Tryptophan Biosynthesis Enzymes in Mycobacteria (Trp Enzymes (Mycobacteria))

The tryptophan biosynthetic pathway in mycobacteria, such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis, is a critical metabolic pathway that enables the organism to synthesize tryptophan de novo from chorismate. This pathway involves several enzymes, including TrpE, TrpD, TrpC, PriA, TrpB, and TrpA. Its essentiality for survival within host cells, especially under nutrient-limited conditions, makes it a promising target for novel antitubercular drugs. Humans lack this pathway, increasing the selectivity of potential inhibitors. Disruption of the pathway leads to avirulence.

Other names

Mycobacterial Tryptophan PathwayMtb Tryptophan Biosynthesis

Inhibition of tryptophan biosynthesis, leading to tryptophan starvation and bacterial death