Interaction of the herbicide glyphosate with its target enzyme 5-enolpyruvylshikimate 3-phosphate synthase in atomic detail

Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2001 Feb 13;98(4):1376-80. doi: 10.1073/pnas.98.4.1376.

Abstract

Biosynthesis of aromatic amino acids in plants, many bacteria, and microbes relies on the enzyme 5-enolpyruvylshikimate 3-phosphate (EPSP) synthase, a prime target for drugs and herbicides. We have identified the interaction of EPSP synthase with one of its two substrates (shikimate 3-phosphate) and with the widely used herbicide glyphosate by x-ray crystallography. The two-domain enzyme closes on ligand binding, thereby forming the active site in the interdomain cleft. Glyphosate appears to occupy the binding site of the second substrate of EPSP synthase (phosphoenol pyruvate), mimicking an intermediate state of the ternary enzyme.substrates complex. The elucidation of the active site of EPSP synthase and especially of the binding pattern of glyphosate provides a valuable roadmap for engineering new herbicides and herbicide-resistant crops, as well as new antibiotic and antiparasitic drugs.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • 3-Phosphoshikimate 1-Carboxyvinyltransferase
  • Alkyl and Aryl Transferases / chemistry*
  • Binding Sites
  • Enzyme Inhibitors / chemistry*
  • Formates / chemistry
  • Glycine / analogs & derivatives*
  • Glycine / chemistry*
  • Glyphosate
  • Herbicides / chemistry*
  • Models, Molecular
  • Molecular Structure
  • Phosphates / chemistry
  • Phosphoenolpyruvate / chemistry
  • Protein Structure, Tertiary
  • X-Ray Diffraction

Substances

  • Enzyme Inhibitors
  • Formates
  • Herbicides
  • Phosphates
  • Phosphoenolpyruvate
  • Alkyl and Aryl Transferases
  • 3-Phosphoshikimate 1-Carboxyvinyltransferase
  • Glycine

Associated data

  • PDB/1G6S
  • PDB/1G6T