial cell death.