Investigation of NAD/NADP Biosynthesis in E. coli: Quinolinate Synthase

Bethany Devilbiss and Erin Hoge with Dr. Valerie Burke

The biosynthesis of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADP) in E. coli proceeds via a novel pathway including several enzymatic steps that are not yet well understood. A detailed understanding of this biosynthetic pathway holds possibilities for innovative antibacterial agents. Our research project is focused on the second step of the pathway, which involves the enzyme quinolinate synthase, and its two substrates, dihydroxyacetone phosphate and iminosuccinic acid. In order to investigate the interaction between the enzyme and its substrates, we have begun to synthesize analogs of dihydroxyacetone phosphate. In addition, we have initiated cloning of the E. coli nadA gene in order to obtain useful quantities of the enzyme quinolinate synthase.