Type II 3-dehydroquinate dehydratase (Type II DHQD)

Type II 3-dehydroquinate dehydratase is an enzyme involved in the shikimate pathway, which is crucial in bacteria, fungi, and plants for the biosynthesis of aromatic amino acids and other aromatic compounds[1][2][4]. It catalyzes the dehydration of 3-dehydroquinate to 3-dehydroshikimate via an enolate intermediate, forming part of the third step in the shikimate pathway; this enzyme is structurally distinct from the type I form but accomplishes the same overall reaction. In type II DHQD, the gene is typically designated as aroQ, and the enzyme exists as a dodecamer with a flavodoxin fold, contrasting the (α/β)8 fold of type I DHQD[1]. Because the shikimate pathway is not found in mammals, type II DHQD is considered a highly attractive target for the development of new antimicrobials and herbicides[2][4], but no drugs targeting it are clinically approved at present.

Other names

Type II dehydroquinate dehydrataseType II DHQase3-dehydroquinate dehydratase IIaroQ gene product (for the gene encoding the enzyme)Dehydroquinase II3-dehydroquinase II

Competitive inhibition of the active site; Inhibition of enzyme function in the shikimate pathway, blocking synthesis of aromatic metabolites essential for microbes and plants