Selective inhibition of E. coli1-deoxy- d -xylulose-5-phosphate synthase by acetylphosphonates

DXP synthase catalyzes the formation of 1-deoxy-D-xylulose 5-phosphate, an essential precursor in pathogen isoprenoid biosynthesis. The selective inhibition of this ThDP-dependent transformation is a challenging goal in the development of isoprenoid biosynthesis inhibitors. Potent, selective inhibitors could lead to new anti-infective agents. Here, we demonstrate selective inhibition of E. coli DXP synthase by butylacetylphosphonate.