Please note these web pages are part of an assignment for a graduate course in Advanced Biochemistry and Molecular Biology BCMB8010 at the University of Georgia. Questions should be directed to Gina Pries (gpries@uga.edu).

Biological Significance

EPSP synthase is significant in more areas than for purely agricultural reasons as an herbical target. Since it is found in microbes, plants and fungi, it has been postulated as a target for antibiotics especially because it is not found in mammals. Its homologue, MurA is the target for the naturally occurring antibiotic fosfomycin ((1R,2S)-1,2-epoxypropyl phosphonic acid)(39). Over 30 years of research has been contributed to the elucidation of EPSP synthase structure and mechanism toward the goal of designing novel inhibitors to be used as anitboitics, herbicides, and fungicides. Most recently, glyphosate has been shown to inhibit the development of the pathogenic parasites Plasmodium falciparum (malaria), Taxoplasma gondii (Toxoplasmosis) and Cryptosporidium parvum (Cryptosporidium parasite) (40). Continuing research will lead to a better understanding of the mechanism and intricate structure of EPSP synthase, opening up possibilities for a whole host of new therapeutic strategies in medicine as well as additional herbicides like glyphosate.