Specialization of function among aldehyde dehydrogenases: the ALD2 and ALD3 genes are required for beta-alanine biosynthesis in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

The amino acid beta-alanine is an intermediate in pantothenic acid (vitamin B(5)) and coenzyme A (CoA) biosynthesis. In contrast to bacteria, yeast derive the beta-alanine required for pantothenic acid production via polyamine metabolism, mediated by the four SPE genes and by the FAD-dependent amine oxidase encoded by FMS1. Because amine oxidases generally produce aldehyde derivatives of amine compounds, we propose that an additional aldehyde-dehydrogenase-mediated step is required to make beta-alanine from the precursor aldehyde, 3-aminopropanal.

The impact of multiple drug resistance (MDR) proteins on chemotherapy and drug discovery.

Transportation of molecules across the cell membrane in living organisms is a critical aspect of life. Transportation includes importation of nutrients from the environment and exportation of toxic compounds. When export includes therapeutic compounds, then the practice of clinical medicine may become compromised.

Genome of the bacterium Streptococcus pneumoniae strain R6.

Streptococcus pneumoniae is among the most significant causes of bacterial disease in humans. Here we report the 2,038,615-bp genomic sequence of the gram-positive bacterium S. pneumoniae R6.

Identification and characterization of a monofunctional glycosyltransferase from Staphylococcus aureus.

A gene (mgt) encoding a monofunctional glycosyltransferase (MGT) from Staphylococcus aureus has been identified. This first reported gram-positive MGT shared significant homology with several MGTs from gram-negative bacteria and the N-terminal glycosyltransferase domain of class A high-molecular-mass penicillin-binding proteins from different species. S.