Thiamine Pyrophosphate Riboswitch (TPP Riboswitch)

The thiamine pyrophosphate (TPP) riboswitch is a non-coding RNA element that regulates genes involved in thiamine (vitamin B1) metabolism. It functions by binding directly to TPP, the active coenzyme form of thiamine, and modulating gene expression in response to cellular TPP levels. It typically located in the 5′ untranslated region (UTR) of mRNAs encoding enzymes for thiamine biosynthesis and transport. Upon binding TPP, the riboswitch undergoes a conformational change that affects downstream gene expression. The aptamer domain of the riboswitch forms a highly specific pocket for TPP recognition. It maintains homeostasis for cellular pools of vitamin B1 derivatives. Riboswitches are considered promising but underexploited drug targets due to their unique structure-based ligand recognition properties.

Other names

Thiamin metabolism riboswitchVitamin B1 riboswitch

Conformational change upon TPP binding, affecting transcription termination or translation initiation.