Undecaprenyl pyrophosphate synthase (Enterococcus faecalis) (EfaUPPS)

Undecaprenyl pyrophosphate synthase (UPPS) is a key enzyme in the biosynthesis of isoprenoid lipids, catalyzing the formation of undecaprenyl pyrophosphate (UPP), an essential lipid carrier in peptidoglycan synthesis and cell wall assembly in Gram-positive bacteria such as Enterococcus faecalis. UPPS has emerged as a promising antibiotic target because it is essential for bacterial viability and differs significantly from human enzymes, allowing for selective drug targeting. Inhibiting EfaUPPS leads to disruption of cell wall biosynthesis, making bacteria susceptible to lysis. Several classes of small molecule inhibitors are being explored to target UPPS for the development of new antibacterial agents, especially against drug-resistant pathogens.

Other names

UPPSBacAundecaprenyl diphosphate synthasetrans,trans-farnesyl diphosphate synthaseIspU

Enzyme inhibition (inhibitors block the synthesis of undecaprenyl pyrophosphate, leading to cell wall synthesis arrest)