Prof. Tadhg Begley, Texas A&M University

Thiamin biosynthesis: characterization of two genes of unknown function

School Colloquia

Thiamin pyrophosphate plays a key role in the stabilization of the acyl carbanion biosynthon in carbohydrate and amino acid metabolism and is an essential cofactor in all living systems. The biosyntheses of the thiamin pyrimidine and thiazole are complex and differ from any of the characterized chemical or biochemical routes to these heterocycles. The complete thiamin biosynthesis has now been reconstituted in a biochemically-defined system and the structures of all of the biosynthetic enzymes have been determined. Our mechanistic understanding of the pathway is also at an advanced stage.

This presentation will describe recent progress on the functional characterization of the TenA and TenI genes involved in thiamin biosynthesis.

For more information contact Prof. Wendy Kelly (404-385-1154).