Ornithine Decarboxylase (ODC)

Ornithine decarboxylase (ODC; EC 4.1.1.17) is a pyridoxal 5'-phosphate (PLP)-dependent enzyme that catalyzes the decarboxylation of ornithine to form putrescine. This reaction represents the first and rate-limiting step in polyamine biosynthesis, which is essential for cell division and growth in all living organisms. ODC activity is tightly regulated due to its central role in controlling intracellular polyamine levels. ODC has been identified as an attractive target for antifungal drug discovery because inhibition leads to depletion of essential cellular polyamines required by fungi—and potentially other pathogens—for growth. There has also been longstanding interest in developing therapeutic inhibitors targeting human or pathogenic forms of this enzyme due to its involvement in cancer biology.

Ornithine decarboxylase inhibition