Structure and inhibition of acetohydroxyacid synthase (2004-2006)
Abstract
Acetohydroxyacid synthase (AHAS) has been identified as the target for several widely used herbicides known as the sulfonylureas and imidazolinones. World-wide these two herbicides account for $US2 billion in annual sales. The aim is to determine the three-dimensional structure of AHAS from several sources and in complex with these herbicides. Furthermore AHAS appears to be an excellent target for the development of antibacterial compounds and fungicides. Knowledge of the three dimensional structures of these enzymes will be important in the rational design of more effective inhibitors with improved selectivity.
